Top 5 Ways to Damage Your Composite Deck

In over 10 years of business we have come across different ways composite decking has been accidentally damaged. Here is our list of the top 5 mistakes made by homeowners that can damage your composite deck. Be sure to avoid these and keep your outdoor space looking beautiful!

#5 – Wet Metal
Allowing metal items, such as furniture or planters, to remain wet for long periods of time on your deck’s surface will cause rust stains to occur. If the stains penetrate the decking too deep, it may prove nearly impossible to remove.

(Rust stains on decking)

#4 – Fall Leaves
Allowing damp organic debris, such as leaves, lawn clippings, etc, to build up on your deck can also leave unwanted stains. Damp organic matter creates the perfect environment for mold to grow. Much like wet metal if the stains penetrate too deeply, they may be difficult or impossible to remove.

(Mold growth on decking)

#3 – Power Washing
Power washing is not usually recommended for cleaning composite decks. Always refer to your deck manufacturers care and maintenance manual for the best information and make sure you hire a professional company. Power washing incorrectly, such as too close or with too much pressure, can compromise your decking’s protective surface layer, allowing a host of other issues to affect the core of the deck boards such as moisture, mold, or splintering issues.

(Streaks from improper power washing)

#2 – Shoveling Snow
Using a metal shovel, or a shovel lined with metal, will scratch your decking. If you need to shovel snow off your deck, gently use a plastic shovel or use a broom to remove the snow. Be sure to always shovel parallel to the direction the boards are laid.

(Shoveling snow off deck incorrectly)

#1 – Cleaning with Bleach
Never use a Chlorine Bleach based deck cleaner. Chlorine Bleach is extremely corrosive and will eat away at your deck over time. Bleach also causes discoloration of your decking, damage to the surface, and may intensify mold issues that occur. If the ingredients name sodium hypochlorite, it contains Bleach. Make sure you choose a non-toxic, sodium percarbonate based cleaner, and always check the care and maintenance literature for your decking.

(Don’t clean composite decking with bleach)

Once you have the outdoor space of your dreams, don’t forget our composite deck damage tips! If you are interested in having the deck experts at Cedarbrook assist you with designing and building a new composite deck, call us today for a free consultation! 301-703-8728.