New Member Wanting Some Suggestions On Cleaning Composite Decking.

A&M

I had spots coming up on the deck and I powerwashed in on high to get stains, etc. out and it appeared to have lost alot of color. I am very disappointed and was wondering if anyone out there could give me some suggestions on what to do?

dkillianjr

Hey A&M Where are you from?



Dave

BuiltByMAC

Yah, umm, like, 'cause all composites are the same and they all clean the same and stuff... as to lost color, have you thought of papering the neighborhood lamp posts? It sometimes works for dogs...

(Dude. Take two freakin' seconds and click on the Search button. Better yet, go to diychatroom.com and Search on "cleaning composite decking" There will be more answers over there 'cause that's what HOs do - clean their decks.)

Mac

MGSProperties

funny mac!

__________________

Cdat

Don't mind the negative responses. They're always that way.


Go to the deck sub forum. You'll find the answers you need.

dkillianjr

LMAO!!



Dave

Tom R

Sheesh!! This forum's whole identity is based on questions and answers. If I ever start attacking questioners just because of their question someone please politely notify me I must need to take a time-out.

P.S. Welcome to (some of) the forum . . .

AtlanticWBConst

Welcome A&M. Hope you find your answer in the Deck Forum.

__________________
- Build Well -

OBXNC

Hi A&M,

What type of composite do you have? Deck spacing is crucial because it needs that extra room for ventilation. Some composites soak up alot of water - the ones that use sawdust and recycled plastics.

When we installed 1200 sq. ft. on our personal home, we saw the same black spots. My dog's pee does better than any deck wash - although I'm not saying that you pee on the deck. Trex says don't use ammonia.

Back in 2004 Trex claimed that we would have to wash it with bleach and then seal it. I argued it was supposed to be "maintenance free".

We also saw metal pieces in the decking - I cut my foot once and decided to look at all the decking and take a pair of plyers to whatever I could see - including staples. Trex may be doing better now, but what we got was junk. It swells in different areas when applying water - looks pretty lumpy.

I went and purchased the Home Depot deck wash specific for composite - it works the same as bleach. Keep in mind, thoroughly rinse your deck - fastners will corrode when coming in contact with bleach - also the deck flashing (if it's metal) for the ledger - so just make sure that you rinse really well. If you use the pressure washer, adjust the PSI way down - we noticed that it will damage the surface. As far as the coloring, it should bleach out even in the sun but might take a few more months to notice.

We have purchased a paint sealer for the deck - I have yet to put it on because I need a few days to pressure wash again. It is specific for composites and Behr makes it. I think we paid around $115 to $130 for 5 gallons.

Good luck and I hope I have helped somehow.

-Rachael