What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a manufactured material crafted to ensure hardiness and long life with low maintenance and care. It's popularly called "plastic wood." Ironically, composite wood is intended to be an environment-friendly material as it reduces the need to cut down forests for flooring.
Composite flooring comes in various finishes and colors that easily impersonate natural wood grains. So it provides an easy replacement for wood.
Building a cozy outdoor nook as an extension to the main house is a great idea, and a competent deck building contractor like Austin Deck Builders can fulfill this dream effortlessly.
10 Tips for Composite Decking Care
Even though it's supposed to be low maintenance and does not wear and tear down quickly, a few things may harm composite decking and need to be noted. Austin Deck Builders shares ten tips for the care and maintenance of composite decks, which can collect a build-up of dirt and debris over time.
1. Clean food debris
Food is an organic material that rots with time and can damage the surface of the decking by staining it with oil and acid that food material contains. Moreover, mold or fungi can grow over rotting food, harming the decking.
2. Unblock the gaps between the boards
The decking boards have a slight gap between them which can retain dirt and grease, especially food, leaves, etc., that will rot with time. It's a good idea to clean out these gaps periodically to keep them clear all year.
3. Standing water
Avoid water standing for too long on the decking in the form of puddles and liquid spills. Though the composite decking is built to withstand water damage, mold and fungi can grow unchecked on wet surfaces. Ensuring there is proper drainage from the deck will reduce this risk.
4. Air the underside of the deck
While installing the deck, ensure a gap of at least six inches to allow air to circulate on the underside of the deck. In addition, it warrants that if any moisture collects under the deck boards, it will dry faster.
5. Re-positioning dryer vents
Moist air emanating from dryer vents can cause damage to the composite decking boards. So it's a good idea to ensure these vents are positioned away from the deck.
6. Regular sweeping
Routine sweeping should be done with a soft brush or broom to prevent dirt and debris. In addition, stormy and autumnal days can lead to a more significant leaf fall than on other days. So extra care should be taken on such days to clean up the composite decking.
7. Mulch and flower pots
Organic matter leaches out of flower pots over time and can stain the boards with dirt and marks. Positioning drain trays under the plant containers to catch water and silt flowing from them will protect the boards.
8. Sharp tools
In winters, sharp tools like shovels are required to remove snow and ice build-up on top of the decking boards. But these objects can damage the finish and surface of the composite deck. Using salt to melt the snow will reduce the risk of damage.
9. Fire and heat
Though composite decking is not natural wood, heat and fire can still damage it. So take care that barbecue grills, fireplaces, and other sources are kept from the deck.
10. Woven rugs
While using rugs to cozy up the deck, take care that these do not have a rubber backing as that retains moisture and makes scuff marks on the floor.
Why Austin Deck Builders?
Austin Deck Builders is Austin's go-to deck building contractor, offering no-hassle-free estimates. Their decks are custom built and designed in Texas and assured to last a lifetime. In addition, they possess the proficiency to work with natural wood and composite lumber decking and have years of experience executing the job. Their teams are well trained and capable of handling any decking challenge. Call (512) 337-3069 to discuss your unique deck needs and watch them fulfill your dream in no time at all.
