Decking Maintenance for wood, composite and aluminium decking

Before the bad weather along with the snow and ice arrives it may be the time to turn your thoughts to your decking and decide on what Decking Maintenance is needed.

Now is the time to be proactive and look for any issues that you may have before the weather turns nasty.

But what season should Decking Maintenance be carried out? Here we look at the maintenance and cleaning required for traditional wood, composite and aluminium decking.

Wood decking has been around for quite a few years now and just because wood is a common building material for outdoor living spaces it does not mean that it is the best solution.

For the traditional wood deck year round exposure to the elements, especially vast amounts of sun, rain, snow, and ice will wreak havoc on the look and performance of the wooden board.

Your decking requires routine seasonal maintenance including staining, power-washing, and even the hassle of replacement. For the homeowner, the expenses could begin to stack up.

For the owner of a Teckwood wood plastic composite (WPC) deck, seasonal wear and tear hardly applies. Composite decking is made from a mixture of FSC certified wood particles, recycled high density plastics and high performance additives.

Thanks to the structural integrity of the resulting bonded polymers the owners of a Teckwood composite decking will not have to worry about warping, splitting, bleaching, and other unsightly signs of erosion. Composite decking can make for a durable outdoor living space at an accessible price point.

Your aluminium decking is not only robust, long lasting, and stylish, but it is also extremely low maintenance.

Teckwood’s series 600 decking could not be easier to clean and maintain, meaning you can spend more time enjoying your decking, and less time working on it.

Having said all that your decking materials will still need a little seasonal maintenance to keep looking good long term.

Seasonal decking maintenance

AUTUMN DECKING MAINTENANCE

The cooler temperatures of autumn are an ideal time to perform preventative maintenance on your decking so that come next spring, you will have as minimal work as possible to get your deck ready to go.

Move outdoor furniture inside to a secure covered place such as the garage or within an outdoor shed.

If you have soft accessories like pillows or rugs store those inside so pests and rodents don’t make their homes there in the colder months. This allows for ready-to-use outdoor furniture once warmer weather returns.

Wood decking

If you have not had a chance to do so in the spring, this is also a good time to wash and seal your traditional wooden deck.

You should look to trim any surrounding bushes or shrubs so that they are at least a foot away from the side of your deck.  

This will help reduce mould, moss, and rot from developing over the winter. Keep your decking clear of falling leaves so they do not discolour your deck.

Relocate any planters and clean away the dirt that has been left behind. Throughout autumn, it is a good idea to brush off leaves and branches as they build up, especially if they have become wet since they can stain your deck and even cause rot.

Composite decking

Use a medium plastic bristle brush to clean any debris from the decking. For those harder to remove marks left by pots or leaf mould use a dilution of mild liquid soap and water.

Firstly, try and keep your composite decking clear of leaves and other debris. Not only will this improve the appearance of your decking, but it will also be safer underfoot.

Aluminium decking

It is important to prevent the build up of dirt or seasonal organic matter on your decking surface. This can be done using warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush. It can then be rinsed clean using cold water.

WINTER DECKING MAINTENANCE

The climate we live in means that winters do mean lots of rain, snow and ice. Winters are the nemesis of traditional wood decks as the accumulated moisture and freezing temperatures can contribute to warping, discoloration, and other weathering effects for traditional wood decks.

Wood decking

High winds produce fallen leaves, twigs, moss and rubbish, and these can end up forming piles on top of your decking. If left, the organic material can begin to rot down, eventually creating mulch.

This can then penetrate the wood and cause it to rot. Once or twice a month, grab an outdoor broom and sweep up any debris from the decking area and pop it in your composter or garden bin. 

Composite decking

Remove any snow from the surface using a plastic shovel rather than a metal one, which could cause irreversible damage.

Although the decking will not be affected by the excess moisture, removing snow will again help to make your decking safer to walk on and prevent ice forming when it becomes cold.

If ice does form, use a calcium chloride product rather than rock salt to disperse it, as rock can scratch the surface.

Aluminium decking

Should be cleaned with warm soapy water only and rinsed thoroughly with fresh clean water, do not use steel wool, scrapers, sandpaper, scouring liquids or powders as they will permanently scratch the coated surface.

 SPRING DECKING MAINTENANCE

Spring is the ideal time to check out the decking supports and subframes. Check for signs of rot or rust on any joist hangers.

You must be on the lookout for mould, mildew, and other signs of weathering that may have crept in over the cold winter months.

For wood decks and those made of composite or aluminium carry out any repairs and secure any loose boards

Wood decking

Cleaning, oiling and staining your decking is always a good plan as nothing shows up marks, stains or other imperfections like the sunlight.

You could use a deck cleaner such as Ronseal decking cleaner then after a rub down with sandpaper apply a sealer, toner or stain to protect the wood and freshen up its appearance.

Composite decking

Teckwood’s composite decking boards do not require you to stain or seal the decking., yet another reason why they are much better for the environment (and your wallet).

To clean use a medium plastic brush to remove any debris. It you have any harder to remove marks like those left by pots use a solution of mild liquid soap and water.

Aluminium decking

Should be cleaned with warm soapy water only and rinsed thoroughly with fresh clean water, do not use steel wool, scrapers, sandpaper, scouring liquids or powders as they will permanently scratch the coated surface.

SUMMER DECKING MAINTENANCE

Summer is here and if you have followed our seasonal maintenance guidelines for decking you should be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the sunshine.

You could get the barbeque out, ask the family and friends round for a few early evening drinks confident that your decking provides a clean, flat and safe environment to sit and mingle.

Wood decking 

Sweep any leaves or debris to keep your decking clean, rinse dirt, mud, or spills from the surface. If you have any mats or rugs on the decking use woven rugs and mats free of rubber backing so they do not trap moisture. Clean any build up of debris from between boards.

Composite decking 

Use a medium plastic bristle brush to clean any debris from the decking. For those harder to remove marks left by pots or leaf mould use a dilution of mild liquid soap and water.

Aluminium decking

Should be cleaned with warm soapy water only and rinsed thoroughly with fresh clean water, do not use steel wool, scrapers, sandpaper, scouring liquids or powders as they will permanently scratch the coated surface.

A clean deck is always so much more inviting. Don’t you think so? Have we missed any top decking care tips from our list?

We would love to know what measures you take to keep your decking looking like new! Send your tips to info@teckwood.co.uk

For more information on the seasonal maintenance of decking and Teckwood’s range of composite and aluminium decking follow this link https://teckwood.co.uk/ or phone our helpful sales staff on 0800 799 908