How to Maintain Faux Timber Decking
Manufactured timber decking materials can last for a long time without deteriorating if the homeowner knows the right precautions to follow when he or she is looking after that deck. This article discusses some suggestions that can help you to maintain your faux timber decking for a long time.
Keep Intense Heat Away
Faux timber may not show signs of wear if it is exposed to direct sunlight. However, the light reflected from glass can concentrate heat on the surface of the decking. This focused heat can cause the surface of the decking to warp, discolour, melt or become distorted. These effects can be reduced if you select decking materials with light colours.
Take Care When Pressure Washing
Most decking materials can be cleaned using a pressure washer. However, each material can only tolerate water pressure within a given range. Find out what this safe pressure setting is for your faux timber decking. Don't exceed that recommended level. Always make sure that the water is hitting the deck in the same direction as the grain pattern so that superficial damage to the decking is avoided.
Select Brushes Carefully
You need to select a brush that will be hard enough to clean all the dirt and grime off the deck without damaging or dulling the surface of that deck. Hard-bristled brushes are the worst for this cleaning task because they will damage the deck. Opt for soft- or medium-bristle brushes. Alternatively, you can ask the supplier of the decking materials to recommend a specific type of brush that is available in your area. This will take the guesswork out of selecting an appropriate brush for cleaning your deck.
Use the Right Snow Removers
Buy de-icing products that contain calcium chloride. Such chemicals will not have any adverse effect on your faux timber decking. However, you will notice a powdery residue on the deck surface after the ice has melted and the moisture has dried. Simply clean off this powder using a brush and water. Avoid using mechanical means, such as shovels, to remove snow or ice from your deck because those tools will damage the surface of the deck.
Manufactured timber decking products normally have cleaning guidelines contained in the manual that you receive when the products are delivered to you. Read those guidelines carefully and incorporate the precautions above into the recommendations given by the product manufacturer. Only then will you enjoy the beauty and longevity of faux timber decking materials. To learn more, contact companies like Greenmount Timber & Building Supplies.