Composite Floor Maintenance

By Author: Damien Alcock
Total Articles: 143
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It's not just a space to relax and enjoy the outdoors; It is the front door of your house that attracts the attention of everyone who walks in. This is where you create unforgettable memories with your loved ones, enjoy the sunshine, and share laughter. This is why it is important to always keep it in perfect condition! 


But it's not just a matter of looks; there are so many things at stake! Your terrace is a magical space where you can escape the confines of indoor life. It's where you connect with nature, bask in the fresh air, and create great moments with the people you love. Whether it's having a BBQ, playing a game, or simply enjoying a peaceful evening, your patio is the perfect stage for outdoor adventures.


 Imagine sipping your favorite drink on a hot summer day, surrounded by friends and family, with a patio that is not only beautiful but also safe and secure. No worries about railings wobbling or boards creaking!


 The first step to making your deck look good is choosing the right material, and composite decking boards ...
... are your best bet for obvious reasons. Next, you need to use a functional maintenance method and this article will tell you the best way to maintain your composite floor.


What exactly is composite decking?


Composite decking is a type of flooring or flooring that involves the use of composite materials. Composite materials are a mixture of wood fibers, recycled plastics and various adhesives. The result of this mixture is called composite wood, and it is one of the best materials for indoor and outdoor flooring. The superb finish of this material also makes it a stellar design agent, and it's no wonder that many modern homes are using it as a top choice for flooring.


Advantages and disadvantages of composite floors


Composite decking is fast becoming the most popular type of outdoor flooring, thanks to its amazing benefits. But before jumping in, you might want to consider the pros and cons of this deck.


 Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of composite flooring.


 Benefits


They come in a variety of colors that facilitate unique designs for your outdoor extension. They require much less maintenance than traditional laminate floors. It promotes recycling because recycled plastic is used in the manufacturing process. Synthetic materials are very strong, making the floor more durable.


 Inconveniences


 The only significant downside to composite decking is that it looks unnatural and tends to be more expensive than traditional wood planks.


How to maintain your composite floor


Composite decking is probably the most durable type of outdoor flooring. However, this material may still require extra care to maintain its excellent finish.


 Here are some tips for taking care of your composite floor.


 Instantly Remove Food Debris: Modern composite panels are mildew resistant, which means they don't foster mold growth. But when external factors like food debris are allowed to sit still, they create conditions for mold to survive.


 Prevent Tannins: Tannins occur when organic materials get between your composite panels and cause water to pool underneath. To reduce the risk of this condition, you may want to remove these organic materials with a soft brush.


 Avoid exposure to fire: Composite decking may look pretty, but it's not very fireproof. They trap heat and exposure to a heat source can damage the surface. So you may want to move your barbecue grill and fire pit off the deck.


 Be careful when clearing snow: It's not uncommon for snow to accumulate on your patio during the winter, but you must clear it quickly to avoid any associated damage. You should avoid shoveling snow from the porch with sharp metal objects such as shovels, rakes, hoes, and stone crushers as these can leave nasty scratches on the surface.


 Avoid Strong Cleaners: Many homeowners often make the mistake of using detergents or other strong cleaners for their floors, and the results are often unfavorable. To preserve your composite floor, you may need to use the mildest cleaners that won't harm the surface of your floor.


Best Composite Decking Cleaning Agents


Using the wrong cleaner can dramatically affect the quality and beauty of your composite deck. It is safer not to clean your composite floor than to use the wrong detergent. This is why most composite panels usually come with the manufacturer's instructions on how to best apply cleaning products.


 Here are some cleaners that are allowed to be used on composite floors:


 Aqualis Composite Bright Deck Cleaner: This water-based cleaning and brightening blend is specially designed for composite floors. Not only does it remove dirt, but it is also very effective on tree sap, grease, food spills, and oil splatters. You can rest assured that it will not affect or degrade your deck in any way.


 Deck-Protect Synthetic Cleaner: This synthetic cleaner is suitable for all types of floors and it is made with a deep penetrating formula that can be trusted to fight all types of stains. Its dense, low-stile composite wood conditioner also provides an additional treatment to your floor to make it more durable. Plus, this cleaner is easy to use and can be applied with a latched hose connector or a soft brush. 


Monarch Sugar Soap: This is another great cleaner for all composite floors. It is very effective and can be trusted to remove all kinds of dirt. Its high concentration is perfect for stubborn stains, but you may need to dilute it for periodic cleaning. But the most special thing about this cleaner is its ability to identify and destroy mold growth.


 Hot, soapy water: While ready-made cleaners are great for composite floors, they're not the only solution. If you are looking for a more economical way to clean your porch, a mixture of dish soap and warm water is an economical and effective solution. It can also help remove drink stains and mold - you don't have to worry about side effects on your composite floors.


Common mistakes to avoid when cleaning composite floors


While the right cleaners can do wonders for your composite deck maintenance, the wrong ones can cause significant damage. So, it will be a mistake if you use your face wash carelessly.


 Here are some other common mistakes to avoid when cleaning your composite floors:


 Ignoring the gaps between planks can be costly as it promotes mold growth. Pressure washing may not be the best approach for your composite decking and it would be a big mistake to try it without expert supervision. Using harsh tools or any equipment other than what is specified for this task is also a common mistake that you should avoid. 


Conclusion 
Composite decking is the right choice for both indoor and outdoor flooring, which speaks to its outstanding benefits. But you should be aware that your composite decking needs careful maintenance to reach its full potential, as highlighted in this article.