Composite decking is a great option for outdoor living spaces: it is long-lasting, low-maintenance and looks great in any home’s outdoor area. However, with time, it may become very dirty and can often become discolored due to environmental exposure. But can you power wash composite decking?
The answer is a definitive yes! Power washing composite decking is not only possible but it is also a recommended cleaning method. This method requires using high pressure water to deep-clean the deck’s surface while still maintaining its integrity. The force of the water will hit off the surface without harming the composite material itself -- and you'll be able to remove all forms of dirt, grime, mold and mildew from the deck quickly and easily.
When power washing your composite deck, use detergent specifically made for power washing. Be sure that you are working on a completely dry day--it should not be raining or excessively humid as this weather leads to weak pressure washing performance and won’t give you good results. Once you cable of foam onto your deck with the detergent, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before beginning power Wash. This will ensure that all areas get an adequate amount of soap suds and have time to break down dirt particles before being pressurized away by your washer’s water jet nozzle.
Power Washing your composite deck properly will leave behind some deodorizing perks as well; after power washing your space may smell cleaner and fresher than it has in years! Follow these steps for an easy way to achieve an expertly cleaned composite deck that won’t be damaged in the process--because of course you want to preserve it for many years of outdoor enjoyment!
Is it safe to power wash wood-composite decking?
Wood-composite decking has become a popular composite material choice for outdoor decks due to its weather and stain resistance, as well as its elegance. But power washing a wood-composite deck poses some potential dangers, and it's important to know the risks.
The short answer is yes, it can be safe, but it also depends on the type of wood-composite you are planning to power wash. If it is a high-end deck made from premium composite material, then the answer could be yes, but only if the manufacturer gives their backing to such a treatment method. Before attempting to power wash any type of composite decking, you should always check with the manufacturer's guidelines and instructions first.
Furthermore, if you opt for power washing your wood-composite material deck then you should remember some general rules of thumb. It’s important to always start off with a low pressure setting and work your way up very slowly in order to avoid any accidental gouging or tearing of the surface. Utilizing various water spray sounds that react with the composition can help reduce unnecessary splintering and tearing when used gently. Lastly, when rinsing off soap or cleaner off of a wood-composite deck the pressure setting should always be kept low in order to avoid any potential major damage or discoloration from occurring from too much pressure being used.
Ultimately, after taking all these tips into consideration and consulting fully with the manufacturer before performing any long term cleaning solutions like power washing on your wood-composite deck is safe based on its unique make up; however it’s important to realize that no matter what kind of cleaning option you use there is still potential for damage or discoloration. Therefore it’s best to think smart before using any kind of intense cleaning solution that may cause permanent damage down the line like power washing would do with some surfaces.
How often should composite decking be power washed?
Composite decking is an increasingly popular choice for decks and other outdoor structures due to its beauty and durability. Many homeowners are wondering how often they should power wash their composite decks to maintain its pristine condition and ensure it lasts for decades. The answer depends on several factors.
Once a year is usually enough for regular maintenance for composite decks, regardless of the type of decking material used. This frequency should keep mold, dirt, debris, and pollen from accumulating between the cracks and allowing them to be removed from the surface with minimal effort. However, homeowners located in areas that experience more extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rains or snowfalls, may need to power wash their composite decking twice a year or more. This could help prevent deeper debris penetration into grout lines that could be difficult to remove with just a light scrubbing. In some cases, cleaning your composite deck every three months could be beneficial depending on the deck's use and wear.
Overall, it's important to assess factors such as the age of your decking and how often it is being used before deciding how often you should power wash your composite decking. In general, if you've just installed a new composite deck then power washing annually should suffice but if you've had it installed for many years then consider upping the frequency of time between cleans to make sure you're keeping it in tip-top shape!
What kind of power washer should I use for composite decking?
Composite decking has become increasingly popular over the years, due to its superior longevity, low maintenance, and overall aesthetic. In order to keep your composite deck looking its best, there are certain considerations when selecting a power washer. Knowing the right kind of power washer to use can be the difference between pristine decks or a streaky mess.
First and foremost, power washers should always be used on a low setting. This is because they are powerful tools that can cause damage if used too aggressively on surfaces like composite decking. While the spray reduces dirt and grime buildup, high pressure can strip away the protective sealant of the decking’s surface or potentially warp and crack it. As such, most manufacturers recommend using either a non-abrasive 3100 psi (pounds per square inch) or lower setting for composite decks as well as other surrounding surfaces.
In addition to selecting the appropriate pressure setting for your power washer, consider using attachments that supply more even coverage and increased safety. An adjustable spray nozzle with fan-shaped outputs can help spread out water pressure and lance extensions should be used when spraying from elevated heights - this eliminates the need for climbing ladders to reach hard-to-reach areas of your deck for top-notch cleaning results that reduce water wastage.
Whether cleaning fresh composite after installation or sprucing up existing ones over time into perfection, understanding what type of cleaning methods are suitable is key in maintaining your deck’s lifespan while avoiding any potential damages. Selecting an appropriate pressure setting along with safety attachments will guarantee sparkling results with minimal risks associated - you'll have a picture perfect outdoor entertainment area in no time!
Is it necessary to use a specific cleaning solution while power washing composite decking?
A clean deck is essential to keep your outdoor space looking great and ready to be enjoyed by friends and family. But when using a power washer it's important that you use the right cleaning solution to protect the composite decking materials, as these are softer and more susceptible to chemical damage than traditional wood decks.
Certain composite deck materials require using a cleaning solution specifically designed for composite decks, such as those that contain phosphates. Phosphates help break down dirt and debris and can provide additional protection against mold spores, mildew and algae, while also removing any stubborn mildew or stains from the surface of the deck.
If you decide not to use a specific cleaning solution for your composite decking, then you risk damaging the surface due to chemical reactions caused by certain cleaning agents, such as chlorine-based cleaners. Additionally, harsh abrasives and low-pressure settings may cause etching or pitting in the material —thus shortening its lifespan —so always opt for a lower pressure setting when power washing this type of decking.
Overall, it’s best practice to use a specific cleaning solution designed for composite decks when power washing them in order to minimize potential damage caused by improper maintenance techniques without taking away from the quality or longevity of your outdoor space.
What type of precautions should I take while power washing composite decking?
First and foremost, it is essential for anyone doing the power washing of composite decking to understand the limits of their equipment. The power washer should be set at no more than 1500 psi, any higher and you risk damaging the composite material. Before beginning, it is also important to ensure that any dirt, debris and mildew have been removed from the decking material using a broom so that they don't smear or damage the boards during power washing.
Another thing to consider while power washing composite decking is to keep the nozzle moving steadily yet slowly around the surfaces. This will ensure that no area is subjected to more pressure than absolutely necessary, which will help with damage prevention. Also be sure to keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the decking surface at all times in order to avoid any risk eroding or scouring away a portion of its protective coating.
Additionally, always use hoses and attachments made out of plastic or rubber instead of metal as metal can become too hot when under pressure from powerful cleaning equipment used in power washing. This heat can potentially damage or warp composite decking material. Lastly, it’s best advised not to use detergents unless absolutely necessary and those that are used should be specially formulated for composite decking materials in order to preserve its durability and color over time.
Can a pressure washer cause damage to composite decking?
Composite decking is an ever-popular choice for homeowners who are looking for an inexpensive and low-maintenance alternative to wood decking. However, when it comes to cleaning a composite deck, homeowners must be careful as the wrong technique can cause serious damage. One of the popular methods of cleaning is using a pressure washer. But can a pressure washer really cause damage to composite decking?
The answer to this question is surprisingly complicated. To start with, it is important to note that when using a pressure washer on your deck, you must take care to ensure that the machine does not produce too much water pressure. If the pressure does go too high, it will begin to strip away particles from your composite deck and remove some of its protective coating, leading to premature deterioration and fading of your deck’s color. Furthermore, if sprayed too closely or repeatedly, high water pressure can end up pummeling your boards and chipping away small bits of material over time - which is much worse than just regular wear and tear!
On the other hand, some manufacturers do recommend the use of pressure washers under certain conditions or at lowered settings because they believe that their products are hardy enough to withstand it without damage if done correctly. In these cases, always make sure you use the lowest setting possible on your machine and proceed with caution - never point the nozzle directly at the surface or hold it in position for too long as you may end up causing more harm than good! Doing so will help minimize potential risks while still getting your composite decking clean and sparkling again. Overall, if you opt not to use a pressure washer on your decking then no damage will occur but if you do decide to try one make sure that you understand all safety precautions before undertaking such work!
