Composite decking materials like Timbertech decking offer a variety of benefits over conventional wooden decks. The most notable among these is that composite decks are incredibly low-maintenance. This means that it requires very little effort on your part to keep these Timbertech decks looking clean year after year.
However, occasional stains caused by everyday spills can mar the looks of Timbertech decks. When that happens, you will need to clean the deck. Unlike wooden decks which can be cleaned in a variety of ways, care must be taken when dealing with composite decks. Here are some tips on how best to clean composite wood decks.
Rinsing Your Timbertech Decks Properly
Timbertech decks have a fairly durable surface finish. You can rinse the deck surface without the risk of discoloration. For most stains, you can simply rinse off the deck with water from a hose and that will take care of the stains. If that doesn’t work, you can try a power washer.
Use Power Washer Carefully On Your Timbertech Decking
A power washer can be used for rinsing purposes in case your composite deck incurs more stubborn stains. Timbertech recommends that you use a maximum pressure of up to 1,500 psi when using a power washer. At the same time, it is recommended that you apply water spray along the grain pattern and not across it.
Use The Recommended Equipment On Your Timbertech Decks
For more thorough cleaning of Timbertech decks, you can also use the recommended cleaners and brushes. When using a cleaner, make sure you work with small sections. It is easier to manage the cleaning process by working section-wise. Timbertech recommends DeckCleaner, a product that can be used to clean most of the composite decks offered by the brand.
To use the cleaner, mix 3 parts water to 1 par cleaner. Then use the recommended brush to scrub the cleaner thoroughly into the deck surface. Make sure you rinse away the cleaner before it dries on the surface. Avoid using a natural fiber brush that is too stiff as scrubbing with it may permanently damage the deck.
Find A Professional To Care For Your Timbertech Decking
Timbertech decks are more durable than real wood decks. However, you will need the occasional maintenance and servicing to keep them in good shape. With the tips provided above, you can care for these decks without affecting their original sheen and shine. If for some reason you feel unable to clean the deck on your own, you can always hire home improvement professionals to do the job. As a general rule, do your best to keep the deck dry and prevent debris like pollen from gathering up. This helps avoid the growth of mildew and any other stains, minimizing your deck maintenance needs.
If you’re thinking about adding a deck to your property, your planning should take into account ROI variables. Materials, size, access, and the “wow factor” all contribute to a prospective buyer’s perception of the value added by a deck to the property. It’s worth becoming familiar with deck construction in the comparable properties in your area so you can position yours where you want to be value-wise. Another value relationship to consider is that between your deck budget and the overall value of the property. It doesn’t make ROI dollars and sense to build something too grand for the size and likely resale price of the home. One rule of thumb used by contractors and architects is that a deck should be no larger than the home’s biggest interior space.
Keep in mind, too, that adding value to your home gets the attention of the assessor and the underwriter, so your property taxes and insurance premiums are like to be increased. Like anything else built by human beings, a deck will inevitably require some maintenance and/or repair as time goes by. Good choices of materials, with expert design and construction, are the ticket to keeping those costs down and your enjoyment and ROI up.