Composite decking is durable and low-maintenance and looks stunning. However, like anything worthwhile, composite decking requires a little TLC to keep the deck surface at its best. If you’re faced with faded trex decking — or you’re simply looking for ways to prevent your Trex deck from fading — we’ve got the answers.
A custom composite deck is the perfect space for hosting happy hour with pals, cooking up a feast for the family and soaking up the sun in your own backyard resort.
Read on to discover how to restore faded composite decking and how to keep this little piece of paradise in top condition.
Prevention Is the Best Cure
If faded composite decking is already a reality for you, there are steps you can take to resolve the situation. However, fading isn’t inevitable, and you can avoid it by being meticulous and regularly removing the buildup of debris and dirt that accumulates on your wooden decks.
There are plenty of reasons why composite decking might fade over time, and you might not be aware of some of them. For example, the quality of composite decking material used, certain cleaning products and sun exposure are three of the biggest causes of faded composite decking.
What Causes Composite Decking to Fade?
Knowing what causes a composite surface to fade is essential for solving the problem and preventing it from happening again in future. There are four main reasons why composite decking loses color:
Inappropriate cleaning solution
Composite decking like Trex is made from a combination of materials that react best to specific cleaning products. Chlorine bleach, wire brushes and too much pressure washing are surefire ways to fade composite decking.
Poor maintenance
Improper maintenance is a major cause of faded decking. The composite decking manufacturer at Trex offers low-maintenance composite decks, not maintenance-free — so you’ll need to keep it clean and tidy, just like any other part of your home. Buildup of leaves, dust and debris can cause mold and rot over a long timeframe, so cleaning composite decking at regular intervals would help prevent faded Trex decking. The more frequently you do it, the less of a job it’ll be.
Sun damage
There’s no denying that the Virginia sun gets pretty hot during the summer months. If you have a south-facing yard or a particularly exposed traditional wooden deck, you might run the risk of sun damage over time. That said, composite decking is nowhere near as prone to sun damage as natural wooden decks, and an excellent product like Trex is unlikely to fade for this reason.
Inferior decking material
If your deck is made from a material other than Trex, such as wood or from other inferior composite decking suppliers and brands, it might be more prone to fading. Older deck boards made from composite material could also be more likely to fade.
How to Keep Your Deck Clean
In most cases, making sure you correctly maintain your composite decking should be enough to prevent it from fading. Even if your deck has already faded, the first step to restore it is giving it a thorough cleaning. It’s especially important to clean the composite decking surface following a storm, when debris and surface grime are most prone to build up.
Don’t worry, though; you don’t need to buy expensive cleaning solutions or equipment to keep your composite deck clean. In fact, you should use a pressure washer with great caution, using a low setting and not doing it more than once or twice per year. Many people prefer not to pressure wash their deck because composite materials are softer than wood and therefore more prone to damage.
Steps to keep your deck pristine
- Prepare the floor surface by removing all furniture and giving yourself a clear space to work with. Remove larger items of debris by hand or with a broom, then use a water hose to spray down the surface of the decking.
- Combine half a cup of apple cider or white wine vinegar with a gallon of water and a cup of baking soda — this is the cleaning solution recommended by Trex for its decking boards. Spray down the deck, being careful to cover the entire deck area with the solution. Use a soft bristle brush and minimal elbow grease or a pressure washer at no higher than 3100 PSI.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water, and be sure not to leave any puddles to remove all suds and prevent mold growth.
Removing Stains From a Composite Deck
Outdoor living spaces can get stained if they aren’t kept clean and tidy. Below are tips to help you remove stains from your composite deck.
Mold Staining
Trex decking is naturally mold-resistant, but given the right environment and a lack of maintenance, mold can build up. Pollen, dirt and leaves are the main culprits for mold, along with damp, warm air. Provided you follow the cleaning advice laid out above such as using a soft bristle brush (which also serves as the method for mold removal), you shouldn’t have to worry about mold.
Hard Water
Cleaning Trex composite decking with hard water can lead to mineral deposits on the surface that may look like fading. If you can’t avoid using hard water, you’ll need to manually dry the composite deck surface once you finish cleaning it or use water softening tablets for the water you clean it with.
Rubber Mats
Rubber mats are great for health and safety, but they can contain chemicals that cause discoloration of your composite deck. If you notice this happening, clean the deck thoroughly, discard the rubber mat and find one made from a different material.
Snow and Ice
Ice and snow themselves shouldn’t stain your Trex deck, but you need to be extra careful about how you remove them. Always use a plastic shovel and avoid using anything other than calcium chloride or rock salt to dissolve ice. Metal shovels and abrasive chemicals can damage the soft surface of your composite deck and diminish its aesthetic appeal.
Trex Composite Decking Is Built to Last
Trex decks are the best when it comes to maintenance, appearance and durability, but you still need to take care of your investment. If you’ve got a faded deck and want to replace it with a brand new and improved composite decking, Prince William Home Improvement can help. Visit the website today for a free estimate or check out our deck gallery to see our previous works.
