You bought a composite deck for low maintenance, right? That's what most folks tell me. And it's true, they're a lot less work than wood. But 'low maintenance' doesn't mean 'no maintenance,' especially with our brutal Apache Junction sun and dust. You've still got to give it a little love if you want it to last and keep looking sharp, you know?
Cleaning It Regularly Is Key
The biggest thing you can do for your composite deck is keep it clean. Our dust, pollen, and monsoonal mud can really build up here in Apache Junction. If you let that stuff sit, it can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew, even on composite. Plus, it just looks crummy.
Here's what I recommend:
- Sweep it off regularly: Just like you'd sweep your patio. Get rid of loose dirt, leaves, and anything else that blows in. If you've got a lot of mesquite trees nearby, you know how quickly that stuff piles up.
- Wash it down: A good hose-down with plain water once a month or so, especially after a dust storm, works wonders. Use a soft-bristle brush if you need to scrub off any caked-on dirt. Don't use a stiff wire brush; that'll scratch the surface.
- Deep clean with soap and water: For tougher grime, mix some mild dish soap or a composite deck cleaner with water. Apply it, let it sit for a few minutes (always check the cleaner's instructions), then scrub gently. Rinse thoroughly. You don't want soap residue drying on there.
- Pressure washer? Be careful: You can use a pressure washer, but you've got to be smart about it. Keep the pressure low (under 1500 PSI) and use a fan tip. Hold it at least 8-12 inches away from the deck surface. Too much pressure or getting too close can damage the composite material, leaving permanent marks. I've seen it happen more than once.
Dealing with Stains and Scratches
Even composite decks can get stained or scratched. Grease from the grill, spilled drinks, or even stubborn dirt can leave a mark. For most food and beverage stains, a good composite deck cleaner and some elbow grease will do the trick. For oil or grease, try a degreaser designed for composite materials. Always test it in an inconspicuous spot first, just to be safe.
Scratches are a bit trickier. Minor scuffs might fade over time with weathering, but deeper scratches are usually there to stay. That's why it's important to use felt pads under furniture legs and be careful when moving heavy objects across your deck. Our desert rocks and gravel can easily get tracked onto the deck and cause scratches if you're not careful.
Watch Out for Warning Signs
Your deck will tell you when something's not right, if you know what to look for. Keep an eye out for these things:
- Fading or uneven color: While composite is designed to resist fading, prolonged, intense sun exposure can still take a toll, especially on older generations of composite. Uneven fading might point to a cleaning issue or a defect.
- Mold or mildew growth: Black or green spots, especially in shaded or damp areas, mean you've got mold or mildew. Clean it immediately to prevent it from spreading or becoming harder to remove.
- Loose boards or fasteners: Give your deck a once-over periodically. Are any boards wobbly? Are screws popping up? This can be a safety hazard.
- Splitting or cracking: This is rare with good quality composite, but it can happen, especially if the material was improperly installed or if it's an older, lower-quality product.
- Warping or bowing: If boards are starting to bend or twist, that's a serious issue that needs immediate attention.
When to Call a Professional
Look, you can handle most of the basic cleaning and upkeep yourself. But there are times when it's just better to bring in the pros. If you see any of those serious warning signs like warping, cracking, or widespread loose boards, don't try to DIY a fix. That's when you call Apache Junction Deck Builders.
We can assess the damage, figure out what's going on, and recommend the right course of action. Sometimes it's a simple repair, other times it might indicate a bigger structural problem. Getting it checked out early can save you a lot of headache and money down the road. Don't let a small issue turn into a major headache, especially with the extreme temperatures we deal with here in Apache Junction. Your deck is an investment; protect it.