How To Maintain Your Decking

Having a deck on a static home completely transforms your outdoor space. It gives you more space and adds value to the caravan. It is important to maintain your deck to keep it in the best condition. Here are our top tips on how to maintain your decking.

What’s the best way to clean a uPVC or composite deck?

Using soapy water with a soft brush, wash the deck and rinse with clean water. This will remove any surface dirt.

Can a jet wash be used on uPVC or composite decking?

You can use a jet wash, but (and this is important!) it must be set to the lowest pressure with the nozzle on the widest setting. The nozzle should not be allowed to get close to the deck as a high-pressure water flow can cause damage at close range. Our advice is, if you’re not confident get a professional jet washing company to clean your deck.

What can ruin a uPVC or composite deck?

uPVC and composite decks are lot hardier than traditional timber decking, but they are certainly not ‘bomb proof’. As with any decking surface, there are a few things that can cause staining or scratching.

As above, jet washing with the nozzle too close to the deck or using too much pressure may leave your deck discoloured.

As with any deck or patio area, liquids such as red wine may cause permanent staining, so it’s best to avoid them. If spillages occur, clean the area with clean, soapy water immediately.

What else should I avoid using on a composite deck?

Metal objects that are likely to rust will leave stains if left on uPVC or composite decking, so put something underneath them to protect the deck-boards and keep your deck in tip top condition (this also applies to timber decking).

For the same reason, take care to avoid mats or rugs with metal grommets or details which can rust – and don’t choose rubber or latex backed mats or rugs, as these can leave marks on your deck. Instead, it’s best to select rugs made from colourfast, synthetic materials like polypropylene, recycled plastic, polyester, or mats with a vinyl backing.

Metal bottomed furniture can also cause scratching to uPVC and composite decking. When you buy your decking furniture, ensure that it has protection under the legs to keep your decking scratch-free.

Firepits and disposable barbecues will potentially scorch uPVC or composite decking. Our advice would be to avoid anything that is excessively hot coming into contact with your deck-boards to reduce the risk of scorch marks appearing.

Advice on windows, doors and conservatoires care

DO

•Clean the glass regularly with a

  good quality glass cleaner

•Wash down the PVCu profiles with

  warm soapy water and wipe dry

•Only use cleaning materials which do

  not impair anti-corrosive properties of

  the surface coatings

•Use non abrasive cream cleaner for

  isolated stubborn stains on white

  PVCu ONLY

•Apply with a damp cloth using minimal

  pressure

•Ensure drainage slots are unblocked

  and free from dirt and debris

•Keep all tracks clear of dust and

  debris in order to reduce the wear on

  sliding parts

•Ensure all conservatory gutters and

  their outlets are kept clear of leaves

  and debris to ensure unobstructed

  flow

•All moving mechanical parts are

  lubricated including hinges, locks and

  'keep plates' will benefit form a small

  application of light oil at least every 4 months

DON'T

•Use ANY type of bleach, solvent

  (white spirit, methylated spirits, nail

  varnish remover) or adhesive.

•Use abrasive or brass cleaner on

  furniture handles, door knockers, letter

  plates

•Use glass cleaner on PVCu profile

•Use a ladder when cleaning your

  conservatory roof, always use a crawler

  board to evenly distribute your weight

•Use abrasive paste of cream cleaners

  on ANY laminated profile

•Use excessive pressure when cleaning

  PVCu

•Use high pressure or steam cleaners

•Use ANY abrasive papers, such as

  sandpaper

•Use excessive loads on the windows or

  doors

•Lean ladders against conservatory

  gutters

•Paint or try to remove paint

•Use any unspecified tool