With the economy bouncing back and consumers thinking about a brighter future, homeowners are putting extra emphasis on the exterior features of their home this year. Based on the Better Homes and Gardens 2011

Ensure your composite deck maintains its natural beauty

Follow these ten easy care and maintenance steps to keep your composite deck looking great throughout the year:

Horizon Composite Decking in Ipe

10.  Never use shovels or sharp edges to remove snow and ice from your deck.

9.  Place a vinyl-backed splatter guard mat underneath your grill.

8.  For oil and grease stains, speedy clean up is the best. The longer the oil or grease sits on the surface the most likely it is to soak into composite wood fibers.

7.  Use extreme caution with pressure washers when cleaning your deck. Use at pressures less than 1,500 psi at 12” above the deck surface.

6.  Keep debris out of gaps between the decking boards so rain showers can remove pollen

5.   Clean any mold spots when deck is completely dry with eco-friendly commercially available cleaners like Corte-Clean, ConcrobiumXT Eco-Wash or other commercial deck cleaners designer specifically for your type of decking.  Strictly follow manufacturers’ instructions.

4.  Clean your deck periodically, at least twice a year, to remove pollen, leaves and debris that promote mild growth.

3.  Maintain a deck that is dry and clean. Dislodge accumulated dirt with a broom or by using soap, water and a scrub brush, scrubbing in the direction of the grain pattern.

2.  Improve drainage or grade soil to eliminate standing water under decks. Direct downspouts, downspout extensions and splashguards away from decks.

1.  Ensure adequate ventilation under and between decking boards to prevent mold growth.

Refer to the Fiberon Care and Maintenance document for more information.

Do you have maintenance tips of your own? Leave them in the comments below!