DECK CARE AND MAINTENANCE

PORTLAND COLLECTION

Dirt & Grime

Whiteriver recommend cleaning your deck on a regular basis in order to remove debris, pollen, and dirt. Normally all you need is a deck brush, warm water and a mild household cleaner such as liquid soap or Woca Exterior Cleaner. Scrubbing in the direction of the grain is best. Thoroughly rinse off with a garden hose. If there is heavier dirt, you can use a low pressure washer with wide fan tips at a safe distance using a maximum pressure of 1500psi at a minimum distance of 25cm (10”)

Mould & Mildew

Mould and mildew are very common and will thrive and grow where there is water, dirt, leaves, grass, wood and any decaying debris. By regular washing with Woca Exterior Cleaner, it helps to minimise the growth of mould and mildew and also helps to avoid staining.

Weathering

As Composite Decking is a wood based product it can experience a natural process which is called Extractive Bleeding, this can cause a temporary discolouration of the deck which will weather away. It can take 10-12 weeks for this to happen depending on the location etc.

Tannins (Stains)

As with all products containing wood, tannin stains can occur. Tannins can form when organic material such as leaves, seeds and other debris get stuck between the gaps in the boards of the deck and water starts to pool under it.
You can use a garden hose or a spatula to keep the gaps clean. Keeping the gaps clean will help to keep your deck looking good.

Oil & Grease

A quick clean-up is best in order to clean grease or oil stains. If this does not work, there are several commercial cleaners available for oil and grease. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, try it first in an inconspicuous place and ensure you are happy before proceeding. After cleaning the deck the colour may have lightened, it will take 8-10 weeks for the sun to match the remaining deck.

Protection

We suggest a mat under your BBQ to protect from grease stains, and plastic protectors under metal furniture or planters to prevent gouging and potential rust stains.

Scratches & Heavier Stains

Scratches or difficult stains can be removed by using a wire brush or sanding with 80-100 grit sandpaper. When brushing always run with grain. It will take 8-10 weeks for the repaired area to blend in with the rest of the deck.

Snow & Ice

As with any outdoor surface, Whiteriver decks can become slippery in winter weather. Take extra care when walking on wet, icy and snowy conditions. You can use a shovel or brush to remove snow or ice. Calcium chloride or rock salt will melt ice on decking. Rinse off when first practical.

ULTRASHIELD COLLECTION

Dirt & Debris

Surface debris should be sprayed off with a hose. Use warm water with liquid soap and a soft non-metal scrub brush to remove dirt and debris within the embossing pattern. Scrubbing in the direction of the grain is best. If there is heavier dirt, you can use a low pressure washer with wide fan tips at a safe distance using a maximum pressure of 1500psi at a minimum distance of 30cm (12”)

Tannins

Tannins can form when organic material gets stuck within the gaps of the deck and water starts to pool under it. Therefore, it is best to remove the debris within gaps with a garden hose, spatula, or soft brush. Keeping the gaps clean will reduce the chances of tannins from forming leaving your deck cleaner.

Ice and Snow

Use calcium chloride or rock salt to melt the snow and ice. Build up of calcium chloride or rock salt may occur leaving a white residue, which can be easily removed with warm soapy watr and a soft non-metal scrub brush.

Protection

We suggest a mat under your BBQ to protect from grease stains, and plastic protectors under metal furniture or planters to prevent gouging and potential rust stains.

Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew occurs periodically in everyday environments. Therefore, surface mould and mildew can appear on the deck if decaying organic materials such as, but are not limited to, wood, leaf decay and pollen are present along with elevated temperatures, air and water. Therefore, we can only minimize the occurrence by removing these decaying organic materials as quick as possible. If mould and mildew are present use warm soapy water and a soft non-metal scrub brush to clean.

Irregular Heat Sources/Fire

Composite decking has the tendency to retain heat whenever presented directly or indirectly to it. Irregular heat sources, such as, but not limited to fire pits, fireplaces, and barbecue grills, and fire may damage the surface of the UltraShield decking. Proper caution should be taken with irregular heat sources and fire to ensure no damage occurs to the deck.

Masonry Construction

During masonry construction the deck must be covered AT ALL TIMES preferably with a sheet or tarpaulin or construction grade plastic film. Mineral deposits, left over from construction, can mix with water and evaporate
leaving deposits behind which creates a white/haze on the deck surface. To prevent this problem ensure that masonry/cement construction is set properly before ever installing the decking material. If mineral deposits are
left on the deck surface, regular maintenance is required in order to maintain the original look of the deck.

Oil/Grease/Food

All oil / grease / food spills must be removed promptly. To clean use warm soapy water and a soft non-metal scrub brush. Grease and oil may require an all purpose cleaner if warm soapy water and soft non-metal brush brush do not work. Be sure to check with manufacturer’s on which cleaners are appropriate to use on your deck.