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While our plastic decking products here at Fitrite are very hard wearing, as outdoor surfaces which are expected to cope with a lot of footfall, weight and go up against the elements all year round, they still require a little care put into them as time goes by. If you’re noticing that your decking is starting to show signs of wear and tear, or simply want to make sure that it’s suitably protected against harsh weather conditions, we’ve put together this list of top tips that should help you maintain the pristine appearance and structural integrity of your plastic decking for longer.
At Fitrite, our supply of residential deckings includes both uPVC and composite options. As two of the most popular decking materials on the market today, uPVC and composite have several different properties that affect how they should be cared for. To begin with, let’s find out more about how these two materials differ, before getting into how each should be correctly maintained.
Unplasticised polyvinyl (uPVC), also commonly referred to as PVC or vinyl decking, is a 100% plastic material with a synthetic appearance. It’s incredibly versatile and is most commonly used in flooring and decking applications.
Composite decking is produced by combining reclaimed wood fibres and recycled plastic. During production, composite decking undergoes a heating and bonding process, which is then cooled to form decking boards. Much like uPVC, composite decking is available in a wide variety of sizes and colours to suit your preferences.
One of the great things about both uPVC and composite decking is that they are very easy to clean. We recommend that you give your decking a good clean every 3-6 months to get rid of any dirt, mud or soil that’s built up and gotten stuck on your boards over time. Depending on how in-depth of a clean you want to perform, there are a couple of steps you can take:
Regardless of which type of clean you opt for, you should always clean along the length of the boards to avoid any accumulation of materials that could interfere with drainage.
Chances are you’ll be using your decking for eating dinner and entertaining during the warmer months, and with that comes some inevitable food and drink stains. For tough oil and grease stains, the routine cleaning tips listed above will often be enough to leave your decking stain-free. However, you might also want to purchase some specialist cleaning products that are designed to tackle oil and grease stains, though we do recommend reading the care instructions or even contacting us before applying them to your decking.
Finally, the most important thing to do in this situation is to not panic! Accidents happen, and as long as you act relatively quickly (ideally within the first 7 days of the stain appearing) it won’t cause permanent damage to your decking.
It’s pretty hard to avoid the rain when living in the UK, but that doesn’t mean that your beautiful decking has to suffer as a result. It’s important to be mindful of water accumulating on your deck during and after a downpour as build-ups of moisture can lead to rotting and warping, which can ultimately be fatal to the condition of your boards.
To prevent this, ensure that your decking can be drained properly by removing leaves, dirt and other debris that has the potential to hinder water flow. Make sure to pay attention to the gaps between the boards, too, as these getting clogged can also make it difficult for water to drain properly.
While our decking is designed to fight off the damaging effects of mould and mildew growth internally, these persistent types of fungus can grow on virtually any outdoor surface, and may occasionally gather on the surface of your boards. Once again, following our routine cleaning advice will help to prevent an excessive build-up that could lead to a more serious problem.
This might sound a little obvious, but it’s absolutely crucial that you never drag objects, such as garden furniture and flowerpots, across your plastic decking. Not only will this weaken the decking joist, but it will also permanently damage the surface. If you need to move an item across your decking, simply pick it up and carry it. For furniture, it’s also worth investing in some protective pads on the feet to minimise gouges.
If you want to keep your plastic decking looking its best, then hot objects should be kept away at all costs. It’s worth remembering that both uPVC and composite decking contain varying levels of plastic which, of course, when combined with heat, can lead to its appearance becoming distorted. If you’re cooking outdoors, it’s important that you remember to not place heated appliances, like a barbecue, onto the surface of your decking.
There are a number of reasons why choosing our plastic decking products over a wooden alternative is the best choice for your garden space. But don’t just take our word for it, here are a few of the biggest advantages:
If you’re in the market for premium-quality residential decking to enhance your garden, look no further than Fitrite. As a leading composite and uPVC decking supplier based in Doncaster, our decking supplies are unmatched in their quality and reliability. When you choose our decking, you’ll enjoy a product that’s low-maintenance, highly durable and safety-accredited.
Using a professional for your decking project ensures a seamless and stress-free experience, delivering exceptional results. With our expertise, you can trust that the installation will be done correctly and efficiently, saving you time and potential headaches. From the start, we prioritise your needs, offering personalised solutions for your dream decking project. Our dedicated team is readily available to answer questions, guide you through the process and keep you informed at every step.
For more information about our products and services, or to obtain a free quote, then don’t hesitate to give us a call today on 0808 304 4556 or fill out our online form.
