How to Winterize Your Vinyl Deck in 3 Steps

There’s no more denying it. The days are shorter. The temperature is colder. Winter is on its way.

If you’ve got a covered deck, you might use it all year round, but decks exposed to the rain and snow tend to get neglected through the winter months.

There’s a few things you can do to keep your vinyl sundeck in top shape to survive the harsher winter weather and be ready for a simple cleaning come spring.

#1 – First, if you have not already done so, pack away any seasonal furniture or planters stored on your deck. When you are not using your deck frequently, you may not notice the debris or dirt that can accumulate around the edges of temporary furniture or fixtures of your deck, making for a tougher scrubbing in the spring.

#2 – Clear any organic debris that has accumulated. If you are lucky enough to have a lot of trees around your deck, that good fortune is often is accompanied by leaves and twigs that autumn weather can send to your deck in wet, mucky piles. Be sure to remove organic matter before it starts to decompose as this can lead to stains on your vinyl deck that can be difficult to remove.

#3 – Wash your deck with a mild cleaner and rinse thoroughly. While it is easy to brush this one off the list until spring, you can make your spring clean a little easier if you perform once before winter. You can use a vinyl deck cleaner for a gentle clean but if you would like to substitute for a more common household cleaner we have found that diluted Cascade powdered dish detergent works well also. Simply scrub with a soft bristled brush or broom. No matter what product you use to clean, make sure it is safe for use on vinyl and be sure to rinse well so there is no chemical residue remaining.

Now your deck is ready for winter, and probably looks so great that you will still want to use it every chance you get.

If you do access your vinyl deck through the winter months, have some rock salt or other snow melting chemicals on hand to deal with slippery ice and snow. Just remember that as soon as the spring weather arrives, you must rinse those chemicals off your deck to get keep your vinyl from premature aging.

Depending on the amount of snow accumulation you get, you may also want to be sure to have a plastic edged snow shovel on hand. Avoid the use of metal edged shovels on your vinyl deck so there is no chance of puncturing the membrane.

If you have been considering a deck renovation, don’t wait until spring or summer when deck builders are at their busiest. Start the conversation now to get an estimate on your decking project.

In many areas, Duradek installers can take care of re-surfacing your deck with Duradek vinyl all year round.  

Duradek installers are a very talented and creative bunch of contractors. Communicate with your Duradek contractor and don’t be afraid to ask him to make use of any scrap bits of left over vinyl (if there are any). Little, left-over vinyl remnants work well to place under metal planters to stop rust from developing on your permanent deck; and creative uses like this mini snow slide protects the landing of a patio stairway from snow accumulation.

In the fall and winter months, deck contractors have a little more time than they do in the summer to accommodate extra requests.

Clean Your Deck Before Winter for Best Appearance in Spring

Now that winter is nearly upon us and we are spending more time indoors, you might not have your sundeck on your mind...but now is the time to be sure to give your deck a little TLC to ensure it stays in its best condition.

While some people use their decks and balconies all year round, many of us don't spend much time on our decks when the cold weather hits so be sure to consider your deck before it is out of sight, out of mind. When you are doing your annual winterizing, make sure your deck is on the list. Most people will put away the lawnmower, outdoor furniture and summer sporting equipment. Those with a boat or RV will tend to take the time to store it in a garage or at least tarp it up for the winter; but many times people will neglect their decks.

Remember, even your low maintenance deck needs a little attention. Anything that is permanently outside exposed to the elements 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is going to accumulate some dirt. You can make your spring cleaning job a whole lot easier if you take the time to clean your deck before winter too.

At Duradek, we love that our vinyl deck membranes are such a low maintenance deck surface that they never needing re-coating to keep doing its waterproofing job, but to keep it looking great, we recommend that you give it a cleaning 4 times a year. The change of seasons is a good reminder that it might be time to clean your deck. Here are some quick tips to keep your deck looking great....

The 3-C's of Deck TLC

• Clear
• Clean
• Consider

Clear Your Duradek Deck

First thing to do when winterizing your deck is to clear away any seasonal items that need to be protected or will not be needed through the winter. Take away metal furniture or planters that can encourage the development of rust on your deck's surface. Remove any organic debris as soon as possible. Rust, leaves and other organic matter can stain your deck surface and the longer it remains and is allowed to settle into the membrane, the harder it will be to clean off.

Cleaning Your Duradek Deck

Your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least 4 times a year with the Duradek vinyl cleaner available from your local Duradek dealer. This cleaner is designed specifically for vinyl and will NOT leave harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Then simply spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt and flush thoroughly with clean water.

If you choose to use a household cleaning product, we would recommend Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent or Simple Green as reasonable options, however we do not recommend the use of household cleaners in general as certain types of cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration. Dry cleaning fluids should not be used as they will remove the printed pattern and glass. Waxes should not be used as they may contain dyes or solvents that can permanently damage the protective coating.

Your best choice of cleaning products will state that it is safe to use on vinyl. While all cleaning methods require a thorough rinse with water, using any household product dramatically increases the need to flush the deck thoroughly with clean water to ensure all residues are removed. The residue may not be obviously visible to the eye, but if any remains, the sun can bake the harmful chemicals into your vinyl and it may affect its appearance.

If your vinyl pattern is one of the more textured surfaces that offers a more effective non-slip characteristic, it will likely require a little more cleaning effort than a vinyl pattern with a smoother surface. Power washing is an effective method of removing dirt and debris, although it is not intended for removing embedded stains. Set your power washer at 1500 psi (max.) and hold nozzle 12 inches from the surface and be careful to avoid seams, railing attachments, caulking or house trims.

Consider Your Duradek Vinyl Deck

Deck inspections are an important part of your home maintenance and should be completed at least once a year. Before the really heavy rain or snow takes over for the chilly winter months is a good time to inspect the details around your deck, particularly at the critical inside perimeters that protects your building envelope. By ensuring your perimeter details are still securely in place will provide peace of mind that your Duradek vinyl deck is still performing as expected and will protect your home from potential water damage. When inspecting your deck, remember to:

• Check the caulking seals around posts and pillars
• Check corner details
• Check the caulking seals around vents and drains

Check the perimeter of your deck along the houseto ensure it remains sealed securely.

Be sure to check seals around posts and pillars and
that the flashing on the edges is securely in place.

Be sure to check seals around posts and pillars and that the flashing on the edges is securely in place. Over time, your home may shift and settle and these annual deck inspections will uncover any potential problems with broken seals. If you discover some caulking has pulled away from the wood or a seal has cracked, contact your Duradek dealer who will recommend the proper sealant to correct it. It is much better to check for these little details before the heavy rains come and you find out water has found a way to get through to your home.

Cleaned and Cared For…Now Enjoy!

Though no exterior surface is completely impervious to the elements, by taking the small amount of time required to properly clean your deck at the change of the seasons, you will help to ensure that your deck appearance lasts as long as the guaranteed waterproofing performance of your Duradek vinyl deck. No matter what the season, Duradek protects your outdoor living space all year, every year. To find a local Duradek Dealer, visit the Duradek website’s Dealer Locator.

Spring Cleaning Advice for your Duradek Deck

Finally! Winter has come to an end and the promises of spring are starting to be revealed with an increased amount of sunshine for many of us as we happily ease into peak season for deck use.

While we anticipate the many barbecues, family events and social gatherings that take place on our favourite outdoor living spaces in the coming months, now is the perfect time to give your deck a really good cleaning to prep it for a long season of enjoyment.

Duradek deck owners can happily start enjoying their outdoor spaces while neighbours with wood decks are procrastinating the labour intensive maintenance required before the leisure time begins...but even Duradek decks need a little TLC in the form of cleaning. Particularly if you've used rock salt or other ice melting chemicals throughout the winter months, you need to give your deck a thorough cleaning before the sun can 'bake' any of those chemicals into your deck surface.

EYA Builders, twice named America's best builder had made good use of thoughtfully planned spaces in their homes which often includes roof decks waterproofed with Duradek. With over 4,000 homes in over 30 neighbourhoods in Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC, EYA builders takes great care of its customers by providing maintenance advice for various features of their newly built homes. This video on cleaning Duradek is one of the ways EYA helps its customers enjoy the fabulous features of their homes and we thought we'd share it with you.



So remember these simple tips for proper care of your deck:

1 - Give your deck a seasonal cleaning.
While all cleaning products are not always available in every market, your best option is to use a cleaning product that states it is safe for use on vinyl. Choose a gentle cleaner and always follow the manufacturers recommendations for use. Here are a few popular examples:

• Vinyl Deck Cleaner (available from Duradek)
• Simple Green
• Tide Detergent (diluted)
• Cascade Powdered Dish Detergent (diluted)

2 - Give your deck a gentle scrub.
Use a soft bristled broom or brush, but be careful to not apply too much pressure that might wear down the embossed pattern of your vinyl.

3 - Be sure to rinse off all cleaning residue very thoroughly.

While Duradek is manufactured with UV and mold inhibitors, in some rare cases mold growth can be a frustrating issue with a little more work required to clean. If you are experiencing mold on your Duradek, you may want to read this article on mold removal which features an excellent case study by Duradek MidAtlantic on how to identify and combat mold.

Cleaning your deck is a comparatively easy, maintenance free alternative to the sanding, staining, painting and sealing required from other deck systems to keep it looking great.

Just invest the few minutes it takes to clean your deck seasonally and you will have a deck you want to show off for many years like these happy Duradek deck owners.

If you don't yet have a Duradek deck and would like a free estimate for the best option in low maintenance decking, contact a Duradek dealer in your area.

We hope you enjoy creating a ton of happy memories on your deck!

Best of Duradek Contest Results

In honor of our 40th year in business and in recognition of the wonderful customers that have chosen Duradek as their deck waterproofing product, we held a ‘Best of Duradek’ contest (January 17 – February 23, 2014). We invited home owners and Duradek installers to send us pictures to show-off their decks and let us know what they love about their Duradek decks.

The random draw from all entries received was held on Monday, February 24th and the lucky winner of tickets to today’s Canucks game and dinner for two was Jane Jamieson of Surrey, BC.

Jane sent us in this photo of her deck that is protected with Duradek Classic Barley with this wonderful comment:

“Here is my deck ( in winter not being used mode ) with Duradek product on the floor...I had this installed in the mid '90's and it still looks like new! I have power washed it but now use 'The Duke' to clean it and I think it does a better job than power washing. The deck always looks great and I have never had to do repairs and love the low maintenance!! Definitely would use again.”
Jane Jamieson



"The deck always looks great..." J.J.

Other entries received included this one from Cliff & Veronica MacDonald of Surrey, BC who said:

“Loving our Duradek going on 15 years. Our Duradek deck is one of the most used “rooms” in our house. Seems that we host all the summer parties, because friends know that our deck is the most welcoming! It is so easy to keep clean. Duradek works equally well for the covered section and the part that is open to the sun and rain; and it is equally effective in keeping the basement room underneath dry, as well as the outdoor storage area under it weatherproof. Thanks Duradek!"

"Our Duradek deck is one of the most used 'rooms' in our house..."

And Heather Debevc of Prince George, BC said:

"We live on a ridge overlooking the 9th hole of a golf course and a forest beyond. A breath-taking view in all seasons. The soft palette of our Duradek blends in with out surroundings making our outdoor experience truly memorable. Never needing any maintenance, always looking its best, we are proud to entertain on the deck. We can relax knowing it will provide the look, the class, the feel we want in this space. A grand outdoor room, in its 7th year, is an extension of ourselves and our home. Thank you Duradek!!"

"We are proud to entertain on the deck..." HD

Homeowners Love Their Duradek Decks

This past week, Duradek was at the BC Home & Garden Show and while we love to introduce Duradek to home owners who are unfamiliar with our low maintenance, waterproof deck surfaces…we also love hearing from the home owners who have been enjoying Duradek for years.

It is so rewarding to hear so many of you say how much you love your decks and will never use anything else but Duradek for your waterproof deck surface.

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest and to all of you who have helped to make Duradek the #1 vinyl deck membrane in North America!

If you would like to find out about how to protect your deck with Duradek, contact a dealer in your area for a free estimate.

How to Clean and Care for Your Vinyl Deck Before Winter

Before the really heavy rain or snow takes over for the chilly winter months, now is a smart time to give your deck a cleaning and inspect the details that will ensure the superior installation of your Duradek vinyl deck is still performing as expected and protecting your home from potential water damage.

Cleaning Your Duradek Deck

Your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least 4 times a year with the Duradek vinyl cleaner available from your local Duradek dealer. This cleaner is designed specifically for vinyl and will NOT leave harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Then simply spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt and flush thoroughly with clean water.

If you choose to use a household cleaning product, we would recommend Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent or Simple Green as reasonable options, however we do not recommend the use of household cleaners in general as certain types of cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration. Dry cleaning fluids should not be used as they will remove the printed pattern and glass. Waxes should not be used as they may contain dyes or solvents that can permanently damage the protective coating. Your best choice of cleaning products will state that it is safe to use on vinyl.

While all cleaning methods require a thorough rinse with water, using any household product dramatically increases the need to flush the deck thoroughly with clean water to ensure all residues are removed. The residue may not be obviously visible to the eye, but if any remains, the sun can bake the harmful chemicals into your vinyl and it may affect its appearance.

If your vinyl pattern is one of the more textured surfaces that offers a more effective non-slip characteristic, it will likely require a little more cleaning effort than a vinyl pattern with a smoother surface. Power washing is an effective method of removing dirt and debris, although it is not intended for removing embedded stains. Set your power washer at 1500 psi (max.) and hold nozzle 12 inches from the surface and be careful to avoid seams, railing attachments, caulking or house trims.

Care for Your Duradek Deck

Deck inspections are an important part of your home maintenance and should be completed at least once a year.

When inspecting your deck, remember to:

• Check the caulking seals around posts and pillars
• Check corner details
• Check the caulking seals around vents and drains

Check that the perimeter of you deck against the house
remains securely sealed.

Be sure to check seals around posts and pillars and
that the flashing on the outside edges is securely in place.

Over time, the structure your Duradek membrane is adhered to may crack, shrink or shift and these inspections will uncover any potential problems with broken seals. If you discover some caulking has pulled away from the wood or a seal has cracked, contact your Duradek dealer who will recommend the proper sealant to correct it.

It is much better to check for these little details before the heavy rains come and you discover water has found a way to get through into your home.

 

Cleaned and Cared For…Now Enjoy!

Though no exterior surface is completely impervious to the elements, by taking the small amount of time required to properly clean your deck at the change of the seasons, you will help to ensure that your deck appearance lasts as long as the guaranteed waterproofing performance of your Duradek vinyl deck.

No matter what the season, Duradek protects your outdoor living space all year, every year.

To find a local Duradek Dealer, visit the Duradek website’s Dealer Locator.

How to Clean Fungus and Mold off Duradek Vinyl Deck Membranes

Any permanent outdoor surface needs to be cleaned from time to time, and your vinyl deck is no exception. While the benefits of having a vinyl deck include no sanding, staining or re-coating of any kind, your deck will look its best with a seasonal cleaning (about 4 times a year).

Sometimes, however, there are contributing factors in your environment that may cause you to require more than a general cleaning on your deck's surface. One of these factors is mold and fungi which in some areas under certain conditions can be a troublesome maintenance issue like that experienced by some homeowners in Florida experiencing green and black growth on their metal roofs.

The bottom line is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to control all of the factors that contribute to mold growth and your best defense to keep your vinyl deck clear of fungus and mold is a general cleaning 4 times a year.

Step One - Start With a General Cleaning

Ideally, your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least four times per year (more often if acid rain or airborne pollution is a problem in your area) using Duradek vinyl cleaner which is available from your authorized Duradek contractor or directly from Duradek. Follow the directions on the label.

This cleaner is designed for vinyl and will NOT leave a harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt. Flush thoroughly with clean water.

Note: It is very important to remove all residue from cleaners used on your deck. While the cleaner itself may be gentle enough, it is when the sun 'bakes' the chemicals into the surface that your deck can experience discoloration.

Step Two - Mold and Fungi Removal Recommendations

Sooty Mold - Image from USDA Forest Service.

Both Artillery Fungus and Sooty Mold have similar cleaning procedures. For plastic and painted surfaces that might have sooty mold, the USDA recommends:

• 1/3 cup powdered household detergent
• 1 quart household liquid bleach
• 2/3 a cup of Trisodium phosphate
• 3 quarts of water
• (be sure to use rubber gloves when cleaning with this solution)

Clorox® recommends using their "Outdoor Bleach" product diluted at a rate of 1 part Outdoor Bleach to 6 parts water, as per their recommendations for cleaning vinyl surfaces. Apply early or late in the day when the membrane surface is cool to the touch. Apply solution with a garden sprayer and allow to sit on the surface for a minimum of 10 minutes. Re-apply the solution to areas that begin to dry during this period.

Use a soft bristle brush on a pole to scrub the membrane surface. Small remaining spots can be cleaned using a firmer bristle brush. Then rinse the entire area thoroughly with a garden hose.

Note: at the time of publishing this article, Clorox® Outdoor Bleach is not available in Canada. When using any cleaner, make sure the manufacturer recommends their product is suitable for outdoor vinyl products and their written instructions are followed.

Sooty Mold on vinyl deck - before cleaning.
Photo by Duradek MidAtlantic.

Duradek vinyl deck - after cleaning off sooty mold.
Photo by Duradek MidAtlantic.

Details on Common Mold and Fungus

Artillery Fungus are dark raised spots about the size of a pencil tip that do not melt into a larger circle. For further information on how to control established Artillery Fungus in ground cover, see this document from the Penn State University website.  

Sooty Mold is a dark fungi which leaves dark spots or darkish areas which look like, well, soot. For further information on how to control Sooty Mold, go to Virginia Tech website.  

If you are experiencing hard-to-remove mold on your deck, you may be interested in reading this excellent case study that was conducted by Duradek distributor, Duradek MidAtlantic which documents the diagnosis and removal of Sooty Mold.

Refer to Case Study - Diagnosing and Removing Mold From Duradek

See also, Duradek's Care & Cleaning Recommendations for your Duradek Vinyl Deck.