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.

Best Spring Deck Maintenance Advice - Part 2: Maintenance

The cost and time required for deck maintenance can vary widely depending on the type of decking and deck waterproofing that you have chosen.

A deck protected with a vinyl membrane might take only minutes for a simple cleaning and visual inspection while a wood or concrete deck can require several hours labour spread across several days.

Regardless the type of deck, the time required for maintenance is certainly worth the investment as compared to ‘letting it slide’ for a year only to find out that a simple maintenance chore has now become an expensive retrofit or renovation.

Maintenance Checklist for Decks and Balconies

Perform your annual spring deck maintenance with this easy-to-follow checklist:
Regular Maintenance Tasks

• Remove piles of wood, stone or other debris from around the building to avoid rodent, insect, termite or spider infestation.
• Prune shrubs, trees and other vegetation (recommend a minimum of 12 inches from the roof/deck) to avoid insect infestation, hard-to-clean sap and potential storm damage.
• Clean leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid drainage problems.
• Clean off any debris from the deck surface as soon as possible. The tannin in leaves can stain a deck horribly regardless of the type of surface, but if allowed to sit for an extended period on unprotected wood or concrete, the stain may never come out. On vinyl decks you may have some success with diluted ammonia or outdoor bleach to remove organic stains resulting from leaves, growth of algae, moss or mold spores but this will usually involve a lot of elbow work to be effective.
• Clean with a cleaning agent made specifically for the type of surface. Most manufacturers will offer a cleaner specific to their product that will leave less harmful residue than typical household cleaners. If that is not available to you, choose a mild, eco-friendly cleaning agent. Use a stiff bristled brush, scrubbing in circular motions. It is very important to always flush thoroughly with clean water. Any remaining residue can damage your deck’s appearance when sun exposure will ‘bake’ the chemicals into the surface.



Cleaning a Duradek vinyl deck is easy, just be sure
to flush very thoroughly when done.

• Certain household and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration and are not recommended. Avoid the use of:
  • Powered Abrasives
  • Steel Wool
  • Dry Cleaning Fluids
  • Lacquer Thinner Solvents
• You may choose to pressure wash your decks, ledger boards and facades. Be sure to use no more than 150 psi and do not point nozzle directly towards building interior or on any seams or attachments on the deck itself.

For more details on cleaning tough stains from your vinyl deck, see Duradek's Care and Cleaning recommendations.
Waterproofing Maintenance Tasks
Aesthetics aside, depending on the type of deck(s) you have, there may be further maintenance to ensure the waterproofing will continue to perform:

• Wood Decks: paint or water-seal all exterior wood including deck surface, overhangs and railings; and apply anti-skid coating to any exterior steps. You may have to perform some sanding to prepare the deck for the new paint or sealant. For best protection, this should be done annually.
• Concrete Decks: fill or patch any cracks or chipping sections of concrete; and apply anti-skid coating to any exterior steps. Apply sealant as needed – approximately every 1 - 2 years.
• Vinyl Membrane Decks: No waterproofing maintenance is required as the vinyl membrane is intrinsically waterproof and is textured for slip resistance. The recommended annual cleaning will keep the anti-slip texture clear of organic growth.

Low Maintenance Deck Waterproofing

For over 40 years, Duradek PVC membranes have provided home owners reliable waterproof protection without the need for ongoing maintenance, allowing more time for leisure and less on the labour!

Duradek's roofing approved traffic membrane is the ideal solution for all of your outdoor living space walking surfaces. From roof decks to pool areas, Duradek is attractive, slip resistant and is available in a variety of colours and textures to c0mpliment any outdoor design schemes. Duradek is also proud to offer a written appearance warranty protecting you from excessive discoloration beyond normal wear and aging in addition to its 10-year waterproofing warranty.

If you want to learn more about the advantages of Duradek™ vinyl membranes and Durarail™ aluminum railings, talk to a trained and authorized Duradek installer for a free estimate.
www.duradek.com

Missed our last post? Check out "Best Spring Deck Maintenance Advice - Part 1: Inspections"

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!

Duradek Winter Deck Care Reminders

While we are inching our way through winter, many regions have had heavier than normal snowfall this year and dreams of barbecues on the deck still seem so far away. But dealing with the maintenance required to survive snow this winter is not as difficult as you might think on your Duradek vinyl deck.

Those of you who have a deck protected with Duradek’s Walkable Rooftop Deck and Waterproofing Vinyl have an attractive and low maintenance decking solution throughout the year and winter is no exception.

Duradek vinyl allows for easy and worry-free winter deck care. PLUS - if your Duradek vinyl is on a second level deck....you've got a protected, dry area underneath and can still enjoy a little outdoor living space when the snow has covered everything else.

Even with a heavy snow, Duradek keeps the
lower decks clear for use.

Duradek vinyl is strong and you can use a variety of snow and ice melting solutions on it without concern.

• Rock Salt - OK!
• Snow Melting Chemicals - OK!
• Kitty Litter (for non-slip traction) - OK!

That being said, I'd like to take this moment to stress that if you choose to use kitty litter for non-slip traction, be sure to use the old-fashioned traditional kitty litter that is coarse and non-clumping. If you mistakenly use the fine-sand clumping cat litter, you will wind up with a heavy, muddy mess to clean up.

Get the Most Longevity in Your Deck’s Appearance

All you have to do to ensure your deck is unaffected by brutal winter conditions is to remember a couple of simple tips:

Only use a plastic shovel to remove snow and ice from your deck surface.

• Driving a metal shovel down through the snow and ice to your deck surface risks puncturing the vinyl and sacrificing your waterproof security.

Clean your deck with soap and water, and rinse before the spring and summer sunshine returns.

• While the chemicals from de-icers do not damage the vinyl surface when applied, if a chemical film is left on the surface, direct sun can bake those chemicals into the vinyl which is harmful and will affect your deck’s appearance.

That’s all there is to it! Now you can rest assured that you can take all precautions available to keep your deck clear of ice and snow through the remaining winter months and look forward to the return of the warm weather to get back to really enjoying your deck again.

If you do not yet have a Duradek waterproof deck and you would like to talk to a Duradek dealer about your decking needs, contact a Duradek 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.