What is the procedure for cleaning composite decks ?
I am assuming that I would wet them down, apply a greenwash 1-2% mix, let dwell and then rinse.
Anything else ?
Jeffrey Kirby said
Apr 4, 2017
2% w/1 oz GW per gallon. fan coats, dwell. TW if soiled. Agitate only if needed. Rinse
Chad Eneix said
Apr 6, 2017
I would also suggest searching "trex" in this bulletin board. You will find several posts about a member who had a serious issue with a client.
There can be problems with a lot of different composites. The earlier and cheaper generations of this stuff is known for problems. Basically most of it has wood pulp mixed in with the plastic, and the wood fibers get full of algae. When we clean it the fibers bleach out and you get a lighter color than many customers expect, like white flecks or "fuzz" in the boards. Also, if it has ever been pressure washed, you are likely going to uncover damage, raising or fuzzing of the wood fibers, or etching of the plastic, or probably both. Like most home exterior components, pressure washing voids the warranty and is not recommended by the manufacturer.
That all being said, SoftWashing is the best, and really the only way to clean this stuff. Just be extra sure to really lay it all out to the customer. It might even be worth having them "sign off" on these possible issues. I run across these deck at least weekly, and they are a pain, and take a lot of "coaching" of the customer's expectations.
Bob Riddick said
Apr 6, 2017
Amen, Chad!
Troy Layman said
Apr 6, 2017
Great information Chad. I was thinking the exact same thing because I'd just watched the module/class on these surfaces a couple days ago (prepping for the Certified Applicator's test) and he mentioned almost verbatim what you said.
Jim, one phrase I seem to be using more this year is "There is damage we cause, and there is damage we uncover", and this sounds like a great place to use this phrase.
Hey guys
What is the procedure for cleaning composite decks ?
I am assuming that I would wet them down, apply a greenwash 1-2% mix, let dwell and then rinse.
Anything else ?
2% w/1 oz GW per gallon. fan coats, dwell. TW if soiled. Agitate only if needed. Rinse
There can be problems with a lot of different composites. The earlier and cheaper generations of this stuff is known for problems. Basically most of it has wood pulp mixed in with the plastic, and the wood fibers get full of algae. When we clean it the fibers bleach out and you get a lighter color than many customers expect, like white flecks or "fuzz" in the boards. Also, if it has ever been pressure washed, you are likely going to uncover damage, raising or fuzzing of the wood fibers, or etching of the plastic, or probably both. Like most home exterior components, pressure washing voids the warranty and is not recommended by the manufacturer.
That all being said, SoftWashing is the best, and really the only way to clean this stuff. Just be extra sure to really lay it all out to the customer. It might even be worth having them "sign off" on these possible issues. I run across these deck at least weekly, and they are a pain, and take a lot of "coaching" of the customer's expectations.
Amen, Chad!
Jim, one phrase I seem to be using more this year is "There is damage we cause, and there is damage we uncover", and this sounds like a great place to use this phrase.