Decking Care & Maintenance FAQ
How do I clean Fiberon decking?
In most cases, you can simply clean Fiberon decking with soap and water or a mild cleaner for a high-end look that lasts. For additional information on Care & Maintenance, please see our guide.
How can I prevent mold from growing on my deck?
To minimize mold on the decking, clean the deck as often as needed but at least twice each year. Climate conditions vary in different regions of the country and may necessitate more periodic cleaning. In some situations, you may need to repeat the cleaning process multiple times until you are no longer able to see any “shadows” of the spots on your deck while it is wet. You would also want to apply a mold inhibitor to decrease future growth. Once the decking has been thoroughly cleaned, you will need to maintain it in much the same way you would adhere to a cleaning schedule for any other significant item in or around your home.
What products do you recommend for removing mold from a deck?
Fiberon recommends the following two products:
- 30 Seconds® Outdoor Cleaner
- 30 Seconds® Spray and Walk Away
When used in combination, these two products provide a “one-two” punch to help control mold and mildew. Both are heavy duty, mildly alkaline, chlorinated mold and mildew removers/cleaners that are biodegradable once rinsed into the soil. Both have been tested and perform very well in removing mold and mildew and decreasing its return on our uncapped composite decking. Consumers can find these products on the manufacturer’s website, at most Home Depot® locations, and through www.homedepot.com. They are also available at most Walmart® stores and Ace® Hardware locations.
Can I power-wash my deck if there is mold present?
Power-washing will only worsen the mold problem. The pressure of the power washer pushes the mold further down into the pores of the material. We DO NOT recommend power washing the decking while mold or mildew is present. If a pressure washer has been used, we recommend at least two applications of cleaner to ensure that the roots of the mold are thoroughly neutralized. A pressure washer can also, if used improperly, damage the deck surface. We recommend exercising extreme caution when using a pressure washer for deck cleaning. Remember to keep the tip at least 12 inches from the deck surface to prevent damage.
What types of welcome or grill mats are recommended for PVC and PE composite decking?
We recommend colorfast woven mats or polypropylene mats on PVC and PE Composite Decking. Avoid the use of rubber, latex or vinyl products on PVC or PE Composite Decking, as a reaction could occur resulting in discoloration under the rubber, latex or vinyl product.
Do Fiberon products require water sealing?
Fiberon products require only periodic cleaning with soap and water. Deck sealants are not required or recommended.
How do I remove the label adhesive from my Fiberon deck boards?
When you remove the labels that come standard on our deck boards, there may be some adhesive left behind. We recommend WD40, denatured alcohol or PVC pipe cleaning liquid as the most effective means of removing this adhesive. Traditional deck cleaner or power washing may not remove the adhesive completely.
I accidentally chipped a piece of my deck board. Is there a way to repair it?
While Fiberon decking is resilient, some outside sources can damage it. Certain minor issues can be fixed with a brass bristle brush or heat gun. Or, with our reversible Concordia Decking, you may opt to remove the chipped board, flip it over, and re-install it.
What can I use to melt ice and snow on my deck without damaging it?
The best thing for removing ice and snow is a calcium chloride-based “ice-melt” or rock salt. If you’re unsure about what type of ice-melt you’re looking for, search for a product that has the phrases, “safe for concrete”, “safe for flagstone”, and “will not kill grass” in its description. Do not use ice melt with an added colorant. The dyes can stain your composite decking. Never use sand on Fiberon Decking. Sand abrasion can grind into the decking and permanently damage the surface.
Can I power wash Fiberon decking products?
Skilled professionals may use a pressure washer with wide fan tips, at low pressures under 3,000 psi and at safe distances, 12" above deck. In the wrong hands, your composite deck could be damaged. Exercise extreme caution. Improper use could lead to damage of the surface and void your warranty coverage.
Will heat from cooking grills or fire pits harm Fiberon decking?
Fire features and fire pits are increasingly popular in outdoor living environments. Fire can damage many building products, including Fiberon decking. Improperly installed fire features and fire pits can cause damage to the surface of Fiberon decking via direct exposure to the flame or excessive radiated heat. Proper caution should be taken when designing, installing and using these features to ensure damage does not result.
What if my decking gets scratched?
In the same way that wood decking materials can get marred or gouged, the surface of composite decking can also be scratched. If scratches do occur, we recommend allowing normal wear marks to disappear gradually.
Will salt water hurt Fiberon products?
Salt water splash has not been found to be detrimental.
How do I remove tree sap from my decking?
Because tree sap is especially sticky, neither ordinary deck cleaners nor power washing will work. We recommend using WD40 to remove the sap. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Please note that WD40 also is effective in removing the labels that are found on the boards when they arrive at the job site.