Is your slippy decking too treacherous to walk on? It may be ok now as we’ve had a dry year, but over winter will it become green and slimy? Have you tried cleaning slippy decking but not been happy with the results?
One of the main problems is timing. Many people leave their external cleaning until spring. I can see why- spring is the time when we start to enjoy the garden.
So, Why do any outside cleaning in autumn or winter?
Dark, damp conditions is when algae, lichens, moss and mould thrive. Leaving a decking exposed to the elements for 4 or 5 months through this period will allow a substantial biofilm to set in. This could well take such a hold of the wood that rot sets in and the wood is ruined beyond repair. We recommend a light pressure wash with appropriate equipment and techniques, and more importantly a treatment with a professional product to kill the infestation. This product soaks into the wood , killing off organic growth plus giving an amount of residual protection.
The best option for your decking is Algoclear Pro. It does not contain bleach. Bleach will quickly brighten your wood but it can destroy and shorten the lifespan of your deck. This is because liquid chlorine will destroy the lignin in the wood. Lignin is a polymer which bonds the wood fibres together. So although it may look clean instantly , this is not a sustainable option for long term wood care. Another reason to avoid bleach is the corrosive effect it has on metal. This will include nails and fixings securing the deck in place.
For those keen on DIY – Sodium per-carbonate is also a suitable option followed by a brightening and ph neutralising agent such as oxallic acid.
We also recommend cleaning slippy decking , even if it’s composite decking with the same methods.
Please contact us for a quote here
