Archive for April, 2011
How do I maintain my composite deck?
April 25, 2011
Compared with its natural alternatives, composite decking requires very little in terms of upkeep and maintenance. The most important maintenance measure you can take is to sweep your composite deck.
Can I power wash my cedar deck?
April 18, 2011
While you can power wash your deck, we don’t recommend it. It’s very difficult to find the right amount of pressure to apply to a cedar deck, and the amount of time saved by using a pressure washer likely won’t make up for the damage you risk doing to your deck by stripping or damaging it with too much pressure. Visit our page on cedar decks for more information.
I’ve heard these chemicals in pressure treated lumber are dangerous, is this true?
April 11, 2011
Up until 2003 pressure treated wood was manufactured using a chromated copper arsenic (CCA) treatment process, which raised certain health concerns. Due to these health concerns, pressure treated wood manufacturers have phased out the CCA process. For more information, click here to read Health Canada’s assessment of CCA. Since 2003, pressure treated wood has been manufactured using an alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) treatment process, which has been approved as safe for humans and animals. Due to its treatment, however, pressure treated lumber should never be burned. Visit our Pressure Treated Deck page for more information.
I’ve heard that composite decks can have mold and mildew problems, is this true?
April 4, 2011
Yes and no. Older composite decking materials (e.g. manufactured in the late 90’s) were especially vulnerable to mold and mildew development. Improvements in manufacturing have largely eliminated these problems, though poor deck construction can still contribute to them. Mold and mildew is most likely to occur in areas where water collects and pools for extended periods of time on the composite material. Composite decks should be constructed with a slight tilt away from the home into the yard, allowing for proper water run-off and drainage. The amount of tilt varies per deck, but the keyword here is slight – the tilt should be invisible to the naked eye. Visit our composite deck page for more information on the proper construction and maintenance of composite decks in our Ottawa, ON climate.
