RoofTec Tip: Cleaning Trex??

RyanCash

Member
How do you clean composite decking?
Soft Wash or Pressure Wash?
Will pressure washing void the warranty?


I think it never hurts to ask other cleaners, but always check with the manufacturer! Their websites are chock full of information that can help! This is a good lesson for almost question regarding cleaning specific products.

When talking specifically about Trex, here's their guidelines: Trex Care and Cleaning

“A pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi that has a fan attachment/adjustment and soap dispenser may be used to remove dirt or mud. Spray deck with soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8-in (203 mm) from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, a film will remain on the decking surface.”


Then if you look deeper into their mold guide: “All exterior building materials require cleaning. Trex is no exception. Periodic cleaning of Trex decking will remove dirt and pollen that can feed mold. If mold colonies appear, clean the deck with a commercial deck wash containing a detergent and sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach. This chemical will remove the mold, but please be aware it will also lighten the wood on the surface”


And finally, when dealing with older styles of Trex: “Trex does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing.”



So...What does this all mean?



You need to be an expert cleaner. Different composites can handle different types of cleaning. Talk to your customers about what type of decking that have and how old it is. Check with Manufacturers, and ALWAYS do a test spot! (possibly underside of deck if you can).

Finally: to answer our questions.

Can you Soft wash a composite deck? Yes, but test first.

Can you Pressure Wash a Composite deck? Maybe, check the age of the decking and manufacturers suggested process.

Will pressure Washing void a warranty? For newer decking, no. For older decking..possibly, although the pressure washing in itself doesn’t void the warranty, but damage cause by it will.

The Best All-In-One machine that can clean composite decking at both high pressure or low pressure with chemical injection, check out the Rooftec XCS500!

Not Just A Roof Pump!
 
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