Use and Care Manual

Care and Maintenance
For Fiberon Manufactured Capped Composite Decking and Railing Products
For the most up-to-date instructions, visit www.fiberondecking.com. FIB-0207-LIT REV H 215
Important Considerations
 Ensure minimum six inches of required ventilation under
deck substructure and required spacing between decking
boards.
 Improve drainage or grade soil to eliminate standing water
under decks.
 Direct downspouts, downspout extensions and splash
guards away from decks.
 Position dryer vents away from decks.
 Maintain a deck that is dry and clean.
 Clean your deck as often as needed, at least twice each
year.
 Use extreme caution with pressure washers and use at
pressures less than 3,000 psi at 10" above deck surface.
Pressure washing is not recommended when mold/mildew
are present on the deck.
 Keep debris out of gaps between the decking boards so
rain showers can remove pollen and organic debris
between cleanings.
 Minimize the use of wet mulch up against the deck
structure.
 Items stored directly on top of the deck surface, such as
flower pots, prohibit water evaporation and can cause
some staining on the deck surface.
Ventilation
Do not install decking directly to a solid surface. Make sure
there is adequate and unobstructed air flow under the deck to
prevent excessive water absorption. Improve drainage or
grade flat areas where standing water may gather. Allow a
minimum of 6" (15 cm) between the bottom of the deck
substructure/joists and the ground. The deck design must allow
unrestricted airflow under at least 50% of its perimeter to
permit adequate ventilation.
Mind the Gap
If the gap between decking boards is less than 3/16", organic
debris such as leaves, seeds or pollen can settle on the deck
and clog gaps. Water can pool, steeping organic debris that
forms a “tea” or of tannin which may stain your deck. This
organic debris is a strong food source for mold. Keeping the
gap clean is the easiest way to keep the deck clean. If gapping
becomes clogged, use a garden hose, a spatula, putty knife or
similar tool to remove debris.
Clean Your Deck
Clean your deck as often as needed, at least twice each year
to remove pollen, organic debris, dirt or stains. Generally, a
broom or a blower will work better than a hose for removing
scattered organic materials like leaves. For general cleaning,
use soap and water or mild household cleaners.
Construction Chalk
Colored chalk, used in construction for marking straight lines
prior to cutting, is permanent on most surfaces. Contact the
manufacturer of the specific brand and color of chalk for a
cleaning solution that may prove effective. The best advice is
to avoid colored chalk, using workable alternatives such as
white chalk or baby powder.
Masonry Construction
It is important to protect decking during masonry construction.
White or hazy residue from mineral deposits (efflorescence)
can leach out of stone and masonry materials after water
evaporates leaving the deposits behind. Minerals from soils in
certain arid and mountainous environments can also cause a
hazing affect when deposited on the deck surface. This can
only be prevented with complete and secure coverage of the
decking surface area during the construction phase or
installation of the decking after the masonry construction
phase. To minimize this affect during masonry construction,
keep materials dry and allow masonry and cement to cure
properly.
For mineral deposits left on the decking surface, periodic
cleaning is required to maintain visual attractiveness. Fiberon
developed Fiberon Composite Deck Cleaner specifically
formulated for, and effective in cleaning dirt, clay, mud, soil,
mineral deposits and masonry and stucco residue. Use the
Fiberon Composite Deck Cleaner with a brass bristle brush to
clean, repeating the process as needed. Be sure to follow the
label instructions. Do not mix recommended cleaning products
together as harmful chemical reactions could occur.
Dirt and Grime
Dislodge accumulated dirt with a broom or by using soap and
water and a non-metal scrub brush. Thoroughly rinse off with a
garden hose. Skilled professionals may use a pressure washer
with wide fan tips, at low pressures under 3,000 psi and at safe
distances, 10” above deck. In the wrong hands, your
composite deck can be damaged. Exercise extreme caution.
Oil and Grease Stains
Speedy clean-up is best. To clean grease and oil stains that
soap and water cannot remove, some all-purpose cleaners,
such as Fantastik, will cut through grease and grime. Or use a
commercial deck cleaner designed specifically for your type of
decking. De-Solv-It Citrus Solution is effective in removing tar,
asphalt, oil, grease and chewing gum. Be sure to follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations and test in an inconspicuous
area prior to cleaning the entire deck.
Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew are common environmental conditions. Molds
grow on decaying organic material such as wood, leaf decay
and pollen. Tiny and lightweight, mold spores travel easily
through the air. Different climates experience varying degrees
of these conditions depending on the amount of moisture and
heat present.
To thrive, mold and mildew need air, water, elevated
temperatures and a food source. There is no way to eliminate
all these conditions in the environment. A wide variety of
building materials including concrete, wood products, vinyl
siding and many others are subject to potential mold growth.
To minimize mold on your decking, clean your deck as often as
needed, at least twice each year. Climate conditions vary in
different regions of the country and may necessitate more