Maintenance – Easy Care Tips

PERIODIC CLEANING

All exterior surfaces collect dirt, dust and contaminants and require cleaning. It is necessary to clean them perio-dically to keep them looking good. U-TIMBER composites are low-maintenance products,not no-maintenance products. Periodic cleaning of U-TIMBER composite products are suggested, even if they appear cloan, it is important to prevent the build-up of pollen/debris that can cause mold.

We recommend a basic cleaning with a composite deck cleaner or combination of soap (dishwashing detergent), hot water and a soft bristle brush. After cleaning rinse thoroughly. If unsure about the product being used to clean/ remove stains from your deck, it is recommended that you test a small area in an inconspicuous place to determine if the product will cause any unwanted discoloration. Hose off the entire deck with a garden hose and not with a pressure washer. The pressure washer will spray particles of soap on other surfaces, possibly causing staining. Using a garden hose is a better practice to gently rinse off homemade cleaner and get rid of all water spots. Household pressure washers with spray nozzle may be used to remove stains, ground in dirt, or mold but risks to spray particles of soap on other surfaces.

NATURAL WEATHERING & COLOR SHIFTING

For the first few months following installation, U-TIMBER composite products will naturally shift color as it begins to weather to a slightly lighter shade than the original color purchased. Like fine hardwood flooring, most color change will occur during the first three to six months. After this stage, U-TIMBER composite products will weather naturally and beautifully. Inconsistent or uneven exposure to sun and elements will cause the deck to weather unevenly first three to six months. Inconsistent or uneven exposure to sun and elements will cause the deck to weather unevenly. Although this condition is temporary, you can prevent uneven exposure by not covering the deck with rugs, mats or furniture during the first few weeks.

ICE AND SNOW

Calcium chloride or rock salt, available in many home centers, will melt ice on decking. Rinse off when first practical. Do not use metal shovels and sharp-edge tools: these can damage decking surface.

WATER (TANNIN) STAINS

Tannin stains naturally occur in all wood species and sometimes migrate to the surface in composite decking where surface wood fibers are exposed to sun and water. Tannin stains may occur during or shortly after .Depending on the season this can take several weeks to several months. Once tannin stains disappear after the weathering process is complete, they do not re-appear. To hasten removal of tannin stains, use warm, soapy water or other commercial composite deck cleaner and a soft bristle brush. If you use a commercial composite deck cleaner, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

CHALK MARKINGS

All colored chalk lines are permanent. Scrubbing the area with warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush may dislodge some of the chalk.

DIRT OR DEBRIS

Clean the decking to remove dirt or debris by using warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush.

MOLD & MILDEW

If debris such as pollen and dirt is allowed to remain on the deck surface, mold can feed on the biofilm. Using a hose and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush is recommended to remove the food source and mold.

OIL/GREASE/FOOD STAINS

All food spills should be removed as soon as possible. To remove, spray off with a hose and use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove spills from the surface. Rinse with warm water.

INK STAINS

Inks may be permanent. However, scrubbing with warm soapy water may lighten the stain. Rinse thoroughly.

NEVER use Chlorine based cleaner.