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NFT: Who knows how to remove spots from composite decking?

pjcas18 : 4/10/2019 8:20 am
I had a deck rebuilt last year and I used a contractor referred by a friend of a friend.

I was not happy with the job the guy did, but 10 grand later here I am. The guy suggested not to use trex or azek, they're all overpriced he said, use the Lowe's brand of decking for a fraction of the price. I agreed. No clue if that has anything to do with this situation or if this is normal for composite decking. I replaced a wood deck, mahogany, and I wanted to use mahogany again, but he suggested otherwise.

Anyway, 1 year later my deck has what looks like water spots all over it. I thought it would be maintenance free, but apparently not. I'm just hopeful I can get the spots out.

My first inclination was to get my pressure washer up there and run it over the deck, but I was told that is not a good idea and voids whatever warranty the product has - despite potentially damaging the deck.

Based on my quick internet searches I can't tell if this is tannin, or just something else expected, but I just want to know how to remove them.

Picture below, any suggestions?

Looks like mildew  
tomjgiant : 4/10/2019 8:33 am : link
Google for different cleaning options.Some with bleach ,some without, Your choice.
Take that picture to  
section125 : 4/10/2019 8:40 am : link
Lowes and ask them?
RE: Take that picture to  
pjcas18 : 4/10/2019 9:05 am : link
In comment 14380211 section125 said:
Quote:
Lowes and ask them?


I can try it. Have you been to Lowe's lately? I find it's generally non-expert retail personnel no longer home improvement experts who work there.

There was a time you could get expert advice at Lowe's or Home Depot. I no longer find that to be the case consistently.
First off - if anyone ever sells you anything to be left  
jcn56 : 4/10/2019 9:05 am : link
outdoors 24x7 and says it's maintenance free, punch them and walk away.

Then, either get yourself a good mildewcide or some copper sulfate. I use Wet and Forget - blue stuff, mixes with water and you spray it on the surface. The good is that it doesn't harm nearby plants or animals (although you should try to avoid overspray where possible). The bad is it'll take a week or two to work, minimum. When it does, it puts a protective barrier over the surface that lasts awhile (in my case, about 6 months).
RE: First off - if anyone ever sells you anything to be left  
pjcas18 : 4/10/2019 9:11 am : link
In comment 14380257 jcn56 said:
Quote:
outdoors 24x7 and says it's maintenance free, punch them and walk away.

Then, either get yourself a good mildewcide or some copper sulfate. I use Wet and Forget - blue stuff, mixes with water and you spray it on the surface. The good is that it doesn't harm nearby plants or animals (although you should try to avoid overspray where possible). The bad is it'll take a week or two to work, minimum. When it does, it puts a protective barrier over the surface that lasts awhile (in my case, about 6 months).


Thanks, so the wet and forget will get the spots out and act as a preventative?
Wet and forget  
BobOnLI : 4/10/2019 9:23 am : link
Works well for me on mold. Try not to use it if rain is expected in the next day.
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