Does Trex decking get mold

Composite decking materials are made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic. Several manufacturers have been involved in class-action lawsuits, largely because consumers claim the wood lookalike harbors mold. Trex, a popular manufacturer of composite decking, says mold will not damage the deck boards.

Is Trex mold resistant?

Newer-generation Trex deck boards (Trex Transcend®, Trex Enhance®, Trex Select®, Trex Contour®) are manufactured with a high-performance shell that wraps around three sides of the composite board to protect it from the elements, providing resistance to fading, staining, scratching and mold.

What are the disadvantages of Trex decking?

• A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. …
• Composites aren’t natural. …
• Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. …
• You’ll need to comparison shop.

Can Trex grow mold?

Mold is a lower form of plant life that can settle and grow on any surface, including Trex® decking. … Trex decking can also supply moisture if the gaps between deck boards are too small or clogged. Refer to Trex decking Usage Guidelines for gapping instructions.

Can you pressure wash 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.

Does composite decking mold?

Composite decking is a man-made synthetic mixture of ‘wood flour’ and plastics which are highly susceptible to mold. The finely ground ‘wood flour’ become a veritable Petri dish for mold. Mold gets into the crevices of composite decking and clings to the fine wood particles and has a very difficult time getting out.

Is a Trex deck worth it?

Composite decking is worth the money. It costs more upfront, but thanks to minimal maintenance costs and long life, the annual cost for the life of the fence is significantly cheaper for composite materials. If what you have in mind are the Trex decks of 15 years ago, you’d be surprised to see how far they’ve come.

How do I stop my decking going green?

White distilled vinegar: White vinegar is a popular natural cleaner that can be used both inside and outside. Simply combine one gallon of water with one cup of white vinegar and scrub the deck with the solution to remove algae, mold, and mildew.

Why is my composite deck turning white?

Probably the first thing a homeowner will notice is white spots on the deck. These are exposed wood particles bleached by the sun and rain. This is a sure sign that the deck’s seal has been damaged.

How do you clean algae off Trex decking?

Mix 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner using 1 part water to 1 part concentrate in a tank sprayer. Apply mixture to dry deck and saturate the deck thoroughly. Gently sweep the deck to clean inside any grooves and let the cleaner work. Once the deck looks visually clean, rinse with a hose.

Article first time published on

Why does my deck have mold?

Why Is Black Mold Growing on My Deck? Black mold is most common in hot and humid climates where the deck wood is often moist. If the wood in these climates isn’t adequately treated with sealer and regularly cleaned, black mold will eventually grow on the boards.

Is Wet and Forget safe on composite decking?

“We used Wet and Forget on Trex composite decking, which had very heavy mildew stains. Nothing would touch it. Applied Wet & Forget twice a year, the staining is all but totally gone. … Use it twice a year every year and you will have a good looking composite deck.”

Is Trex decking slippery when wet?

Trex decking is a low-maintenance decking solution that requires a fraction of the work of wood decks and is less likely to get slippery when wet. It still requires occasional attention to keep it looking its best, but you’ll be delighted with the finished results.

Is composite decking really worth it?

There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain which makes it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner.

How long do Trex boards last?

Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years.

Can you seal Trex decking?

Trex is a brand of wood-plastic composite decking made of sawdust and recycled plastics such as plastic grocery bags. Unlike solid wood decking which is porous, Trex is waterproof. This characteristic makes it resistant to warping and rot. … A quality sealer will protect your Trex decking from these types of problems.

Can I use vinegar on Trex decking?

Despite a well-known cleaning ingredient, many still doubt whether they should use vinegar or not. The truth is, while very effective, it’s not a suitable cleaning substitute for all materials. But as for composite decking, it is generally safe to use vinegar.

Can I put Grill on Trex deck?

Yes, Gas grills are safe to use on a composite deck. Composite decking is designed to a minimum of Class C fire rating similar to wood decking. … As an extra layer of protection, people will often place a grill mat or pad to protect the decking from both heat and spills.

Why is Trex decking so expensive?

The first reason why composite decking is expensive is that they’re not an expenditure. … Composite decking materials are designed to be resistant to mold, mildew, and rot. There’s no chance of any bug damage. It may be a hefty price upfront, but it does end up saving you a ton of money in the long run.

Can dogs nails scratch Trex decking?

Composite decking mimics the look of natural wood, but without the upkeep. While it’s much more scratch resistant than wood, it’s not totally scratch proof. With enough gusto, your pooch could still leave permanent marks.

How do you keep algae from growing on a composite deck?

1. Step 1: Gather your cleaning supplies. …
2. Step 2: Combine the soap and water in a mixing bowl. …
3. Step 3: Get Rid of the Algae. …
4. Step 4: Pour the solution. …
5. Step 5: Scrub your composite decking.

How do I keep my Trex deck clean?

Spray the deck with a hose to remove surface dirt and debris. Clean the deck with a soft-bristle brush and warm, soapy water. (Trex doesn’t specify a brand of soap, so a dish soap such as Dawn is a good choice.) The brush will ensure you’ll get any dirt in the embossed pattern.

Can you jet wash composite decking?

Yes, it is safe to clean TimberTech composite decking with a power washer. Here are some tips to bear in mind when you’re power-washing your deck: Before washing your deck, sweep away leaves and other debris with a broom. Use a fan tip nozzle and a suitable cleaning product.

What is bad about composite decking?

Composite decking materials are weaker than natural wood, so they cannot support their own weight and may begin to sag if they are not properly supported. As a result, composite decks require smaller joist spacing than traditional wood decks to provide additional support.

Is mold green?

You may have seen green mold on fruits, bread, and many other foods. However, green mold can also grow in wet areas of a home. Although many species of mold can grow green, the most common are Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium. … Penicillium is famous for its antibacterial properties and is usually bluish-green.

What is the difference between green mold and black mold?

Black mold goes by the scientific name Stachybotrys. Under this umbrella term are numerous species that include Stachybotrys chartarum, or toxic black mold. It grows on building materials such as drywall. … A green mold may fall under the name Trichoderma.

What's the green stuff on my deck?

The green stuff that forms of patios is typically either mold, mildew or algae. … A wooden patio may turn green when excess moisture is held inside the pores for a long period of time. Mild, mildew and algae thrive in moist conditions such as this.

Will bleach harm composite decking?

Most manufacturers will warn you that Bleach will fade colored composites especially when used in direct sunlight. Regular use of Chlorine Bleach can eventually lead to premature chipping, splintering, and cracking that can affect the structural integrity of your composite deck.

What kills mold on decks?

Oxygen bleach is a blend of hydrogen peroxide and soda-ash. It’s one of the “greenest” products you can use to clean mold spores. Just mix up the magic formula as per the manufacturer’s directions and put it on the deck using a scrubbing brush. Finish up by rinsing your deck with a hose.

How do I prevent mold under my deck?

To prevent the mold, mildew and algae from returning, all you have to do is spray the underside of the deck with an oxygen bleach solution two or three times a season and rinse. If you periodically apply the oxygen bleach so that you don’t get heavy deposits, you’ll never have to scrub again!

What does deck mildew look like?

Mildew on decks is commonly seen as small black spots that can be embedded in the wood or an old stain.