CorrectDeck Composite Decking - Mold & Mildew Prevention Checklist

CorrectDeck® Composite Decking & Railing Systems

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Cleaning & Care Mildew Prevention Checklist

Mildew Prevention Checklist

Ensure that you have...

gapped the decking properly (minimum 1/8")

verified that the gutters do not discharge onto the deck

checked that gutters are not backed up and overflowing onto deck

dryer vent doesn’t discharge directly onto or around deck

pitched the deck properly away from the house for drainage (minimum 1/8" in 8’)

ensured that there is proper underdeck ventilation (latticework only on sides of deck), and that the underdeck area is clear of pooling water

avoided the use of bark mulch around, on or under the deck (bark mulch may be heavily laden with mildew spores)

avoided the use of lawn or plant fertilizer on the deck (such as overspray from lawn fertilizer)

swept the deck every week, especially when pollen is heavy (typically spring and late summer)

See Guide to Mold & Mildew Prevention

Additional Tips

Sweep, don’t hose. A dry deck is better.
Do not hose the deck down to clean it, other than as part of the mildew removal procedure. It is better to sweep it.

Slope the underdeck area away from the house for proper drainage.
If the underdeck area is moist, leafy, or poorly ventilated, it will promote the growth of mildew.

A high quality landscape fabric under the deck.
Covered with pea gravel or washed stone, is a good idea to prevent weed growth and moisture problems.

Pressure washing is acceptable.
Set the pressure below 1500 psi, 130° F. Use the pressure washer to rinse the deck, as opposed to putting the cleaners in the pressure washer – it is better to let the cleaners sit on the deck for at least an hour to work and your cleaners will go farther this way.

All of these factors can contribute to a mold and mildew problem and should be corrected before further action is taken.