General Deck Maintenance Guidelines (All Deck Types)

✅ DO:

• Inspect your deck at least once per year

• Keep the deck surface free of debris, leaves, and standing water

• Clean spills promptly to prevent staining

• Maintain proper airflow underneath the deck

• Use manufacturer-approved cleaning products only

❌ DON’T:

• Allow snow, ice, or debris to accumulate for long periods

• Use pressure washers unless explicitly approved by the manufacturer

• Place rubber-backed mats or rugs on deck surfaces

• Use metal shovels or sharp tools on deck boards

• Apply unapproved chemicals or cleaners

⚠️ Improper maintenance methods can void manufacturer warranties.

Wood Deck Maintenance (Pressure-Treated & Natural Wood)

Wood decks require regular care to maintain their appearance and structural integrity.

✅ DO:

• Clean annually using a wood-safe deck cleaner

• Allow new pressure-treated wood to dry before sealing (typically 3–6 months)

• Apply a quality wood sealer or stain every 1–3 years

• Inspect for loose fasteners, splinters, or rot

• Keep fasteners tight and replace corroded hardware

❌ DON’T:

• Use bleach or chlorine-based cleaners

• Power wash at high pressure (can damage wood fibers)

• Apply solid stains over wet or uncured wood

• Ignore early signs of rot or cracking

• Trap moisture under furniture or planters

⚠️ Warranty & Damage Risks

• Over-pressure washing

• Bleach-based cleaners

• Failure to seal or maintain wood
  These can shorten the lifespan of a wood deck significantly.

Composite Deck Maintenance (Trex®, TimberTech®, etc.)

Composite decking is low-maintenance, not maintenance-free.

✅ DO:

• Clean 1–2 times per year with mild soap and water

• Use manufacturer-approved composite cleaners

• Rinse thoroughly after cleaning

• Remove organic debris promptly (leaves, pollen, dirt)

• Lift furniture occasionally to allow airflow

❌ DON’T:

• Use rubber-backed mats or rugs

• Use harsh chemicals, solvents, or degreasers

• Power wash unless manufacturer-approved

• Allow grease, oil, or food spills to sit

• Scrub with wire brushes or abrasive pads

⚠️ Warranty-Void Risks for Composite Decking

• Rubber or latex-backed mats

• Grill mats not approved by manufacturer

• Improper cleaning chemicals

• Pressure washing beyond approved PSI

Many manufacturers specifically warn that rubber mats and harsh cleaners can cause discoloration and void warranties.

PVC Deck Maintenance

TimberTech® AZEK®  and other PVC Decking products

Care, Cleaning & Warranty Considerations

TimberTech® AZEK® PVC decking is engineered for long-term durability and low maintenance. However, proper care, cleaning, storage, and handling are essential to preserve appearance and maintain manufacturer warranty coverage.

The following guidelines summarize manufacturer-recommended best practices for AZEK decking, porch boards, rim joist covers, risers, and railing components.

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🧹 Cleaning & Routine Maintenance (AZEK PVC)

Recommended Cleaning Method:

• Use mild soap and water

• Scrub with a stiff natural fiber brush

• Rinse thoroughly

Approved Cleaners:

• Chomp® Gutter Cleaner

• Zep® 505

• Simple Green®

• Krud Kutter® Cleaner/Degreaser

For rust stains only:

• Krud Kutter® “The Must for Rust”

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🚫 Cleaners & Products to AVOID (Warranty-Critical)

❌ Do NOT use composite deck cleaners, including:

• Corte Clean®

• Thompson’s® WaterSeal® Oxy Action

• Olympic® Premium Deck Cleaner

AZEK is PVC/polymer, not wood-plastic composite.

❌ Avoid:

• Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners

• Solvents or degreasers not listed above

• PVC glue or similar adhesives on deck surfaces

• Abrasive pads or wire brushes

• Pressure washing unless explicitly approved

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🧺 Mats, Rugs, Pool Items & Chemicals (Very Important)

❌ Avoid extended contact with:

• Rubber-backed mats or rugs

• Tarps

• Pool toys

• Non-breathable outdoor carpets

These items can:

• Trap moisture

• Cause surface discoloration

• Void manufacturer warranties

❌ Chemical Exposure Warnings:

Some products contain chemicals that may damage AZEK surfaces, including:

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellents

• Bug sprays

Always check product labels and confirm compatibility with PVC or plastic materials before use near your deck.

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🏗️ Construction Debris Warning

• Always remove jobsite dust, dirt, clay, mud, and debris immediately

• Do NOT allow concrete dust, fiber cement dust, masonry debris, or landscape block dust to settle on AZEK surfaces

• Do NOT cut masonry products on or near AZEK decking

These materials can permanently damage the deck surface.

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❄️ Ice & Snow Removal Guidelines

✅ DO:

• Use plastic snow shovels

• Use calcium chloride ice melt (manufacturer approved)

• Sweep snow whenever possible

❌ DON’T:

• Use metal shovels

• Use plastic shovels with metal leading edges

• Chip ice aggressively

⚠️ Winter Safety Note
Like all walking surfaces, AZEK decking may become slippery in winter conditions. Exercise caution.

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🛡️ Warranty Summary (Homeowner Reference)

TimberTech® AZEK® decking products include:

• Limited Lifetime Residential Warranty

• 20-Year Limited Commercial Warranty

• 50-Year Residential Fade & Stain Warranty

Covered defects include:

• Blistering

• Peeling

• Flaking

• Cracking

• Splitting

• Cupping

• Rotting

• Termite or fungal decay

👉 Full warranty details available at TimberTech.com