Call anytime
-
-
Send email
[email protected]
Blog
Can You Put Salt On Composite Decking
When it snows in winter, outdoor deck floors, especially outdoor wood-plastic decks, can become slippery and may cause pedestrian injuries. To prevent this from happening, it is critical to remove snow from composite decks in a timely manner. Most owners of composite fences and decks choose to use salt. So, can we apply salt on composite decks?
When people consider outdoor decks like composite decking, they often compare it to traditional wood decks. Concerns arise about whether the salt that damages wood decks could also harm composite decking boards. The reassuring answer is ‘no,’ although this remains a common uncertainty. This blog is crafted to dissolve these doubts, offering deeper insights into the robust nature of outdoor WPC decking.
Understanding the Effects of Salt on Composite Decking
Many people are afraid to salt their decks because salt dries out the wood and reduces its strength and hardness. This is true if you have a wooden deck because salt dries out the wood. On the other hand, composite decking is made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, and it has the look of solid wood. But unlike traditional wood, it is not real wood. That’s why most composite decking manufacturers say to use rock salt in the winter.
Some things are rough enough to damage the surface of composite decking, but salt isn’t rough enough. So you can use rock salt to melt snow and ice from the surface of composite decking. Composite decking, including outdoor WPC decking and composite fencing, offers long-lasting performance and low maintenance. It is an excellent alternative to wood decking and is especially popular among residents in coastal areas.
Clean Up Salt Residue
When salt comes into contact with your composite decking, it leaves a film called salt residue. This can make the deck slippery and look bad. Removing the residue is as easy as attaching a pressure washer to your outdoor hose and spraying the water hard. If this residue is thick, phosphoric acid can be used to remove all spots.
Regular Deck Cleaning
Keeping composite decking clean is simple. Simply rinse your deck with soapy water until the water runs clear and no stains or dirt can be seen. If you have plants or other things around your house, make sure you use organic soap. Soaps with chemicals can harm plants.
Pay Attention to Cleaning Tools
Rough materials can harm the entire surface of composite decking boards. Therefore, you should not use rough cleaning tools. Avoid using sharp tools on composite decking as it can damage the surface of the deck. When it snows, make sure that you use a plastic shovel rather than a metal shovel to clean the composite decking surface.
Other Ice-melting Items
Aside from rock salt, there are other things that can be used to melt snow and ice on composite decking. Ice melt is a specialized de-icing substance that can be used to remove ice that has formed on sidewalks and decks. Similarly, you can use ice melt on composite decking before it snows. Ice melt prevents ice from building up.
There are many different types of ice melt that you can buy. However, not all ice melts can be used on composite decking, and to prevent damage to your deck, which can lead to costly repairs, you should choose an ice melt that is not too hard.
Different Types of Ice Melt for Composite Decking
Many people around the world use Calcium Chloride Ice Melt, Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt), and Magnesium Chloride as ice melts for decking. Calcium chloride is the ice melt we recommend because it is mild and will not harm the deck, plants, or surrounding landscape.
Calcium Chloride Ice Melt
Calcium chloride ice melt can be used on composite decks because it will not damage or change the color of the deck surface. This is one of the best ice melters if compared to other types of ice melters. Calcium chloride breaks down ice quickly and successfully. When it comes in contact with snow and ice, it turns into liquid brine. The freezing point of the water drops because of this brine, thus melting the ice and snow.
Rock salt or Sodium Chloride
Sodium chloride is sometimes referred to as “rock salt” and many people use it to melt ice every year. Since it is cheap, many people choose it in winter. Lowering the freezing point of water is the principle behind rock salt melting ice and snow. Rock salt will not harm plants when used in moderation. However, be aware that using it in large quantities near plants and soil can harm them, so keep this in mind and use it carefully.
Magnesium Chloride
Like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride melts ice quickly by absorbing water. If you want to melt ice in an environmentally friendly way, magnesium chloride is the best choice. However, be careful with the amount you use, especially near plants and soil, as too much can harm them. It is better to use magnesium chloride than sodium chloride, but you still need to be careful when using it on grass, soil, or plants.
Can I Use Ice Melt on Composite Decking?
If you want to melt ice on composite decking material, there is a calcium chloride ice melt that works best on this decking material.
If there are plants and dirt near or on the deck, calcium chloride is the best choice because it won’t stain the deck. We think magnesium chloride is the next best choice, but be careful when using it near plants and dirt because it can harm them. Calcium chloride ice melt will soak into wooden decks. On the other hand, capped composite decking will not absorb calcium chloride ice melt as well as wood.
In some cases, rock salt ice melt can take moisture out of the wood, which can crack the wood plus. Care must be taken when using rock salt on wood decks, and small amounts must be used. Composite decking boards, on the other hand, do not have this problem. You don’t have to worry about rock salt melting ice damaging your composite decking.
Rock salt can also be used on composite decking, but not too much. Make sure the ice is not too hard before using ice melt on your deck. After the ice melts, clean the deck promptly. Always test rock salt before using it on composite decking. Placing ice melt on a small area of the deck is one way to do this. Ice melt can be used as long as it does not harm the deck.
What Do I Need to Know Before Using Ice Melt on Composite Decking?
Now that you know you can use ice melt on a composite deck, it’s important to be careful. To be safe, follow these steps.
Stay Away from Ice Melt that Contains Traction Grit
You should not use traction grit on composite decking because it can scratch the deck surface. However, they are helpful in preventing slipping on ice. Sand, sawdust, and other gripping grit can help you avoid melting ice. You should only use ice melt that does not contain any gripping sand.
Avoid Melting Ice with Colorants
Ice melts that contain colorants can stain composite decks. Therefore you should not use this ice melt on composite decking boards. If you want to remove snow and ice from your deck, choose an ice melt that does not contain colorants.
Summary
EVODEK composite decking offers greater durability and less maintenance, with simple cleaning required to keep it looking great. So you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors.
EVODEK composite decking is made of high-performance materials that are more resilient than wood decking. It can withstand winter weather as well as fading, scratching, or staining. You may not want to use your deck during the winter months, but with minimal maintenance and upkeep requirements, you can start enjoying your deck when spring rolls around.
Related Post
Leave a Comment