How to Maintain and Care for Your ACRE Deck and Porch

Decks and porches are a popular feature for homeowners for their ability to serve as a useful extension of your home for gatherings, relaxation, and activities. To keep your outdoor living space looking beautiful and functioning well, regular maintenance and care are essential. Some building materials are more vulnerable to water damage, wear and tear from weather, or rotting and molding.

Opting for materials that are capable of withstanding exterior climates and need less maintenance and repairs is a smart homeowner investment. Whether made from wood, composite, or eco-friendly materials like ACRE™, these general maintenance tips will help keep your deck and porch looking great and extend its lifespan.

Regular Cleaning

One of the simplest and most effective ways to care for your outdoor living space is through regular cleaning. Dirt, leaves, and debris can cause your deck to look worn and lead to damage, molding, or rotting in specific materials if left unaddressed. To keep your deck or porch clean, homeowners should consistently:

• Wash the Surface: Every 6-12 months or as needed, wash the exterior of your deck or porch with a gentle all-purpose cleaner with a natural all-fiber brush. For ACRE, do not use traditional composite deck cleaners, follow our installation guides below for specific details.

• Rinse Thoroughly: After washing, rinse the deck with a hose or pressure washer on a low setting. Be cautious with pressure washing, ACRE should not be washed using a pressure above 2500 psi and the tip of the hose should be at least 12’ from the surface.

• Right Coating: For easier care and cleaning, ACRE should be coated with an exterior-grade water-soluble paint or stain and a protective coating.

Inspect for Damage

Regular inspections are critical for maintaining the quality and performance of all building materials. Every few months, or after particularly harsh weather, take the time to inspect your deck for the following issues:

• Check for Cracks or Rot: If your porch is made of wood, look for cracks, rot, or areas where moisture may have caused damage. If you find any rot, you’ll need to replace those boards to prevent further damage. ACRE porch and deck boards are moisture-resistant and will not rot or splinter, minimizing this concern.

• Loose or Worn Boards: Check for loose boards or screws that need to be tightened or replaced. Walk around your porch and listen for creaking sounds, which could indicate areas that need reinforcement.

• Protruding Nails or Screws: To ensure safety and support, frequently check that nails and screws are tightly fastened. This step will help maintain the strength and performance of your outdoor space.

Prevent Stains and Discoloration

Discoloration and stains can detract from the appearance of your outdoor space, especially with accidental messes or decorative objects on the surface. To prevent and manage stains:

• Clean Spills Immediately: Accidental spills from food, drinks, or grease should be cleaned up immediately. Soap and water or gentle all-purpose cleaners can keep your deck or porch looking fresh for longer.

• Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Only use cleaners that are safe for your decking material. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish of your deck and lead to discoloration.

• Exterior Decorations: Placing rubber or vinyl materials on exterior building materials may cause discoloration, especially with prolonged use. To avoid this, regular inspections of your deck or porch can help maintain high quality and performance.

Minimize Sun Damage

Over time, constant exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading, cracking, or warping, especially in wood. ACRE products generally will not gray like natural woods in exterior applications. However, color may fade over time with increased UV exposure, therefore a UV-resistant stain or paint can help resist fading and make for easier cleaning and care.

To protect your deck or porch from UV damage, homeowners should:

• Use a UV-Resistant Finish: A UV-resistant clear coat, stain, or paint will help resist fading of your outdoor living space and will be easier to clean and care for.

• Shade the Deck: Installing umbrellas, pergolas, or other types of shade can help limit direct sunlight exposure, reducing the risk of fading or drying out.

Winterize Your Deck or Porch

For homeowners in regions with cold winters, preparing your deck for the harsh weather is essential to prevent damage from ice, snow, and freezing temperatures. When winterizing your outdoor living space, homeowners should:

• Remove Snow and Ice: For ice removal, most products containing calcium chloride can be used without damage to the ACRE surface, any leftover residue should be cleaned with soap and water.

• • Avoid sharp shovels: Metal shovels or plastic shovels with a metal edge may damage the surface of your deck or porch. Instead, use tools without sharp edges that can easily clear snow or ice from the surface.

• Inspect After Winter: Once the snow and ice have melted, inspect your deck for any damage caused by winter conditions and make necessary repairs.

Conclusion

Proper deck and porch maintenance and care are essential to preserving the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space. Whether outdoor living space is made with ACRE or other materials like wood and composites, many tasks are required to extend the product’s life and lasting performance including regular cleaning, inspection, and preparation against harmful factors.

If you’ve chosen Modern Mill’s ACRE, you’ll enjoy a material with all the warmth of wood and the benefits of composites. ACRE is a one-of-a-kind building material so be sure to adhere to our best practices, installation guides, and refer to our coatings resources for optimal performance.

Ready to elevate your home with ACRE? Order samples today or fill out the contact form to start the conversation!