Composite cladding just like composite decking is low maintenance. But don’t be fooled into thinking it is maintenance-free.
This is because most people are under the impression that they wouldn’t have to clean or care for their composite cladding and all will still be well.
Well, yes, all will be well but your inaction would make your cladding that was supposed to last for as long as 6 to 10 years lose its longevity.
Maintaining or caring for your composite cladding is not stressful nor does it take the whole day to accomplish, it’s something that you can get done in a few minutes and you’re back to your planned schedule for the day.
In this article, we will show you how to clean and care for your composite cladding, as well as the steps and the materials needed.
Materials Needed For Cleaning
Before we dive into how you clean and maintain your cladding, you should know the materials you can use for regular cleaning.
They are not expensive and can be found in any market or store. They are:
- A soft bristle brush
- Mild soap or detergent that is ammonia-free
- Warm water
See, hassle-free and not a big deal. With this trio in your storage, you can do your regular cleaning at any time of the day.
How To Clean Your Composite Cladding
Now that you know the household materials to use, let’s dive right into how to clean your composite cladding.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning of your composite cladding cannot be overemphasized. It entails constantly removing any dirt you see, mildew, or debris that can make it look old.
Doing this twice or thrice a year will keep your cladding in good condition all year round.
However, if you stay in a polluted area where your cladding will exposed to toxic air waste, you should clean your cladding more than three times to avoid algae growth or discolouration.
For your regular cleaning, all you should do is use a bucket half full of warm water and turn your liquid soap or detergent into it. Before washing, use a hose to remove every dirt or debris that might be stuck in between the cladding. Then you can begin using the bristle brush to scrub your cladding gently to remove stains or leftover dirt.
When you are done, you the hose to rinse the foam off the cladding and allow it to sun-dry.
Pressure Washing
Another way you can clean your composite cladding is by using a pressure washer, especially if you don’t want to be the one doing the job—tools like this can ease your stress.
In case you haven’t heard of a pressure washer before, it is equipment that uses a strong force to push out lots of water and it is used for cleaning.
So how does it work? How can you use it?
- Use a fan tip nozzle so that the water coming out will touch many areas of your cladding at the same time instead of being concentrated in one spot. This will reduce the time spent on cleaning and get the job done quickly.
- No matter how fast you want to get the job over and done with, do not exceed the pressure washing limit of 1500 pounds per square inch. If you do, it could lead to dangerous cuts and damage to your composite cladding. You definitely don’t want the boards cutting into small chips and flying in different directions, that is dangerous for anyone around that area. It could pierce your skin or a lot worse might happen, so let’s take this precaution very seriously.
- Ensure the pressure washer is a bit far from your cladding while using it, at least 20-30 cm away from the composite cladding.
With all these taken into consideration, you will have a safe and seamless cleaning routine.
How To Maintain Your Composite Cladding
Maintenance is a far cry from cleaning your cladding. It is about the continuous care you give to your cladding to keep it in good condition. Below are some ways to do this:
Remove Stubborn Stains: With a brush, the same bristle brush, you can apply more pressure in scrubbing and the stain will be gone. But before you do that, you want to allow the soap in the water to act on the stain, breaking it down so that it will be easy to come off.
Pay Attention To the Detergents Used: Do not use harsh chemicals to wash or clean your cladding, Ensure that the soap or detergent used is ammonia-free–always check.
This is because it will lead to discolouration of the cladding and reduce its durability. Paying attention to this will maintain the durability and aesthetic appeal of your cladding.
Conclusion
Your composite cladding needs to be cleaned and cared for regularly. Because it is composite doesn’t make it above maintenance.
It should be maintained so that its durability and aesthetic appeal won’t reduce as time passes, by doing so, you will have a home that is charming and pristine throughout the year.
