Correct Deck Composite decking help

[JohnKal]

I 'm looking for a little help. I installed a composite decking on my front porch (8X30) with a material called Correct Deck a number of years ago (probably 8 or 9). well it seems the material had mold INSIDE of it when it was manufactured. Now it looks like you know what. I've tried every available product to clean it....some worked OK but a month later the mold would rear it's ugly head. There are blotches that just won't come out. On top of that it's very faded even though it's under a roof. Apparently the company went belly up, only to surface again under a different name so as to avoid standing behind their product. I'm at wits end with this ****. As a last resort I'll rip it all out and start over, but I'd rather not as it cost me an arm and a leg at the time.
What are my options at this point. Can I paint/stain the decking? If so what product(s) do you recommend?

 

[kd3pc]

as it is a composite, it will be difficult to stain or paint, even more so, since it has been compromised in it's manufacture. Getting the surface to bond to a covering that will last will also be a problem.

Since it's maker has screwed the pooch, it will be difficult to discover what it's make up actually is, so the chances of "fixing" it are pretty low. If you have a scrap, you could test various coatings to see how they do, long term. But since one of the "pros" of composite is the ability to resist stains, and having things stick to it..... you will be fighting the chemistry. Some of Akzo-Noble's "coatings" may offer some relief, but I would not have a clue where/who to start with. Trial and error, but some may make it worse, or sticky, or gooey, or such.

Save up and replace it with wood.

 

[HoosierMark]

I am going with aluminum decking like they use on boat docks. Google Nexaninc.com I am also concerned about wood and composites and decided that this would be the best for my needs. They have one product that has built in drainage so my patio below will not get dripped on.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

One of the "best looking" porch flooring/decking material I have seen/used was PT T&G.
But of course it needs annual maintenance.

The best decking with MINIMAL maintenance- PVC!

 

[csp]

I am going with aluminum decking like they use on boat docks.

I can imagine that would get quite hot if the sun beats down on it.

 

[Bear]

Been there done that, had to rip the old all out.

+1 on the PVC

 

[HoosierMark]

I thought the aluminum would be hot also then I watched the video they had. I also talked with the guys who install it on docks. I figure if they say it is not hot when people walk on it barefoot that was a pretty good endorsement. Plus my deck is covered so that will help also.

 

[METALMOVER]

I was at Menards this past week and saw a product called Rock Solid( I think) for garage floors and decks, it was almost like rhino liner for decks, I didnt research it to much I was standing there waiting for them to find the right timber oil for my cedar deck,I dont know if it would work on composite, have you tried bleaching it? METALMOVER

 

[ford33]

I have had a Trex composite deck since September 2001. A composite deck requires annual maintenance. Mold is going to be an issue so you need to clean it yearly. I don't know what your deck is made from but if it has wood fibers in it then try the following products. Follow directions exactly and you will be happy with the results.

I do not use a pressure washer and I do not scrub aggressively when cleaning the deck. Let the cleaner do its job and you will have a clean deck. The pressure washer seems to cause the mold to be driven into the decking making its return sooner. Just use a deck brush and follow the directions exactly as the manufacturer states.

I have used the following two products successfully.

PSC Corporation - Composite deck cleaner and then followed by the sealer. It is not sold in stores. You buy online and mix it with fresh bleach 50/50. Make sure to apply the sealer as directed. It does help reduce returning mold later in the summer. It will not stop the mold from returning but will lengthen the time when it returns. I know this product well and like it. My deck looks like new after cleaning and sealing.

This year I tried a new product available from Home Depot. It was recommended by Trex corporation. I applied it last month following the directions exactly. The deck looked like new after cleaning. No pressure washer was used. I did use a scrubbing brush with a long handle. I cannot comment if the deck will look good for any period of time. I'll wait and see if it looks good at the end of summer.

Order from Home Depot online only and select store pickup. You must use the product within 30 days of arrival. The product will not work well if exposed to sunlight or warm locations prior to application. Whatever is in it breaks down during shipping if exposed to light or heat. Temperature during application must be above 55 degrees but below 90 and no rain expected during application. You do not mix the cleaner with bleach so you must order enough to clean the entire deck.

Expert Chemical 128-oz. Composite Deck Cleaner and Enhancer - Expert Composite Deck Cleaner . Approximately $18/gal

If you clean your deck yearly you will be rewarded with a nice looking deck. People remark to me how our deck looks nice and when they walk on it the boards are not hot, are level and have no splinters. I like our composite deck and would not go back to an all wood product.

 

[JohnKal]

Thanks guys. I'm going to follow the advice of Ford33..... If that doesn't work I'm gonna do what Bear ended up doing.

Thanks again.