Technical Information
Mold
Mold is a lower form of plant life that can settle and grow on any surface, including Trex® decking. Mildew is a form of mold that grows on damp surfaces.
Mold spores are similar to seeds, but cannot be seen until colonies form. Air currents, insects, animals and water transport the spores easily. Due to mold’s adaptability and large number of species, it is very hard to control and impossible to totally eliminate. Mold will not affect the structural performance of Trex decking.
In order to form visible colonies, mold needs food, moisture, and temperatures between 40 and 90° F. Trex decking is not a food source for mold, but can collect food in the form of dirt and debris such as the overflow from flowerpots and gutters. Trex decking can also supply moisture if the gaps between deck boards are too small or clogged. Refer to Trex decking Usage Guidelines for gapping instructions.
How to Remove Mold from Trex Decking
All exterior building materials require cleaning. Trex is no exception. Periodic cleaning of Trex decking will remove dirt and pollen that can feed mold. If mold colonies appear, clean the deck with a commercial deck wash containing a detergent and sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach.
This chemical will remove the mold, but please be aware it will also lighten the wood on the surface. In some cases it will require several treatments with the deck wash to completely remove all mold colonies.
Even if the spots are no longer visible, there may still be mold spores on the surface that could re-grow, so periodic cleaning is important.
The following brands of deck cleaners have been found to be effective in removing mold from Trex decking:
Always apply these products to a dry deck. Applying to a wet deck will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the cleaner. NEVER mix any other cleaners (ammonia, phosporic acid, etc.) with bleach.
- For a non-chlorine based alternative UltraMean®**** can be used, but will require scrubbing with a soft brush immediately after application.
Should you prefer an eco-friendly (no bleach) product, the following will reduce the appearance of mold on the decking surface:
Mold spreads easily and may return in some environments despite proper cleaning and preventative measures. Mold does not damage Trex and will cause no harm if allowed to propagate.
* Olympic® is a registered trademark of PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc.
** Expert Chemical™ is a trademark of Expert Chemical Inc.
*** Corte-Clean® is a registered trademark of Corte LLC.
**** UltraMean® is a registered trademark of Rhino Hide®
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