How to keep your composite decking free from weeds and mould

How to keep your composite decking free from weeds and mould

Composite decking has always been a popular choice across the UK because of how robust and sturdy it is. Not only that, but it’s stylish, sophisticated, and has a much longer lifespan than general timber decking! And like many other garden features, you can ensure that it stays looking and performing best for the longest by taking the time to give it a regular bit of TLC.

We are composite decking experts here at North Valley Composites, and we’re here to help you keep your decking looking its best. With our expertise, you’ll create and maintain an outdoor space that you’ll love spending time in. Usually, we focus on how to keep your decking pristine when it comes to the weather, but today, we’re taking a look at the earth surrounding your deck and, more specifically, how you can prevent weeds and mould from intruding.

Lay your foundations correctly

You can get decking laid pretty much anywhere in your garden rather easily, providing you have the space and level ground. However, there are a few things to consider when you’re thinking about where you want to place it. Some of them are more obvious considerations like how close it is to your house, whether or not you’ll get much sun and of course, privacy.

Others though are not so obvious, like leaving enough space to allow for proper ventilation. When you’re installing composite timber joists and deck boards, you’ll need to leave a minimum gap of around 35mm between the base and the underside of your deck boards to ensure the air can circulate properly. If you don’t allow this space, you increase the risk of things like mould growing. And yes, while composite is generally the stronger decking option due to its unique mix of wood and plastic fibres, some of the deck’s makeup is still organic material, so it’s best practice to ensure your boards have adequate ventilation so they last as long as possible.

Prep the ground correctly

Before you even think about installing your composite decking, it’s essential to cover the ground where it’s going to be laid with landscaping or weed control fabric and weigh it down with gravel or pea shingle. This helps for several reasons:

1. It acts as a physical barrier that prevents pesky weeds from growing up and through the cracks in your decking.
2. The gravel/pea shingle improves water drainage beneath the decking, preventing water from pooling and avoiding potential issues like mould growth on the underside, which can be otherwise quite difficult to reach.
3. It creates an unwelcoming environment for invasive bugs, such as ants, that can become a real nuisance in your outdoor space, especially when you’re out on the deck frequently during summer.

If you complete all these steps in the installation process, your composite decking becomes an excellent low-maintenance option that will keep your outdoor space looking its best throughout the year!

At North Valley Composites, we offer our composite decking in a variety of stunning colours and shades, such as Teak, Ash, and Black Ash. If you need any assistance narrowing down your options, please feel free to get in touch with a member of our friendly team on 01282 677300, and we will be more than happy to assist you!