Composite decking has become one of Yorkshire's most popular outdoor flooring choices — and it's easy to see why. It looks great, it's durable, and it's marketed as low-maintenance. But here's the thing: "low-maintenance" doesn't mean "no maintenance." Yorkshire's damp climate means even the best composite boards will develop algae, moss, and surface staining within 12–18 months of installation.
Why Does Composite Decking Get Dirty in Yorkshire?
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibres and plastic. While the plastic component resists rot, the wood fibres provide a surface that algae and moss can colonise. Yorkshire's high rainfall, frequent overcast skies, and relatively cool temperatures create ideal conditions for organic growth — particularly on north-facing decks or those shaded by trees and fences.
The result? A deck that looked pristine when installed starts to look green, slippery, and tired within a couple of years. Many Yorkshire homeowners are surprised to find their "low-maintenance" composite decking needs professional attention sooner than they expected.
Can You Pressure Wash Composite Decking?
This is one of the most common questions we get — and the answer is: it depends. High-pressure washing can damage composite decking, particularly older uncapped boards. It can raise the wood fibres, cause surface erosion, and in some cases void the manufacturer's warranty.
Our composite decking cleaning service uses controlled low-pressure washing combined with specialist composite-safe cleaning solutions. This approach removes organic growth and surface staining effectively without risking damage to the boards or voiding warranties.
Warning: High-Pressure Washing Risks
- Can raise wood fibres and damage the board surface
- May void manufacturer warranties on composite decking
- Can force water into hollow-core boards causing internal damage
- Doesn't kill algae — just moves it, so it grows back faster
What Does Professional Composite Decking Cleaning Involve?
Our professional composite decking cleaning process involves four key steps:
Assessment
We identify the composite brand, board type, and condition before selecting the appropriate cleaning method.
Pre-Treatment
Specialist composite-safe cleaning solutions are applied to break down algae, moss, and surface contamination.
Deep Cleaning
Controlled low-pressure washing and specialist brushes remove the loosened contamination without damaging boards.
Biocide Treatment
Optional biocide application inhibits algae and moss regrowth for up to 12 months after cleaning.
How Much Does Composite Decking Cleaning Cost in Yorkshire?
How Often Should Composite Decking Be Cleaned in Yorkshire?
For most Yorkshire properties, we recommend professional composite decking cleaning every 1–2 years. However, several factors can mean more frequent cleaning is needed:
- North-facing decks that receive little direct sunlight
- Decks shaded by trees, fences, or buildings
- Properties near rivers, streams, or other water sources
- Older uncapped composite boards that are more porous
- Decks in areas with heavy tree coverage (leaf tannin staining)
Composite Decking Brands We Clean in Yorkshire
We have experience cleaning all major composite decking brands available in Yorkshire, including:
Areas We Cover for Composite Decking Cleaning
We cover 20 areas across Yorkshire for composite decking cleaning. Click your nearest location for specific information:
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