Does Composite Decking Lose its Color?

When you build an outdoor space, you want your deck to have a long life. Premature color fading and damage can lead to a poor experience for the homeowner.

When it comes to outdoor decks, more homeowners are choosing durable composite decking as their building material. Composite deck is durable, requires less maintenance, and looks better.

A question that often arises is, does composite decking lose its color? Traditional wood decks are known to have poor resistance to fading. It requires tedious sealing and painting to maintain its appearance. But composite decks have excellent resistance to fading. Therefore, they can maintain their original appearance for a longer period.

In the next article, we’ll talk more about what causes color fading and how to avoid it.

Does composite decking lose its color?

Although composite material has excellent fade resistance and performance. There are still some factors that can cause it to fade. Over time, even durable composite decks can become faded and damaged.

Prolonged exposure to sunlight on a deck may affect the composition of the material and cause fading. As a result, almost all deck materials will fade to varying degrees after being exposed to sustained UV light. Composite material has unmatched resistance to fading, but that doesn’t mean it’s completely immune to fading.

Factors affecting the fading performance of composite decks

UV inhibitors

Composite decking is designed to be highly resistant to UV rays, so it protects the deck from fading. However, continuous exposure to sunlight can still affect the color of the deck. Although the effect is minimal, it can lead to deviations in the color of the decking.

Most manufacturers incorporate UV inhibitors into the design of their decks to minimize the effects of UV rays. The addition of UV inhibitors protects the deck from fading due to sun exposure or over time.

Quality of composite deck

The quality of the deck material directly affects the color of composite decks. It is therefore even more important to choose to use a high-quality material or a reputable brand to maximize the appearance of the deck. Therefore investing in a quality composite decking product is a good decision. This helps in getting quality performance and maintaining a vibrant appearance.

Inferior materials may be more prone to fading or slight changes in hue over time. Don’t worry though, even the most inferior composite decks have decent resistance. It still resists fading and damage better compared to traditional wood decks.

Regular maintenance and cleaning

Regular maintenance and cleaning are very important to maintain the look and color of composite decking boards. With daily use by the homeowner, dust, dirt, and organic matter can build up on the surface of the deck and make it dirty. This makes it all the more important to keep the deck clean by cleaning it regularly.

Unlike traditional wood decks, it doesn’t require tedious sanding, painting, and sealing. You just need to sweep it regularly or use a leaf blower to remove debris and fallen leaves for a simple cleanup. For stubborn stains, consider using mild soapy water or a deck cleaner for composite decking. Avoid abrasives or chemical-laden cleaners. Which can severely damage the deck and cause discoloration.

Keep away from heat

Excessive heat can cause structural damage to the composite material and lead to discoloration of the decking. This problem requires special attention. Especially in some hot climates or areas with strong sunlight exposure. Darker decks may be more prone to slight color changes since they absorb more heat compared to lighter decks.

To avoid these occurrences, consider installing awnings, umbrellas, or outdoor carpeting to avoid direct sunlight. Also please do not place any fire sources, such as grills and campfires, on your outdoor deck. Following these precautions will better protect your deck from structural damage and fading.

Choosing the right color

Different colors can also affect the long-term appearance of your composite deck. Therefore, choose colors that are effective in avoiding fading. Lighter shades tend to reflect more sunlight, and therefore will not fade as easily. However, with the development and advancement of technology, composite decks tend to feature advanced anti-fading technology. Homeowners can choose from a wider range of colors without compromising the longevity and appearance of the deck.

Regular inspections

Regular inspections of composite decking boards are critical to detecting problems and dealing with them promptly. Promptly check the deck for signs of fading or damage, especially in areas that are in direct sunlight or have high foot traffic.

Refer to the manufacturer’s repair and restoration recommendations. Promptly address deck discoloration and damage. This can effectively prevent the situation from getting worse and nip the problem in the bud. Regular inspections help maintain the integrity and original appearance of the composite material. Give your outdoor deck a lasting appeal.

Care and maintenance

Reputable brands offer longer-lasting warranties for fading and damage to decks. So find out what maintenance is covered under the warranty to maintain the original vibrant look. Alternatively, you can use a professional composite deck sealer or protective coating. This enhances the fade resistance and color retention of the deck.