Decking Tile Maintenance Tips for a Lasting Outdoor Floor

Regular Decking Tiles maintenance is crucial to protect your home's outdoor space and ensure it lasts for many years. Following some basic care tips can extend the life of your decking tiles significant.

Proper maintenance is important for several key reasons:

Extend the Life of Your Decking Tiles - Neglecting maintenance can cause premature wear and damage over time from dirt, mold, and staining. Regular cleaning and repairs can help deck tiles withstand weathering.

Protect Your Investment - Decking tiles are a substantial investment for any home. Maintaining them ensures you receive the longest use from this outdoor flooring. Neglecting care results in needing to replace tiles sooner.

Prevent Slips and Falls - Leaves and other debris that aren't cleaned up can become slippery. Regular maintenance like sweeping keeps the deck safe for use. Standing water from cracks or gaps between tiles also increases fall risks.

Taking some simple steps to care for deck tiles is worth it to protect resident and guest safety while enjoying this important outdoor space for many years.

Cleaning Decking Tiles Regularly

Remove Debris and Dirt

It's important to sweep decking tiles regularly to remove any debris that can accumulate. Debris left sitting on the tiles such as leaves, dirt, pollen and more can cause damage if not removed. Make sweeping part of your weekly deck maintenance routine.

Power Wash Your Decking Tiles

While regular sweeping removes surface dirt, nothing beats the cleaning power of water. At minimum twice per year, use a pressure washer to thoroughly rinse deck tiles. This deep cleans ingrained dirt and any mold or mildew growth.

Use the Right Cleaning Products for Deck Tiles

For especially dirty decks, you may need a specialized cleaner. Look for a product rated for the Composite Decking Tiles material - usually wood, composite or PVC options. Natural cleaners contain enzymes to break down organic stains and mildew.

Apply the solution with a soft brush or spray bottle, scrubbing as needed. Let it sit 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with the pressure washer. Be sure to test any cleaner on a small area first to check for damage or color change on the tiles. 

Deck Tile Repairs for Common Issues

Decking tiles can become damaged for various reasons over time. It's important to address problems properly to prevent further deterioration or safety hazards. Here are some common repairs:

Replacing Cracked or Broken Deck Tiles

Stepping or weather cracks are inevitable with use. Remove damaged tiles with a pry bar by carefully twisting and lifting. Scrape away remaining adhesive. Cut new tiles to fit the space, perhaps a half inch smaller for expansion. Apply high-quality waterproof tile adhesive to the back and set tiles in place. Weight them until bond sets as directed.

Filling Gaps Between Decking Tiles

Over time, temperature changes may cause small gaps to form where tiles meet. Left unchecked, water can wick in and damage underlying structure. For larger openings, the surrounding tiles may need to be removed and reinstalled.

Leveling Uneven Tiles

Settling soil or improper installation can result in slightly uneven tiles that collect water. For individual tiles, use shims made of tile adhesive, metal or plastic. Alternatively, self-leveling compound can smooth broader uneven areas before resealing the whole deck.