How to stop mould from growing on your timber deck
No matter what timber you use, you have to accept that mould will eventually find a way to grow on your beloved deck – it’s just part of the environment! Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to delay mould growth and prevent your deck from being overwhelmed!
Learn why mould occurs, what you can do to remove it, and how you can stop mould from growing on your timber deck.
What causes mould?
For mould to grow, it needs four things: moisture, oxygen, a host (timber, food, etc), and humidity.
Mould spores regularly float through the air until they find a suitable living environment – and that could be your deck or other porous outdoor surfaces. Once there, they feed off organic material such as timber and leaves. Their growth depends on the climate. If the environment is damp and humid, the spores will quickly bloom and create dark spots on the timber decking. This process will continue until the boards are cleaned thoroughly and treated.
How can you remove mould?
Removing mould from your timber decking can be time-consuming, especially if the spores have already settled within the wood. The best way to get rid of mould is catching it early!
The first thought that many people have to remove mould is to pressure wash the deck. While this may be a popular method for cleaning other porous surfaces, this can actually do more harm than good. The high pressure of the water can force the mould further into the timber, causing more significant mould and surface issues.
You can, however, use detergent and water or even bleach and water to clean most deck finishes. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer or supplier’s recommendations for your finish. A scrubbing brush or a stiff broom works wonders for cleaning.
For particularly stubborn mould, it may be necessary to apply a remover, which might take a few applications before you can fully remove the mould. Once the deck is clear, it’s a good idea to apply a deck sealant or mould inhibitor, which will reduce the likelihood of it growing back.
How do you stop mould from growing on your timber deck?
One effective way to stop mould growing on your timber deck is to seal it with stain or timber decking oil. Timber decking oil is a great option for the obvious reason: it’s designed for timber decks. Timber decking oil seals the timber and protects it against moisture, UV rays, and mould. Be sure to cover every square millimetre of your deck surface, including the edges.
Another way to stop mould from growing on your timber deck is to sweep it regularly with a stiff broom, removing any loose debris. Remember: mould thrives off organic material! Debris on your deck can also compromise the protection that the finish is designed to provide.
If you spill food or any organic material on your deck, make sure to wipe it up immediately. This keeps it from staining the deck or integrating itself into the finish. Depending on your location and climate, you may also need to clean your deck more often. Keep an eye on it, and adjust your maintenance schedule accordingly.
Timber oils and stains available at Narangba Timbers
Wanting to know how you can stop mould from growing on your timber deck?
At Narangba Timbers, we recommend and offer a variety of Dulux Intergrain products to help you maintain the natural beauty of your timber and protect your beloved deck from mould.
Nature’s Timber Oil gives a rich coat to your deck, and as a natural timber finish, it’s made from 95% sustainable ingredients. The penetrating formula in Intergrain Timber Oil replicates timber’s natural defences against ageing, and provides resistance to water, ultraviolet and mould.
To learn more about timber decking and sealants, call Narangba Timbers today on 1300 477 024.