Algae growth on decking is a common issue for homeowners, but did you know that the weather plays a big role in how and when it appears? Whether your deck is wood, composite, or another material, weather conditions can create the perfect environment for algae to thrive. Let’s dive into how different weather patterns contribute to algae growth and what you can do to keep your decking clean and safe.
The Impact of Different Weather Conditions
Rain and High Humidity
Rain and humidity are the most obvious culprits when it comes to promoting algae growth. Decks that are frequently wet provide an ideal breeding ground for algae. When moisture lingers on the surface of your deck—especially if there’s little sunlight to dry it out—algae can take hold. High humidity levels can also contribute to this problem by keeping the air around your deck damp, even if it hasn’t rained recently.
If you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall, you’ll likely find algae forming more frequently on your decking. The key to preventing this is ensuring your deck has proper drainage and that water doesn’t sit for too long on the surface. You also need to ensure that you’re purchasing quality decking and a good cleaner. You can do this at dino.co.uk.
Warm Temperatures and Sunlight
While rain encourages algae growth, warm temperatures also play a crucial role. Algae thrive in warmer climates, as heat speeds up the process of photosynthesis, allowing the algae to grow and spread. Sunlight, on the other hand, can sometimes work as a deterrent. If your deck gets a lot of direct sunlight, it can dry out the moisture on the surface, making it harder for algae to grow. However, if the temperatures are high and there’s plenty of humidity, the algae will still find a way to grow.
It’s a delicate balance—warm weather and humidity together create the perfect conditions for algae to thrive. That’s why algae is so common in places that experience a hot, damp summer.
Cold and Freezing Conditions
You might think that cold weather would stop algae in its tracks, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Freezing temperatures slow down algae growth, but they don’t necessarily kill it. In fact, algae can survive harsh winters and continue to grow when temperatures rise again. Additionally, the presence of moisture and frost can cause damage to decking materials, especially wood, as it can freeze and expand within the material, leading to cracks and other damage.
So, while winter might slow things down, it’s not the end of the algae problem. Regular maintenance is key to preventing long-term damage caused by algae.
Wind and Storms
Wind and storms also contribute to algae growth, though in a slightly different way. Strong winds can blow leaves, twigs, and other debris onto your deck, which, when combined with moisture, can provide food for algae. After a storm, decks often retain moisture for longer periods due to fallen debris blocking drainage areas. The combination of these factors makes your deck even more susceptible to algae growth.
If you live in an area that experiences frequent storms, it’s a good idea to check your deck after each storm and clean up any debris to prevent algae from taking hold.
How To Combat Weather-Related Algae Growth
Now that we know how weather conditions affect algae, let’s talk about how to prevent and manage it.
Regular Cleaning: Make it a habit to sweep your deck frequently to remove leaves and debris. This will help prevent algae from finding a food source.
Proper Drainage: Ensure your deck has adequate drainage, so water doesn’t pool in certain areas. If you notice standing water, consider installing a drainage system.
Protective Coatings: Applying an algae-resistant stain or sealer can help prevent algae from taking root in the first place. These products form a protective barrier that makes it harder for moisture and organic matter to cling to the surface.
Pressure Washing: If algae has already formed, a good pressure wash can help remove it. Just make sure to follow up with cleaning and reapplying a protective coat to prevent it from returning.
Is It Beneficial to Use a Special Decking Cleaner?
Is your decking area looking worse for wear after the winter? The garden can get messy after the bad weather and this can lead to mud everywhere, leaves lying around and algae growing on shaded surfaces. The good news is that once the weather starts improving, it’s going to be easy to spruce up the place and get your outdoor space looking amazing for the summer.
Of course, you’re going to want to spend time out on the decking, whether you want to sunbathe or have a barbecue. So, what’s the best way to clean up this area? Do you need to get a special decking cleaner?
Ideal for Deep Cleaning
If you want to ensure that your decking looks amazing for years to come, you want to deep clean the surface once or twice a year. Generally, this is recommended at the start of spring and before the winter. It ensures that dirt doesn’t become engrained and that algae isn’t allowed to grow.
This is when a special decking cleaner comes in. It’s going to be formulated to give that deeper clean, getting into all of the grooves. To be safe, it’s best to use a cleaner made by the decking brand, or that’s recommended by them.
Soapy Water for Maintenance
Throughout the year, there can be instances where you want to clean up the decking. For example, you might be having guests round and want to ensure it looks tidy. Alternatively, you might have spilled something and wish to clean it up. You don’t always have to pull out the special cleaner and get scrubbing. Instead, you can just use soapy water. This can be enough for a surface clean and when you want to do it quickly. You can use a pressure washer as long as it’s on the lowest pressure setting.
Conclusion
Understanding how weather affects algae growth on your decking is the first step towards keeping your outdoor space clean, safe, and in good condition. By keeping an eye on the weather, performing regular maintenance, and using protective coatings, you can prevent algae from taking hold and causing long-term damage to your deck. So, next time the weather changes, take a moment to inspect your deck—and keep it algae-free!
