Maintaining Your Recycled Plastic Decking and Fencing: Winter Care Tips

As the winter months set in, outdoor areas such as gardens and patios often take a backseat to our warm indoor spaces. However, maintaining these outdoor areas, especially your recycled plastic decking and fencing, is critical to ensuring they remain in top condition for years to come. Fortunately, recycled plastic products, like those from Kedel, offer robust durability and resistance to the elements, making winter maintenance a relatively straightforward task. Here’s a detailed guide to help you care for your recycled plastic decking and fencing during the colder months.

Understanding Recycled Plastic's Durability

Before diving into the maintenance specifics, it's essential to understand what makes recycled plastic decking and fencing an optimal choice for your outdoor spaces, especially during winter. Unlike traditional wood, recycled plastic is impervious to moisture and does not warp, rot, or splinter. This quality ensures that your decking and fencing maintain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal year after year, regardless of the weather conditions.

Routine Cleaning

Winter weather can introduce various debris to your garden, such as fallen leaves, broken branches, and dirt carried by the wind. Routine cleaning is the first step in maintaining your decking and fencing.

Sweeping and Removing Debris

Regularly sweeping your decking and fencing with a stiff-bristle broom helps prevent the accumulation of organic matter, which can lead to stains if left unchecked. Even though recycled plastic resists mould and decay, removing leaves and other debris is still vital for maintaining cleanliness.

Washing the Surface

Use a garden hose to wash away any dust or dirt that's settled. For more stubborn marks, a mixture of warm water and mild soap is effective. Apply this mixture with a soft cloth or sponge, and gently scrub the affected areas. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or tools, as these can scratch the surface.

Checking for Damage

Even the most durable materials can sustain damage under extreme conditions, although recycled plastic significantly reduces these risks. Regular inspections help spot any potential issues early.

Look for Scratches

While uncommon, your decking and fencing can occasionally suffer from scratches, particularly in high-traffic areas or where furniture is frequently moved. If you notice any minor scratches or scuffs, these can often be buffed out with a non-abrasive polish designed for plastic surfaces.

Inspect Joints and Fixtures

During the winter months, freeze-thaw cycles can cause expansion and contraction, potentially affecting joints and fittings. Ensure all fixtures are securely fastened and look for any signs of wear that might need attention.

Preventing Slips and Falls

One of the downsides of the winter season is the increased risk of wet and icy conditions, which can create slip hazards.

Clearing Ice and Snow

If snow or ice accumulates on your decking, it’s advisable to remove it promptly. Instead of using metal shovels, which can damage the surface, use a plastic shovel or a broom to clear away the snow. For ice, applying a de-icer that's safe for plastic surfaces is recommended.

Using Slip-Resistant Mats

Placing slip-resistant mats in high-traffic areas can reduce the risk of slips. Ensure these are suitable for outdoor use and won’t retain moisture, which could lead to the growth of mildew.

Protective Measures

Prolong the lifespan of your decking and fencing with a few preventative measures.

Furniture and Plant Pots

If you have recycled plastic furniture or planters on your decking, consider moving them periodically. This prevents areas beneath them from fading differently due to uneven exposure to sunlight during the winter months.

Sealants and Treatments

Traditionally, wood requires regular sealing to protect against moisture penetration. While recycled plastic doesn’t need such treatment, applying a UV-protective spray can help maintain colour vibrancy, especially for south-facing installations that receive a lot of sunlight.

Environmental Considerations

Maintaining your decking and fencing doesn’t just involve cleaning and structural care. Consider the environmental impact of the products you use.

Eco-Friendly Cleaners

Opt for biodegradable cleaning agents and de-icers wherever possible to reduce environmental impact. These products help protect not just your decking and fencing, but also the surrounding flora and fauna.

Recycling and Disposal

Any parts or accessories that need replacing should be recycled appropriately. Kedel’s focus on sustainability means we encourage the recycling of our products, supporting a circular lifecycle that benefits the environment.

Preparing for Spring

While winter maintenance focuses on immediate care, it's also an excellent time to prepare your outdoor spaces for the upcoming spring.

Inspect for Spring Projects

As you perform your maintenance, note any areas where you might want to expand or modify existing decking or fencing. Planning during the winter allows you to be ready once warmer weather arrives.

Consider Additions

Think about additional features you might want to integrate, such as lighting or new planting beds, and explore how your recycled plastic structures can accommodate these changes.

Winter maintenance for your recycled plastic decking and fencing is relatively simple compared to traditional materials, primarily due to the inherent durability and resistance of recycled plastic. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your outdoor spaces remain safe, clean, and ready to enjoy both during and after the colder months. With a little care, your Kedel recycled plastic solutions will continue to provide beauty and functionality for many years, maintaining the investment you’ve made in enhancing the sustainability and charm of your home. 

Remember, each small maintenance task contributes to the longevity and appearance of your outdoor areas, securing not just your enjoyment and safety but also the enduring benefits of choosing eco-friendly materials from Kedel.