Frequently Asked Questions
How do I clean and maintain Latitudes® Decking and Natural Railing?How do I prevent mold and mildew from growing on my composite decking and railing.
What do I do if I get stains on Latitudes Decking or Natural Railing?
How do I repair Latitudes Decking or Natural Railing if they get scratched?
How do I replace a damaged Slotted deck board?
Can Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing be painted or stained?
If I apply stain to my Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing, how long will the stain last?
Do Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing require water sealing?
Can I use ice melt products on Latitudes Decking?
Do Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing come with a warranty?
Does Latitudes Ornamental Railing come with a warranty?
Does Latitudes Luster Railing come with a warranty?
How do I repair Latitudes Luster if it gets scratched?
How do I clean Latitudes Luster?
How do I clean and maintain Latitudes® Decking and Natural Railing?
Periodic washing with soap and water is necessary to remove surface dirt and chalk, which accumulate on the surface. This will also prevent the build-up of pollen and debris that can cause mold and mildew growth. Pressure washers should be used for wetting and rinsing only. Pressure washers should not be used to “blast-off” soiling agents; attempting to do so can drive the dirt deeper into the material. Test on an inconspicuous area before washing the entire deck.
Basic Deck Cleaning Agents:
- Deck wash/cleaners usually contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which is effective on normal dirt and grime and bleaches out mold and mildew stains.
- Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains from metal furniture.
- Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.
- Spot removers/thinners can be used sparingly on particularly stubborn grease or oil stains but should be washed off quickly with water, as it will attack the grain pattern. They normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents.
If you have more questions, please call (877) 463-8379.
How do I prevent mold and mildew from growing on my composite decking and railing.
Mold formation is most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded areas. Spores from the natural environment are carried by the wind and commonly land on decks surfaces. It is important to note that the appearance of mold/mildew is a function of nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any of the material on which it grows.
Learn how to prevent mold and mildew growth on your deck.
What do I do if I get stains on Latitudes Decking or Natural Railing?
Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing resists accidental staining better than regular wood decking because it is a plastic and wood composite. Many stains can be removed with household cleaners and degreasers. Best results are achieved if you act quickly after staining occurs. Don’t allow stains to penetrate the deck’s surface or bake on under direct sunlight. If you use a barbecue grill on your deck, keep a splatter guard underneath it, as grills are a major source of grease stains and burns. To prevent water from pooling in the surface of the deck and staining it, make sure the deck boards have gaps between them to allow the standing water to drain.
How do I repair Latitudes Decking or Natural Railing if they get scratched?
Just as wood decking materials can get marred or gouged, the surface of Latitudes can also be scratched. We recommend allowing normal wear marks to fade as they will blend in with the weathered color. On traditional Latitudes decking, if the brushed side of the deck board gets scratched, you can use a wire brush and brush in the same direction as the original grain. In doing so, you will expose the non-weathered decking and will experience a color difference. Replace severely damaged pieces. Since Capricorn™ tropical composite decking has a reversible woodgrain polyethylene surface, you cannot use a wire brush to emulate the brushed wood pattern. Since Capricorn is reversible, you can simply flip the board over and reinstall with the wood pattern going in the same direction as the other boards.
If you have more questions, please call (877) 463-8379.
How do I replace a damaged Slotted deck board?
In the event of a damaged board, take out the screws from the board ends. There should be enough space in between the boards to loosen the screws holding the Equator® hidden fasteners in place. Loosen all of the fasteners on both sides of the length of the board and slide out. Slide the new board in place and tighten down the Equator hidden fasteners. Fasten the new board with two screws at each end through the rim joist.
Can Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing be painted or stained?
While not recommended, Latitudes can be stained after three months of exposure to various weather conditions. When staining Latitudes, ensure that the stain is intended for use on composite wood products. By choosing to stain Latitudes, a relatively low-maintenance product changes to one that will require more upkeep. Always test a small hidden portion of the deck before staining the entire deck. Painting Latitudes is not recommended as most paints will not adhere to the surface well and will rapidly begin to peel. Composite wood products do not accept paint or stain as well as wood, therefore, it will not have the same appearance as painted or stained wood. Because Latitudes Capricorn has a polyethylene surface, it cannot be stained or painted.
If you have more questions, please call (877) 463-8379.
If I apply stain to my Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing, how long will the stain last?
Durability of stain products varies by manufacturer. Exposure to ultraviolet light and surface traffic will also affect the stain's performance. Most manufacturer's literature indicates re-staining about every two years.
Do Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing require water sealing?
No. Latitudes requires only periodic cleaning with soap and water. Deck sealants are not recommended or required.
Can I use ice melt products on Latitudes Decking?
We are not aware of any adverse effects from the temporary use of ice melting products on Latitudes decking; however, we recommend using an ice melt product that does not have as harsh of an effect to the surface. These types of ice melt products may indicate "will not harm concrete" or "will not kill grass." Ensure that after the ice and snow melts that you brush off any residual ice melt product.
Do Latitudes Decking and Natural Railing come with a warranty?
Yes. We have a 15-year limited warranty against splintering, corrosion, or becoming structurally unfit due to rot, split, warp, cupping, checks, or damage caused by termites or fungal decay.
Does Latitudes Ornamental Railing come with a warranty?
Yes. The finish on Latitudes Ornamental aluminum balusters is backed by a 15-year limited warranty not to chip, crack, check or peel. The Latitudes Ornamental composite railing has a 15-year limited warranty against splintering, corroding or becoming structurally unfit due to rot, split, warp, cupping, checks or damage caused by termites or fungal decay.
Does Latitudes Luster Railing come with a warranty?
Yes. We have a 20-year limited warranty against rotting, decaying, splitting, checking, splintering or becoming structurally unfit due solely to damage caused by termites or fungal decay.
How do I repair Latitudes Luster if it gets scratched?
Color matched touch-up paint is available by calling 877-463-8379 if Latitudes Luster gets scratched.
How do I clean Latitudes Luster?
A mild detergent and water will keep Latitudes Luster railing clean. Clean Luster railing with household cleaners and degreasers and soft rags or sponges. Do not use bleach, abrasive cleansers or pads when cleaning.
Add the finishing touch and show off your Latitudes deck with pride. Request your free brass Latitudes emblem today!
Refer to our Plan and Install FAQ’s for answers to product material and installation questions.
