Winter Maintenance Guide for Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) Products

Winter Maintenance Guide for Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) Products

Cold waves, snow, and ice pose risks to outdoor WPC products (flooring, wall panels, etc.). Though WPC is water/corrosion-resistant, poor winter care causes damage. Experts say 4 core steps can extend its life by 5–8 years.

I. 4 Key Winter Maintenance Steps

Clean & Dehumidify

Remove dust/leaves with a soft broom; clear gap debris for drainage. Use neutral detergent + warm water for oil/mold, then rinse. Never use strong acids/alkalis or steel wool. Deep-clean before snowfall.

Snow & Ice Removal

Use a plastic shovel/rubber scraper—avoid metal tools (scratches WPC’s surface). For ice, use small snow-melting salt, then rinse immediately. No high-pressure water on frozen surfaces (damages structure).

Prevent Expansion/Contraction

WPC shrinks 0.3%–0.5% in winter. Check gaps/fasteners: adjust snap joints with stainless steel washers; reinforce sagging flooring (keel spacing >40cm). Keep indoor WPC away from heat sources.

Special Protection

Apply WPC-specific protectant to outdoor products after cleaning. Cover WPC furniture with waterproof covers. Coastal products: wipe weekly with clean water (anti-salt spray).

II. 3 Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Skipping winter maintenance (freeze-thaw causes cracking).

Mistake 2: Waxing (destroys anti-slip performance, attracts dust).

Mistake 3: Ignoring hidden parts (loose keels/connectors risk instability).

III. Expert Tip

High-quality WPC lasts 15–25 years. Standard maintenance cuts fading by 30% and cracking by 60%.

Clean weekly; remove snow within 24 hours; check fasteners monthly.

For WPC over 5 years old: annual deep maintenance (repair scratches, reinforce parts).

“Low maintenance ≠ no maintenance. Prevent issues early, avoid impacts/scratches, and keep areas ventilated—this preserves WPC’s durability,” experts add.