A key feature of living in the Stonebrook strata community is that the exterior appearance of the strata units and common areas are all consistent, which includes keeping the balcony patio deck, railings, and door exteriors as clean as practical against mildew, mold, etc. Poor maintenance can lead to costly repairs, which may not be covered by the strata if the cause is neglect or misuse. These items are the responsibility of the residents. The strata corporation takes care of the cleaning and maintenance of the exterior walls and inaccessible windows.
If there are potted plants or trees on your balcony, pay special attention to how rain water overflows onto the deck, especially the edge cover. This may lead to mildew and moss buildup which detracts from the overall exterior appearance of units and common areas. It also causes leaks in the flashing and deck membrane. This may result in bylaw violations that include fines and repair costs paid by the owner or resident.
Balcony Duradek surface...
General Cleaning – Your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least four times per year uusing Duradek vinyl cleaner (designed for vinyl and will NOT leave harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may). Use warm water and a stiff broom (or car wash brush), scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt. Flush thoroughly with clean water. An alternative household cleaner is Fantastic or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent. Adding a half cup of bleach helps kill mildew and moss but must be thoroughly rinsed with water afterwards. DO NOT USE A POWER WASHER!
Snow & Ice – Use a plastic shovel to remove ice and snow. ‘Rock Salt’, ‘Kitty Litter’ and other snow-melting chemicals can be used, however the surface must be cleaned thorouhly with soap and water, before the spring sun ‘bakes’ any chemicals into the Duradek membrane that may cause damage or discolouration.
For more information, visit http://www.duradek.com/care-and-cleaning
Balcony deck railings & Front staircase railings...
Do railings before the balcony deck. Car wash detergent and a car wash mitt are the best to clean the top and vertical rails quickly yet thoroughly. Fantastic household cleaner or a weak solution of TSP (too strong will discolour paint!) with a half cup of bleach can also be used. Be sure to flush thoroughly with clean water afterwards.
Front door exterior & Patio door exterior...
Use Fantastic or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent with a sponge of soft brush. Do NOT use TSP as the door paint is not as durable as baked-on railing paint! Rinse thoroughly with fresh water but be careful that water doe not enter inside.
Patio stones & sidewalks...
Unless it is really covered with moss of mildew, and is a safety hazard, then cleaning concrete patio stones & sidewalks are unnecessary. This discolouration naturally occurs by rotting leaves and vegetation falling onto the surfaces. If it must be cleaned, use Fantastic or a weak TSP solution with a half cup of bleach to kill moss and mildew. Wet down the surface with water, apply the cleanser with a stiff brush to scrub in circular motion, let cleanser soak in for at least an hour, and then rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat again a few days apart. A power washer can be used but is discouraged because improper use (high water pressure at a sharp angle to the surface) can weaken the concrete itself over time by removing the cement particles holding the stones in place, making it susceptible to frost damage, etc