Are these components maintenance free?

They are a virtually maintenance free material that will provide years of like new performance with minimal upkeep. There are no applicants needed to preserve color or prevent deterioration from the elements. Any surface over a period of time will collect dirt or other debris. We recommend you wash your deck with a mild household soap(do not use bleach or deck wash products). twice per year to help prevent the build up of mold, mildew and other stains that may be difficult to remove if left over a long period of time.

Could the Lifetime coating peel off the aluminum?

The aluminum is coated with a special primer prior to coating. This bonds the coating to the aluminum. Under normal residential wear and tear, it is warranted that the coating will not peel unless it is intentionally peeled off.

Could the coating wear down to the aluminum?

It is warranted that under normal residential conditions, the coating will not wear down to the aluminum for a lifetime.

Do they get hot in the sun?

The coating reflects much of the UV energy, therefore, you will be surprised at how comfortable you will feel on your bare feet, even on the hottest days.

Are they slippery when wet?

The standard texture helps provide traction. If you feel the standard texture does not provide enough slip resistance, ask your representative for more aggressively textured samples. This is an option available at no additional charge. Take extra care when the deck is wet or icy, under these conditions the deck may not be as slip resistant.

Ground in Dirt

Use a mild soap to remove the dirt. Do not use aggresive cleaners or products contaning sodium hypochlorite.

Oil and Grease Stains

Remove oil and grease stains with a mild household soap agent as soon as the stain occurs. Do not use aggresive cleaners or products contaning sodium hypochlorite.
HINT: Because the barbecue grill is a major source of these stains, you may want to lay a sheet of plastic sufficiently large enough to capture all of the grease splatter.

Mold Stains

Mold may form (on any surface) where moisture is prevalent and/or there is heavy shading and pollen/debris that are allowed to collect on the deck. Use a mild household soap, do not use aggresive cleaners or products contaning sodium hypochlorite. Periodic cleaning of your deck, even if it appears clean, is important to prevent the build up of pollen/debris that can cause mold. Wash your deck using this method at least twice per year.

Ice and Snow

Rock salt, available in many home centers, will melt ice on the Lifetime components.
HINT: Rinse the rock salt off your deck when first practical, to avoid surface stains.

Other Stains

TREE SAP, ASPHALT DRIVEWAY SEALER, SHOE POLISH, PAINT, VARNISH, CRAYON, LIPSTICK, JUICE/WINE, MUSTARD, PERMANENT MARKER, PEN INK, BLACK HEAL MARKS: Rub the stain with a mild household soap as soon as stain occurs, with a clean white cloth. Do not use aggresive cleaners or products contaning sodium hypochlorite. If stain still shows, contact a distributor for instructions.

Compression Marks

The Lifetime coating has a slight give to provide comfort and a less plastic like feel. Leaving heavy objects with pointed legs or sharp edges in contact with the coating could leave compression marks. Once the object is removed, the marks may come out eventually depending on the the severity of the compression marks. Leaving an object unmoved over long periods of time may leave permanent compression marks.

Color Drifting

The Lifetime formula contains UV (ultraviolet) ray blockers. It is warranted that the color will maintain a desirable even tone throughout the lifetime of the product. Avoid leaving objects (welcome mats, storage containers, flower pots, etc.) unmoved for long periods of time. As with all materials when exposed to UV rays, the color may drift from it's original color.

After about 3 to 8 weeks of exposure to the sun, you can expect the shine to dull. This is the most dramatic change in appearance that you can expect during the life of the product.

Ask your representative for a sample of the product in your color preference that has dulled and aged to it's majority state of color.

Deep Scratches/Gouges

If the Lifetime coating is gouged to bare aluminum, contact an authorized distributor. The coating can be patched.