One of the main reasons people choose composite or metal screens over timber is low maintenance — but "low" isn't "none." Here's what each material actually needs to keep looking its best.
Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)
- Routine care: rinse with a hose or wipe down with soapy water and a soft brush, ideally once or twice a year
- Stains: most marks lift with warm soapy water; avoid pressure washers on close settings, which can affect the surface texture over time
- What it doesn't need: staining, sealing, painting, or any annual treatment — this is the main time-saving over timber
- Algae or green staining in shaded, damp spots: a diluted white vinegar solution or a proprietary composite cleaner handles this without damaging the finish
Aluminium (powder-coated)
- Routine care: wipe down with a damp cloth; a mild detergent handles most dirt
- Scratches: touch-up paint matched to your finish colour prevents bare metal from corroding at the scratch point
- What to avoid: abrasive scourers, which can wear through the powder coating and expose metal underneath
Corten Steel
- The patina is the finish — don't try to clean off the rust-like surface layer, it's a stable protective layer once fully formed, not ongoing corrosion
- Early months: some orange run-off onto surrounding paving is normal as the patina forms; hose down adjacent hard surfaces if this is a concern
- Long-term: essentially maintenance-free once the patina has stabilised
Seasonal Checklist
- Spring: clear winter debris from panel gaps and post bases; check freestanding baseplates haven't shifted over winter
- Summer: spot-clean any pollen or dust build-up; check climbing plant ties haven't damaged the panel surface as growth has thickened
- Autumn: clear fallen leaves from patterned screens before they trap moisture in the gaps
- Winter: no special action needed for WPC, aluminium, or corten — this is where the material choice pays off compared to timber
When to Replace vs Repair
A single damaged panel in a run can usually be replaced individually without redoing the whole boundary, provided you can match the original colour and pattern. Keep a note of your product SKU from your order confirmation so a replacement panel matches exactly.
See our full materials comparison if you're deciding between materials for a new installation, or browse replacement panels.