The Problems With Composite Decking

Winner: Trex

When did you purchase the home and was the deck recently done. If there is mold, you will have a problem with virtually all warranties. I had a 500 plus sq foot deck under construction and the delivered boards from TimberTech had mold, irregular finish plus the finish was flaking off where the pattern was irregular.

Composite decking on the other hand has a very low water absorption rate which will prevent fungal growth. But then, when dead leaves, pollen, dirt, and dust, accumulates on the composite decking’s surface, it could encourage molds and mildew to grow on the surface.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. Most brands of composite decking have textured finishes to make them slip-resistant. Water and ice accumulation from rain and snow may create slippery conditions on any deck surface. While composite decks can help resist rotting and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage. Patio furniture or debris from a passing storm may scratch the surface. Unlike wood, which you can sand and refinish, composite decking can’t be refinished, but in general – you shouldn’t need to. Depending on your budget and the needs of your project there are lots of options available.

When the first composite decking materials were introduced in the 1990s, it was eyed as being the next evolution of the deck-building industry. The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot. Studies published in the Forest Products Journal in showed that this was not the case. Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process.

In winter, decks made of lumber are more likely than their composite counterparts to be slippery. Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to what their products are really capable of.

You should also take into account composite decking brand reviews to see which brand on the market would be the best option for your home, budget and taste. If you seek the durability of composite and the affordability of wood, opt for Basics. This long-lasting decking requires little upkeep and comes in three traditional colors. Trex Enhance® Basics offer fade and stain protection, as well as enhanced mold and mildew resistance, to make maintenance simple. And because the boards are scalloped, they’re as lightweight as lumber, without the extra work. The pros and cons of composite decking show that this material is useful in a variety of different situations. You can simulate the look and feel of natural wood while preserving the environment and reducing your maintenance needs.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Add Sand To Your Deck Sealer Or Stain

If your deck seems to be slippery too often, then the problem might be what it is or isn’t coated with. Many decks are painted with normal paint or stained with a regular wood stain. While this might look great, it’s not the best choice when it comes to providing traction and grip. All types of decking will get slippery when icy, but composite decking seems to worsen in winter than natural wood. TimberTech AZEK products are high-quality, premium lines, perhaps the best of all the composite decking manufacturers, with a limited warranty of 50 years. Additional product lines include TimberTech Pro (with 30-year warranties) and TimberTech Edge (25-year warranties).

• The modern composite decking manufacturing process helps the boards to become mostly impermeable to water.
• That’s why you’ll find this deck option as a top choice in communities like Seattle where the wet weather is an almost constant feature of life throughout the year.
• You’ll still need to follow the basic precautions to prevent mold growth, such as installing the product at least two feet above ground to allow for proper ventilation.
• You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain.
• This advantage also means that your deck will fight off mold and mildew better than natural wood products.
• You can then remove the green stuff right away with a cleaning solution designed for that exact purpose.

The process is exactly the same as it would be for a standard wood product. Once you have the frame built and attached to the primary structure, you just start laying the boards down horizontally, vertically, or diagonally based on your overall preference. While early composite decks were very sensitive to temperature and did get notoriously hot, any new composite decking will be much more resistant to heat. High-quality modern composite boards don't become hotter than traditional wooden deck boards. Composite decking has been around since the early ’90s.

Slip & Fall Problems Areas On Synthetic Wood

An anti-slip decking oil, on the other hand, will not crack or peel and is easy to replenish when needed. These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. This option can be a little pricey, especially if you have a very large decking area, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you don’t want to change the appearance of your decking too much. Once you have chosen and installed the composite decking that seems alright, just do the minimum maintenance to keep it non-slip. Wash it with soap and water from time to time to scrub the surface off of dead leaves, dirt, and debris.

How To Stop Decking Being Slippery In Winter

Timbertech Composite Decking Color Chart

Hot coals or ignited gas too close to the surface will create similar results. You’ll want to look at how the sun shines on this material at your installation point as well. If the rays have a focus point through a window, then there is a chance that a hot day could melt it as well. When you start shopping for composite decking materials, then you will find that there is a variety of grades available from which to choose.