Common complaints from homeowners include their composite decking board swelling, shifting, warping, and shrinking. This could be the most off-the-mark myth of … Homeowners quickly notice that their new deck scratches fairly easily compared to older wood decks. In reality, composite decking is prone to fading, especially when it’s exposed to the elements and sun. A significant attraction to composite decking is how … years with the introduction of capped products and other upgrades, but still, the reports There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too 【Get Price】 If a stain occurs and can’t be cleaned the only remedy is replacing the entire board. The sun is not the friend of wood or uncapped composite decking. Deck Banquette Seating - Made Using ReversaDek Decking Boards; Deck Replacement: When … Despite being mixed with molten plastic, typically high density polyethylene (HDPE) from plastic grocery bags and milk bottles, the wood content still absorbed moisture and caused warping and other problems. Over the past few decades, composite decking has skyrocketed in popularity as an alternative to wood. This gives better performance characteristics than composites including better resistance to scratches, fading and staining. This is one of the topics we get asked about the most and something that is easy to fix. How To Clean And Seal Composite Decking Defy Wood Stain; 4. nigel decking products. Damaged composite decking is something most homeowners are concerned about, and for a good reason. While highly resistant, there are a number of substances that can temporarily leave stains on composite decking. The Safety Benefits of Fully Capped Composite Decking. Today, we'd like to address some of the most commonly-cited composite decking problems and explain why TimberTech customers needn't … A 25-year fade and stain warranty covers all capped composite decking offered through Trex vs Timbertech’s 30-year warranty. Well, the same thing can happen with composite decking if you live in a dry area, and the conditions are just right. If your wood deck got scratched, it can be sanded down. The main competitor to composite decking in the early years was pressure-treated (PT) lumber. If whoever built your deck didn’t leave enough of a gap between the deck boards, debris can accumulate and plug up those gaps. While the regular maintenance required for traditional wood decks is a hassle, it also becomes expensive over time. I didn’t even mention the price either. As for ice, different companies recommend various products, but calcium chloride and rock salt are safe to use with Trex composite deck boards. Additionally, in Australia’s climate, re-treatment is usually required every one or two years. They use 60% recycled bamboo from their other product lines and mix it with 40% recycled HDPE (high density polyethylene). With NexGEN Capped Composite Decking all these thrills and spills simply wash off. If your deck boards aren’t gapped right, you can experience issues like this throughout the year. ... And while the initial cost of composite decking is a little higher than that of plastic decking boards, the long-term benefits more than justify this. While more advanced composite is exceptionally resistant to water, this doesn’t mean that mold isn’t capable of growing. Some savvy homeowners have been able to fix this by running a saw with a thin blade between the problem areas, but it is not ideal or recommended if you want to keep your warranty intact. However, washing your deck periodically will help keep mold at bay. ... should then be installed below the decking boards and fastened to the outer … Composite boards that flake could be deteriorating, which can result in failure and injury. It was, after all, a new concept and therefore a work in progress. Here are the five main problems associated with composites that you must be aware of before you invest thousands into your new deck or patio. Composite Decking Is Costly to the Environment. Composite lumber is fairly popular in construction (i.e. Composite decking was developed in a response to use recycled materials and to alleviate the problems associated with wooden decking which are typically related to weather problems causing decay, mould and algae growth within the traditional wooden deck boards, with composite decking as each of the fibres is coated in polymers they protect the wood from decay and this gives a low … Your email address will not be published. Home; Log in. If you have decking boards that are damaged, not scratched, you typically have to options with composite decking. Since the water doesn’t quite absorb, it becomes stagnant, with the moisture finally causing mold to develop. Another myth of composite that relates to its water-resistance is that it won’t swell from water contact. Many composite manufacturers even offer matching paint for this reason. In fact, a 500 square foot capped composite deck is made up of over 140,000 recycled plastic bags. Capped composite decking is a mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastics such as recycled plastic shopping bags. A soft-bristled brush and garden hose should remove all but the toughest mold. What You Need To Know About Trex Vs Plastic Decking; 7. Despite what manufacturers would lead you to believe, composite decking can indeed get moldy, although it’s simple to clean. Capped and uncapped composite decking is now made by more than a dozen companies, including Trex and AERT, McFarland Cascade, Tamko, TimberTech, Fiberon, and CertainTeed. A few years later came, Fiberon, Monarch, Timbertech and an onslaught of vendors trying to get into the decking game. Well, since 2004, seven wood-plastic composite manufacturers and suppliers have faced lawsuits related to a host of problems, including fading and color changes, slippery surfaces, shrinkage, swelling, and mold. Modified wood is stronger and longer-lasting than composite, not to mention more versatile. In comparison to PT wood, composite decking does have advantages. Is Composite Decking Really Maintenance Free; 2. Capped Composite Decking After the dust settled from composite decking’s shortcomings, Manufactures realized that with some ingredient modifications and an exterior coating of cap-stock similar to that of a golf ball, new composite boards called Capped Composite could become a great success. A good warranty is the best defense against Mother Nature, and something we highly recommend looking for when considering a composite deck brand. 5 Composite Decking Problems Every Homeowner Needs To Know; 6. Composite decking is typically made of more plastic than wood fibers, leaving the surface fairly soft. Both composite and PVC decking materials can be either capped or uncapped. It can be worse with certain colors or on uncapped products. Despite composite having texture, it does little to provide solid footing around pools or swimming docks. Leaves are easy to remove with a blower or broom, but they can leave tannins behind if you don’t move quickly enough. Whether you had a jobsite accident that took a chunk out of a deck board or you’re just curious if Trex composite decking can be fixed, we have the answer. Before the snow falls, trees lose their leaves, and you may find yourself spending a considerable amount of time sweeping your deck clean. Unlike TimberTech composite decking, traditional wood boasts no protective capping, leaving wood deck boards exposed to the fading powers of UV rays, rain, snow, sleet, and more. Staining and color fading leads to frustration. Capped Composite Decking: Capped composites start with the inexpensive core of wood/fiber composite and add a thin layer of harder plastic (generally PVC). While composite decking certainly does have some advantages, it also has a number of problems that the average homeowner may be unaware of. Worse yet, gouges and scratches on composite decking can’t be fixed, unless you completely replace the board. The Problems With Composite Decking. Many homeowners have ended up learning the hard way that composite decking isn’t flawless and, in many cases, ends up being a frustrating, expensive mistake. Composite lumber is any man-made material composed of a mix of wood fibers, plastics, binders, and adhesives. A few years ago, capped composite decking was a premium product that occupied a relatively small niche at the high end of the market. If the boards are dual-sided or reversible, you can simply flip one over. There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too often to be just a stray issue for a hard to please homeowner. That’s partly due to the number of options available to homeowners today, but also because of installation issues and decking problems across the industry. User Menu. Your source for the latest products and trends within the architecture, construction, interior design, and building materials industry. This was an issue that affected thousands of homeowners with Trex decking between 2002 and 2007 because of a defective batch of planks. I’m not even mentioning the aesthetic reasons for not using composites. But pros install a lot more synthetic decking than the average weekend warrior; our surveys show that PDB readers install wood-plastic composite (WPC), PVC, and other types of non-wood decking products on nearly 60% of their projects.. A few years ago, capped … Despite new technologies and techniques, UV rays from the sun can cause any type of deck to fade. A reliable product should have a 25-year warranty against things like warping, stains, swelling, and fading. There are other characteristics of composite decking that limit its usability. Capped Composite Deck Boards. What Temperature Is Too Cold For Roofing. You can cover uncapped composite decking with a finish, too, though the material doesn’… Unfortunately, Trex does not have an “official” kit, so you’ll have to hope the scratch blends in over time or take your chances with a third-party solution. The above problems with decking can take lots of time and money to correct. This is a composite decking problem that’s impossible to predict until a deck has been in the weather for several months, which can lead to a very expensive problem. Indeed that was the case. It's able to do this because of its protective covering (or 'capping') and the materials that make up its core. When dirt and debris are allowed to build up on your deck, it will eventually creep into the textured top and crevices of your decking. A significant attraction to composite decking is how many colors it comes in. It is not nearly as simple to fix as wooden decking. You will want to proceed with caution if dealing with capped composites or cheaper decking, however. If there is a deep crack or any damage that could be structural in nature, you will want to replace the board. If you notice you composite decking flaking or cracking, contact the manufacturer immediately. Because with a Trex deck you can’t sand or refinish the deck. Coupled with being sold as low-maintenance and not needing surface treatments leads homeowners to believe their new deck will look the same for its entire lifespan. What’s interesting to note is that composite decking boards are more apt to move around. However, timber usually requires treating before use with an oil, paint and varnish, which adds to the cost. The drawbacks have to do with the long-term adhesion of the laminated cap and other problems related … The only way to combat this with wood is to choose a finish that specifically resists UV radiation, though even these finishes stop working after a while. Some capped composites have a thick, hard shell that will hold up to heavy abuse, while others are less satisfactory. They are engineered for use on the ground or in the water, but Voyage deck boards feature textured embossed for enhanced traction. Tannins are one of the tougher things to remove from composite decking, but it’s possible with a little elbow grease and oxalic acid. 1. The cause of this isn’t exactly clear, but it’s suggested that the composite nature of the decking leads it to be much more sensitive to temperature and humidity swings as well as sun exposure. Mold If you notice a small straight light that’s blue or red on a deck board, there’s a good chance it’s from a chalk line the contractor used. This nonporous golf ball cover is what sets our boards apart from all … The Problems with Composite Decking The Craftsman Blog. Category List. However, in 1996 composite decking (TREX) hit the market and gained huge popularity since it offered a low maintenance option for users. Composite decking is often sold as a close to a waterproof material as you can get. Category List. Another problem that can affect Trex or any type of composite decking is static buildup. A deck may get more use in the summer and spring than the fall, but unless your backyard is off-limits during the winter, ice can be an issue. Luxe – Colour Range ... Ultradeck composite decking boards are great value, low maintenance alternative to conventional decking materials. … Luxe – capped composite decking . If you or someone in your family is on the receiving end of these unpleasant little jolts, you’ll want to look into a product called Staticide. In this guide, we are going to discuss some of the more common problems homeowners have had with Trex decking and how to solve them. While a hardwood deck can be constructed with joists 16′ apart, most composite deck joists must be built 12′ or less apart to prevent sagging. Staining Problems With Trex Decking. Composite Decking Boards (46) ... What Does 'Capped Composite Decking' Mean? ... bowed boards and protruding nails are common problems associated with traditional timber decks. Bam DEck by cali bamboo. From chewing gum and tar to suntan lotion or ketchup, most of these messes can be cleaned up quickly with the right tools. For example, PT wood must be restained and/or resealed every few years while composite does not. Composite Decking Problems for the Boardwalk Ipe boardwalk at Disney World. This is certainly why you will now see that capped composite decking always has an unsealed bottom and, usually, partially unsealed sides as well. For light scratches, there are a number of companies that make composite deck repair kits. The accounts of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints. Deck Banquette Seating - Made Using ReversaDek Decking Boards; Deck Replacement: When … Dreaded Australian UV rays cause the surface fibres to decay, making their pretty exteriors loose their lustre. Fiberon capped composite decking products are the only ones on the market that solves the three problems composite decking customers complain most about – Colour fade, staining, and mould/mildew. Unlike when it comes to maintenance for composite decking, this will mean some less-than-ideal realities: Unattractive weathering: Think bleaching, dandruff, and fading. The Voyage Decking collection is capped composite boards with vertical grain variegation. Composite Decking Boards (46) ... What Does 'Capped Composite Decking' Mean? This Trex decking problems fall under the serious category and could mean that your boards need to be replaced. Another characteristic that can cause problems includes retaining heat and feeling hot to bare feet. The texture of the surface of the boards and the very rough surface of uncapped ends can easily hold water within its grooves. Since these are natural attributes, there really is no way to avoid them. Have you ever walked across a carpet and received a small shock after touching a metal surface? • The Colors You Want: Available in an array of beautiful colors; allows you to customize your Capped decking offers extra protection in the form of a hard outer shell. In at least two of those cases, a supplier and reseller were accused along with the manufacturer. Last, but not least, modified wood ages beautifully (even becoming a silvery-grey) and rarely splinters. Jun 30, 2017 . Since there are exposed wood fibers in uncapped composite decking, they can be susceptible to mold growth just like any outdoor porous surface. Common Composite Decking Problems: Your Questions Answered. If you have to use a shovel to clear snow from your deck, only use a plastic shovel. Required fields are marked *. While 99 percent of this newer type of decking material is made from composite, capped decking also has an exterior skin made from a capstock material. If you are considering adding a new deck onto your home, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Cooldeck Technology Composite Decking That Stays Cool In The Sun; 3. If you are looking for a natural wood matte finish, our Luxe capped composite range is the first choice in quality and finish. The Problem with Plastic Decking Boards. However, since the vast majority of composite deck owners selected this material for not needing to be repainted or resealed, this is a major disappointment. Composite decking is generally more expensive than timber to buy. Composite decking also isn’t as strong as solid wood, which is evident in that smaller joist spacing is required for the deck’s structure. Unfortunately, they can be impossible to remove depending on the type of chalk used.