capped composite decking problems

Your source for the latest products and trends within the architecture, construction, interior design, and building materials industry. Since the water doesn’t quite absorb, it becomes stagnant, with the moisture finally causing mold to develop. Capped composite decking, on the other hand, is easier to maintain. This movement causes boards to bend out of position, slowly working free of nails and other boards. Some deck boards have actually peeled and melted! In reality, composite decking is prone to fading, especially when it’s exposed to the elements and sun. 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. Uncapped decking is the more cost-effective choice, but it is also more vulnerable to staining and mold growth if not carefully maintained. Many new decks are being made with composite decking rather than wood, as manufacturers have led homeowners to believe that their products are superior to any real wood. 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. This capping contains UV inhibitors and … Insects, rodents, and other wildlife will also not be attracted to your modified wood deck. Patio furniture, BBQ grills, kids toys, and even the family dog’s nails can all leave gouges in the composite decking. Some capped composite wood is only half capped. capped composite technology but with bamboo. There are other characteristics of composite decking that limit its usability. For example, PT wood must be restained and/or resealed every few years while composite does not. This isn’t an option with composite. 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 … Staining Problems With Trex Decking. After all, no matter how you initially you make your deck, it can crumble well inside of a decade if it isn’t properly cared for. The uncapped composite decking fades in colour while wood eventually turn grey if not properly treated. You can cover uncapped composite decking with a finish, too, though the material doesn’t … While composite decking certainly does have some advantages, it also has a number of problems that the average homeowner may be unaware of. Homeowners quickly notice that their new deck scratches fairly easily compared to older wood decks. Anything from the tannins of a few fallen leaves on the surface to an additionally spilled glass of wine or splotch of ketchup can leave stains. Warping and splinter resistant After just a few years in the harsh Australian weather, traditional timber decking can often warp or spinter. Contact us to kick things off. Fortunately, many, if not most, of the problems with decking and other considerations on this list can be avoided if you pick capped composite decking with a long stain and fade warranty. Dreaded Australian UV rays cause the surface fibres to decay, making their pretty exteriors loose their lustre. Modified wood is stronger and longer-lasting than composite, not to mention more versatile. Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Capped Composite Decking, Composite Decking, Deck, Deck Materials, Decking Systems, Wooden Decks. Maybe Trex has cured the problems with their decking by switching production to their new cased product–and maybe the Ford Pinto, and Chevy Vega will be discovered to be masterpieces of human engineering. It won’t rot, so you won’t have to inspect for that either. Similarly to composite, it requires no surface treatments and only basic cleaning. Composite decking doesn't swell or contract to the same extent that real wood decking does (especially if it's fitted correctly). Modified wood can be used in any region or climate as well as alongside water as poolside decking, piers, or docks. However, it’s important to remember that while a composite may be a better idea than a PT wood, it doesn’t mean it’s superior to all woods. Capped wood composite boards offer increased protection as they are sealed in a plastic shell. Be sure to schedule in inspections for rot during the summer so you can replace anything that might be getting weak. 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. 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. The above problems with decking can take lots of time and money to correct. In this way, composite decking can be fairly unpredictable, even within boards on the same deck. Composite deck boards contain porous wood fibers that absorb moisture, fade, stain, swell and feed bacteria. This is caused by heat. Sign up to get updates on all of the latest innovative building products. We would love to find out if it is the material for you. Ultradeck composite material is equipped with Anti-UV inhibitors to combat fading in sunlight. 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. Below are some of the issues that crop up most often. New model Trex decking with capped design don’t have staining problems like the older products do according to Trex. You might go for a sun shade as a bit of added protection, but it can’t cover everything all the time. Many composite manufacturers even offer matching paint for this reason. In comparison to PT wood, composite decking does have advantages. However, if the composite decking that you chose doesn’t have a non-porous surface layer (capping), it can easily get stained. The uncapped composite decking fades in colour while wood eventually turn grey if not properly treated. I’m not even mentioning the aesthetic reasons for not using composites. Capped composite decking doesn’t splinter, so that isn’t a concern. Common complaints from homeowners include their composite decking board swelling, shifting, warping, and shrinking. Composite decking is made up of a blend of wood particles and plastic materials to form a deck board, then some are capped with a synthetic material to help keep moisture out. You can’t simply start slapping decking materials together, or you will wind up with an uneven mess on your hands. The cycle of wet/dry also causes the grain to rise, cracking finishes and letting in more moisture. Composite decking material uses a combination of plastic and wood fibers. The decking requires no sanding, sealing, staining or oiling. You will have to scrub it with cleaners designed for composite decking to remove them. The texture of the surface of the boards and the very rough surface of uncapped ends can easily hold water within its grooves. AZEK’s teams of scientists and designers have engineered high-performance decking materials that withstand the test of time and nature with unparalleled beauty. Wood-Alternative Decking, Man-made Decking, or Synthetic Decking, like PVC Decking or Capped Composite Decking has become quite popular due to longevity, maintenance, and increasing lumber costs. This is why regular waterproofing is required to keep a wooden deck nice. Problems with Composite Decking. Common complaints from homeowners include their composite decking board swelling, shifting, warping, and shrinking. Try to avoid applying the finish when it is really hot out, as this will cause the seal to dry too quickly and leave a spotted appearance. Composite decking doesn’t become food for bugs, so you can leave the plants near the deck if you use it. Instead, you can work to prevent problems with decking and the associated trouble at the start by using the right materials. If you have any questions about capped composite decking, please contact us. 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. Termites and carpenter ants are big fans of wood. Capstock decking with its plastic wrapper generally fades more slowly than non-capstock composite decking which commonly loses all of its color in three to five years, turning a dingy gray, but it will fade over time. The Problems With Composite Decking. If, on the other hand, you have capped composite decking, you don’t need to worry about any of these common problems with decking. Any exposed wood particles in a board’s core or cap weaken its defense from mold, mildew, and moisture damage. Composite decking doesn’t require sealant, so you can skip the sanding and finishing. To make sure that there's enough room between the boards to allow for the small amount of expansion and contraction that can occur on particularly hot or cold days, you should: Composite bamboo decking is a variation on the traditional composite decking where bamboo replaced domestic recycled hardwoods mixed with high density polyethylene plastic. NexGEN maintenance free composite and aluminium decking with up to a 50 year stain and fade warranty. Bamboo makes a very fine, homogeneous and dense flour which is mixed with recycled plastics. Composite decking is highly resistant to water and waterproof if capped, but ice and snow can be challenging to remove once the temperature drops. Even pressure treated wood absorbs water and expands. Modified wood is a real wood product that offers far more benefits than composite, but with the beautiful look of natural wood. Wood that has been exposed can start to fall into shards, which can get into bare hands and feet. Veranda® composite decking by Fiberon® offers homeowners the benefits of capped composite decking at a price closer to wood. Available in two popular solid colors, Brown and Gray, Veranda composite decking is capped on three sides and backed by a … Capped decking offers extra protection in the form of a hard outer shell. Look specifically for Capped Composite Decking that offers a Stain and Fade Warranty for long term piece of mind. You will have to keep plants trimmed back from it to slow mould and rot and to make it harder for pests to climb on your deck. The sun moves and the shade goes with it, leaving portions exposed to UV rays. Because with a Trex deck you can’t sand or refinish the deck. What’s the Difference Between Homeowners Insurance and Personal Liability Insurance? Luckily, composite decking tends to be far ... water-resistant solution for your hot tub surround or poolside area, capped composite decking from TimberTech is the ultimate solution that won't leave your deck in hot water. Staining is a major problem with older model Trex decking and a huge issue with older composite decking products in general. The accounts of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints. Required fields are marked *. While more advanced composite is exceptionally resistant to water, this doesn’t mean that mold isn’t capable of growing. Then it dries off and shrinks. Today we have capped composites, which feature a “cover” that provides added protection against the elements and everyday living. However, if the composite wood is uncapped, it can still warp from rapid contraction and expansion cycles. The only way to fix the stains is to paint over them. How Contractors Keep Up with Building Trends. Ultradeck delays the weathering process, … Composite lumber is any man-made material composed of a mix of wood fibers, plastics, binders, and adhesives. Capping is not an add-on. There are capped composite decking systems that come with marine grade stainless steel fasteners that attach the boards to the sub-frame via grooves on the sides of the boards so that you can avoid loose dangerous nails all together. 1. This will be more fun than you think! Another characteristic that can cause problems includes retaining heat and feeling hot to bare feet. Last, but not least, modified wood ages beautifully (even becoming a silvery-grey) and rarely splinters. Both composite and PVC decking materials can be either capped or uncapped. Over the past few decades, composite decking has skyrocketed in popularity as an alternative to wood. Capping the top half of the board does provide higher stain, scratch, and UV resistance, however, the underside and grooves of the board are exposed to the elements and that creates dry and wet effect on the top and bottom. Dreaded Australian UV rays cause the surface fibres to decay, making their pretty exteriors loose their lustre. Once the deck is completed, you will have to annually clean the deck with a deck cleaner. It is by far the hardest cap in the business. Yakima Decking Solid Board 7/8" x 5 3/8" x 16' Composite Decking ... Shop Solid Board 7/8 x 5 3/8 x 16' Composite Decking in Gray at Wayfair. Why Choose Composite Decking 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 … That means, when you choose TimberTech® capped composite or capped polymer decking, you save on long-term costs, time, and stress. Despite composite having texture, it does little to provide solid footing around pools or swimming docks. If your wood deck got scratched, it can be sanded down. The reason for this is that plastic is oil-based in nature which causes water to sit on its surface rather than absorbing like wood. Second Generation Capped Composites: Adding a rigid capping material to the outside surface of composite decking goes a long way toward keeping excess moisture out of the decking which makes them less slippery. One example is the slipperiness of composite decking when it’s wet. Hollow composite decking is notoriously short-lived, often bowing and cracking within a few months of purchase; however, TimberTech's solid composite decking is far sturdier, which is why we offer a 25 year residential warranty with all of our deck boards. Uncapped composite decking is porous and can be stained. These are incredibly common problems with decking. 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. 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. © Innovative Building Material | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy. We will only send you awesome stuff!Privacy Policy. With its protective polymer sleeve, capped composite decking is particularly water-resistant with an even lower absorption rate than traditional composite decking. Does a Privacy Fence Add Value to Your Home? Warping causes nails and screws to come loose, and the elements can cause the metal parts to rust out, leaving your deck seriously weakened. Trex’ new capped composite decking has had far fewer issues so far. Composite decking is often sold as a close to a waterproof material as you can get. Plastic--capped … Available Australia wide. You can cover uncapped composite decking with a finish, too, though the material doesn’t absorb stains well. The newer technologies come in a multitude of colors, grain patterns and thicknesses. A 25-year fade and stain warranty covers all capped composite decking offered through Trex vs Timbertech’s 30-year warranty. Traditional wood will require the most maintenance over the deck’s lifespan, whereas the maintenance for composite decking is practically nonexistent. Composite decking is typically made of more plastic than wood fibers, leaving the surface fairly soft. Wood is a very absorbent material, and this can cause problems for a hardwood deck over time. Composite lumber is fairly popular in construction (i.e. Man-made decking materials have developed greatly since the late 90s with the introduction of Composite Decking. First generation (non capped) composite wood has no cap layer to protect the core. Composite decking is no longer a new product and many manufacturers have remedied the initial problems and concerns. Hello, low-maintenance outdoor living. Many composite decking materials also stain easily. Composite decking, which is made from thermoplastic resins and wood, doesn’t invite fungi, since it can’t eat plastic. A significant attraction to composite decking is how many colors it comes in. Since these are natural attributes, there really is no way to avoid them. Capped vs. Uncapped. When you make the plans for your deck, you will want to take into consideration how much time and effort you are willing to invest in maintaining the appearance and structural integrity of your deck. You will also have to be very quick to replace anything that is rotting so that you don’t provide a meal for the bugs. There were many initial start-up companies that did not survive the cut. Some capped composite wood products contain wood powder in their cap layer, which means that wood powder is still exposed to the elements and can still succumb to the problems of the first generation. While capped halfway decking has better resistance to stains, scratches and the sun, it has other problems. Fortunately, capped composite decking resists warping and rotting as the capping keeps it from moving and the resin repels water. Both offer limited warranties that cover material defects, splinters and rot on all of their capped decking as well. This decking is in the premium class and available in four colors with Sierra, Tundra, Costa, and Mesa. All it needs is oxygen, to have a moisture content above 28%, and to be in the right temperature range (which is wide, from 4 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius), and fungi will start making a meal of your deck. Splinters are the next area of concern for anyone who likes to walk on the deck barefoot. Wood as a decking material can be beautiful when you first install it, but, as an organic material, it is prone to rot. plywood), but capped composite lumbers designed for decking didn’t really come onto the market until the ’90s. Another myth of composite that relates to its water-resistance is that it won’t swell from water contact. Your email address will not be published. I’ll be honest, when I started outlining this article I came up with 20 points within 10 minutes. DuraLife Decking Capped Composite Decking DuraLife decking is designed to stand up to the harshest weather conditions. Capped composite decking has come a long way from earlier, uncapped options. This can take 2 days as the sealer needs time to dry. This will help repel moisture, thus delaying rot. 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. Your email address will not be published. Free and Fast Shipping at everyday low prices. However, the capping surface of many older materials was made out of shiny, hard plastic that lacked traction. Modified wood is also non-toxic to the environment and to people. The sun is not the friend of wood or uncapped composite decking. Check out some composite decks that have grown mold, mildew, algae. How Sustainability and Luxury Design Can Work Together. Half-capped exterior decking materials expose the lower half of the boards to humidity. The main competitor to composite decking in the early years was pressure-treated (PT) lumber. If you get wood for your decking, you will have to keep the bugs in mind. Mold Worse yet, gouges and scratches on composite decking can’t be fixed, unless you completely replace the board. Despite composite being “low care”, homeowners living in humid/wet regions might find them having to clean their decks excessively to control mold, fungus, algae, or moss growth. You will also have to reapply the sealant or stain once a year, which will include lightly sanding the deck surfaces with 80-grit sandpaper before applying. This solves some problems, but other problems occur. You will have to take the following points into consideration to do this. The sun is not the friend of wood or uncapped composite decking. Decks are amazing, and many people want one on their house. Asides from regularly having to check wood for rotten wood, you will have to regularly inspect for exposed or popped nails. NexGEN Decking offers a way to prevent these common problems. 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. Capped halfway: Capped halfway composite decking features capping on the top half. With NexGEN Capped Composite Decking all these thrills and spills simply wash off. Unmatched in strength and durability, our Poly-Pro Advantage™ outperforms other composites and PVC decking products, ensuring that DuraLife decking resists fading or staining, while minimizing contracting and expanding. What’s interesting to note is that composite decking boards are more apt to move around. Good Life Capped Composite Decking (Trade Only). They are engineered for use on the ground or in the water, but Voyage deck boards feature textured embossed for enhanced traction. Builders and homeowners share common concerns about composite decking. Swelling & Cupping 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. Termites home in on rotten wood and eat it while they build tunnels in it. Forget staining and you can spray off any spots with a power washer or normal soap and water. Not only does this weaken your beautiful wood deck, but it leads to unsightly little white ant creatures crawling around the rest of your home. 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. The Voyage Decking collection is capped composite boards with vertical grain variegation.