Read on to learn more. Unfortunately, you cant do the same for composites. So if you are working alone, you may have a hard time transporting and working on the materials all by yourself. How do I know if a contractor is knowledgeable?? As a landscape builder, he helped establish two gardening companies. Ive talked to lots of distributors and nobody knows what brand it is. Once that happens you open the composite to rot. A significant attraction to composite decking is how many colors it comes in. The finally sent someone to inspect after months of waiting three people showed up, mfg rep and 2 from HD. But theres also a lot of high quality options that dont do the things you say. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up to get updates on all of the latest innovative building products. A composite deck in full sun can quickly become too hot to walk on, and children and pets can suffer burns. Again, it seems completely random when this happens, but it happens often enough that you should know about it. What is ICF Construction? However, if you do wish to paint a composite deck and sand it beforehand, it damages the boards and loses protection. Its strong enough to span the 16 on a very solid structure. I read this because during the past three years my composite deck boards have swelled and warped to the point they are affecting the vinyl fencing around the deck, to say nothing of the risk of tripping when I walk on it. The way to achieve this is by applying a composite deck sealer, it will help preserve your decks color and avoid stains. Not doing so will only chip off the paint. Decking boards made of composite materials don't have the structural integrity of real wood, and can delaminate and even break. When a wooden deck loses its colour, you can easily recolour it with paint. Veka comes to you, you dont go to them. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Old houses can be daunting and that's why I'm here to help you figure them out. Sanding composite will break the surface seal of the material. Acacia vs Walnut Which One is Better for Furniture and Flooring. 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. Now I know When buying the materials for your deck, you have to consider the disadvantages of the said materials. Do you know how the quality would compare with Trex? And the best thing is, you can select any colour you want. Composite lumber is any man-made material composed of a mix of wood fibers, plastics, binders, and adhesives. However, there are a few reasons to repaint a composite deck on the bright side. Especially in colder climates like Canada. I went the same way, extruded aluminum and removed my TREX. Thank you for the insightful read on modified wood. I have a GEO DECK deck that I cannot clean.What is the best product to clean it with? We will only send you awesome stuff!Privacy Policy. Most of these products are not very well performing. Some of these properties aren't desirable, such as the propensity to swell in wet weather and to support mold growth. If you decide that you want a different theme for your garden, you can grab a bucket of paint and repaint a wooden deck. Yep, its a thing, and its completely awesome! There are a lot of options for decking today. What I learned is that HD buys from multiple vendors and the product is mfg all over the country and you dont know what you are going to get. Wolf PVC decking is very good too. When its not properly maintained, moulds can grow on wood, making the surface more slippery. Even though its the PVC and ASA, its whats in the mix of the product. My parents had their deck rebuild by a contractor that sold them on composite decking. Not doing so will only chip off the paint. However, there is a way to prevent this from happening. There is actually nothing wrong with my current deck, its as strong as ever, even after 36 years! 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. Our composite is warping. I tried the better PT decking boards ugly. New names every year and ground breaking technology every year. Great points. Holy smokesthis article is full of misinformation. Bought house after deck was built. There was a product called Clubhouse decking that was awesome. You can't power wash composite decking without voiding the warranty, so the only option is to wash the decking with bleach. Do not sand the deck without first discussing that with the manufacturer. Innovative Building Material | All Rights ReservedInnovative Building Materials participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that lets us earn commissions by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. These arent cheap but we are doing them ourselves and using out own hardware. If you do want to paint the composite deck, you have to sand it first. I wish it was more widely available but Veka is a super picky company about who theyll let install their products. So glad we went with it instead of bothering with composite. * I am happy with our composite. When they can make a product that is consistently better than wood, then Ill be in line for it, but until then Im sticking with a reliable option like wood. For me, Im not comfortable trusting the same companies who told us 20 years ago that their product was foolproof and failed that now theyve REALLY made it foolproof. Theres probably 1-2 companies per state that can carry it. Its better than a power washer! While more advanced composite is exceptionally resistant to water, this doesnt mean that mold isnt capable of growing. Carol.. wolf is a very good product. You can buy it at Amazon and it about $20 a gallon. Worse yet, gouges and scratches on composite decking cant be fixed, unless you completely replace the board. The home builder was so impressed by the product (at that time) he wished that he had used it for the large deck, he had recently built, on his own home. Is there a warranty? The railings are showing signs of fatigue as well. Learn how your comment data is processed. Does anyone have experience with TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection or TimberTech Pro Legacy being used in desert/extreme heat/high sun areas? Absolute pain to keep up with maintenance. How about you? These types of boards are easier to work with and transport. Read between the lines of the warranty too. My Fiberon decking is warped fiberon takes no reposibility. Is it safe to lightly pressure wash a Composite Deck not to damage the surface? The accounts of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints. Mike and Lorie. It provides the green advantage of a product made from recycled wood fibers and plastic without the disadvantages associated with those materials. This spring, as I was looking around it, I noticed some sagging. Sure, wood has issues of its own, but its nothing that will take me by surprise. I am trying to figure out if theres anything to be done besides having the entire thing replaced! If building a dry on the water, can composite be used? Another characteristic that can cause problems includes retaining heat and feeling hot to bare feet. If you find Aztech for a good deal, snag it, but Fiberon seems to be the go to now. The deck in question is in a damp area (Pacific NW in a temperate rain forest) and is impossible to clean off in the spring from the winter season without harsh cleaners. It is almost the same price as the most expensive hardwoods. The Ultimate Guide. If your wood deck got scratched, it can be sanded down. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. I have photos over time as this product started to fail. All vinyl is not created equal! These types of boards are easier to work with and transport. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. If you can find that, its your best option. Sadly, most composite decking falls into that category. you want. If your decking plans call for an alternative to wood decking boards, you can avoid many of the issues that composite boards present by using an alternative. Plastic gets HOT. Dont be fooled by the contractors on here saying its not what it used to be. Mold Armor Deck and Fence. Please note: As with any surface when wet underfoot, caution should be exercised to avoid slipping. This statement applies to composite decking materials as well. It is almost the same price as the most expensive hardwoods. We are in the process of replacing our 25 year old wood deck with pvc.. We are still researching the different products but are leaning to Azek.. We would prefer the Veka you recommend if we can purchase it Your in depth of knowledge has been the most honest opinion I have read Thank you. The sunlight also accelerates some of the problems associated with the natural response of the wood fibers to fluctuating weather conditions. This last problem has led to at least one product recall. Good luck. I took off the PT after 4 years and put down the Zuri down about 5 years now. Fortunately, composites can reduce the smoothness by having grooves. Its only available to the biggest and best deck companies in the country. Expect to pay double the amount for the overall installation cost plus the materials compared to ordinary wood decking. What may work on a properly built deck in a dry area may not at the beach (hot) or on a ground level deck in a moist area. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. ft. Im in Canada, east coast the weather gets quiet cold in winters. There are bad brands of products in every building material categorydoesnt mean the whole category is junk. While some may outperform others, they do still have some disadvantages. So if softwood decks last for 15 years at most, composite decks can last for more than 25 years. Many composite decking materials also stain easily. Its a good board, Id place it up there in like the top 3 you can buy. You can't sand composite boards, however, so damaged decking must be painted as is. Are you talking about trex in this? Fiberon, trex, Timbertech composites are all horrible. I am so happy to have read about this topic: Composite decking. I want to find that contractor and beat them with the scraps they stole from the project (over 100 square feet I was planning to use to floor a shed), because their deck bends when you walk on it, is impossible to clean (I have a cedar deck at home, which I pressure wash and timber oil every year, its a 5 hour maintenance project plus the dont walk on it time, and the simple green and pressure wash method does NOT work on their composite deck, it requires a harsh cleaner to get the pollen out of the textured surface.) Wolf decking is probably top 3. how do I know the brand of our Composite Deck? Thanks for your opinion. Many contractors use this from the forums Ive seen. 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. For the same price, you could replace it every 5 years. When the wood fibers get wet, they swell, leading to an increase of the overall dimensions of a board. Bleach rarely kills all the mold -- in fact, one home inspector claims it actually helps it grow -- and it usually returns. I *love* G-tape (3040BK,currently cheapest at gtapeusa) Can tear it, and it does not stick to itself Rather nice when working with a foot wide roll! Of course, if youre only looking for a temporary deck or will be moving away shortly, you may need to reconsider your options. Im surprised by a lot of these comments. If youre building the deck all by yourself, consider using wood or hollowed composite boards. You can install shades, like large umbrellas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So if youre living in a place where the deck will be exposed to hot temperatures, consider getting a wooden deck instead. * Ensure a quality protective tape is properly applied to all top surfaces, and also to any vertical surface that will have another board (eg fascia). They are not universal products some of the composite products will not work with typical 16 spacing when replacing a wood deck especially one thats not firm to begin with. Has no relevance to the overall market. Any advice welcome! As a group of building and manufacturing experts we thoroughly research and prepare our materials. I did learn that there was a class action law suit related to this cracking in the west. It goes a long way. Another alternative is composite decking that has been encased in a watertight coating of clear plastic. Even though it is one of the most durable and commonly-used materials, it has its fair share of problems. Some composite decking wont move a bit and others have been found to shrink, swell, warp, twist, bow, and any other word you want to use in amounts unheard of, even with wood. Only wholesale big box store product that is even somewhat decent and at least better than any of the others, is Timbertech Azek. My deck is ugly now and no one is helping me be compensated for this crap decking. It rots from the inside out. The surfaces of the decking boards can mottle and splinter, and the edges can peel. Theyre cheap and dont last. Expect to pay double the amount for the overall installation cost plus the materials compared to ordinary wood decking. I notice this issue showing up after a decade or more of use, but it certainly shows up and when it does it usually makes the deck unusable. Your email address will not be published. They ended up getting bought out to a company in Canada and downsized a lot. Its not like the old days where you had to simply choose between different species of wood. Never settle for bare minimum. The results can be merely unsightly, such as surface and edge peeling, or downright dangerous when a board splits down the middle and loses its holding strength. For the most part it has held up well and we have enjoyed the deck. algae?) They are long-lasting and are not easily damaged or chipped. Otherwise this is very misleading and straight up false on most points with any decent brand. If you are building a deck near a water feature, like a pool or fountain, make sure that your materials are slip-free. 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. Slippery snow and ice is a major concern too. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your deck cool during hot summer days. plywood), but capped composite lumbers designed for decking didnt really come onto the market until the 90s. Azek is OK. I am looking at replacing my 10 x 16 wood deck with Fiberon Concordia in a shade called Cinnabar. They actually got in a lot of trouble and settled a major lawsuit just a couple years ago for marketing their product as PVC. Wolf is a PVC product with an ASA capstock. We recommend the DEFY Crystal Clear Composite Deck Waterproofing Sealer. I would like to think we have but just not sure. And if it needs a replacement piece, its as easy as swinging by the local lumber yard rather than trying to track down a model that has been discontinued 2 years ago from a supplier halfway across the country. Since the vast majority of composite deck owners selected this material for not needing to be repainted or resealed, this is a major disappointment. Its not wood, so it shouldnt be expanding and moving the same, right? Nothing compares to it in the entire market. The big box stores sell mid level products its the best we sell . Misting fans are also useful to lower the heat. However, its important to remember that while a composite may be a better idea than a PT wood, it doesnt mean its superior to all woods. I need a good looking low maintenance and durable surface. The problem Im having is it turns moldy constantly its cracking and it flakes off in strange circular type patterns. If you are doing a composite read the specifications and installation instructions. I can clean my cedar with a 15 degree pressure washer nozzle, some simple green, and seal it every year with natural oils and its lasted over 5 years with no problems. They have a few best brands, and Im considering their Concordia Symmetry line. Marie. In some cases, wood decks can become more slippery than composites. They have good better and bests. After a few years of emails with replies stating not our product I found it was from deckorators but they would not warrant it without receipts and would not take my dated photos with my property ownership for 15 years. Everything is teachable if you only give it the chance. are significantly more expensive than traditional wood decking materials, approximately double the price of their wood counterparts. It came with a deck that was made with early type (uncapped?) Many homeowners have ended up learning the hard way that composite decking isnt flawless and, in many cases, ends up being a frustrating, expensive mistake. Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb. I only had mine for six years and the boards have warped. Read on to learn more. For 18 years, I would say it has served us well but, not really knowing how long it was supposed to last, makes it difficult to assess if we really got our moneys worth? Composite decking boards are significantly more expensive than traditional wood decking materials, approximately double the price of their wood counterparts. We are looking to install Duralife composite deck 400 sq. Its very difficult to get and they only offer their products to the top decking companies in the country. Look up consumer affairs and read all the horrible reviews about trex. Since the water doesnt quite absorb, it becomes stagnant, with the moisture finally causing mold to develop. If you been a reader of my blog for any amount of time, youre probably thinking Oh now, here he goes again bemoaning another modern product. Well, I want to tell you that that is not the case. This isnt an option with composite. Have you ever dealt with Weardeck? Right! VEKADECK is the best deck board in the entire vinyl decking industry. Last, but not least, modified wood ages beautifully (even becoming a silvery-grey) and rarely splinters. As my father used to say, quality remains long after the price is forgotten. To be able to build a composite deck, you should have enough budget. I have not used Weardeck. Alternative to wood building products have a place .. Im restoring and adding to an old stone building in PA . Composite decking boards are more slippery than wood. Do not buy anything w a 10 yr warranty. is tough for decks because it really does limit your options and often results in more spring/sag as time goes on. Today, there are still all of the wood options of yesterday, but now there are scores of different composite decking options. Your email address will not be published. I dont have problems with new products, only subpar ones. If the article was to say there are a lot of cheap, garbage composites out thereI would agree. Despite composite having texture, it does little to provide solid footing around pools or swimming docks. If you plan to build a composite deck, here are some things that you should be aware of. Composite decking boards are more slippery than wood. 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. Modified wood is stronger and longer-lasting than composite, not to mention more versatile. For now, Id say the best way to avoid problems with composite decking are to avoid it altogether and stick with wood. Check carefully for summer heat. You may be one of the lucky ones who installs composite decking and gets away with it, or you may end up constantly on the phone trying to persuade them into the honoring their warranty, which is extremely hard to do. Once you choose the colour, you have to stick with that colour. As for me, Im sticking with wood. There was nothing wrong with the Trex but it was not properly shielding the area below the deck from water penetration. Required fields are marked *. outside is a cheap vinyl capstock. Joists are 2x10x13. Now, I just need to research modified wood. Watershield even works underwater! Unfortunately, you cant do the same for composites. When I purchased the house over five years ago, it looked great, with enough space between the boards for water to go through. Composite decking materials are significantly heavier than wood. Modified wood is a real wood product that offers far more benefits than composite, but with the beautiful look of natural wood. My opinion HD removed the product because of the cracking and law suite and Deckorators would not admit that this product was inferior and replace it. So they created their own term called Armor Alloy Technology. Veka invented Cellular PVC decking years ago, and in recent years theyve beefed it up and added an ASA (acrylic) capstock to it to further help resist fading. One such alternative is PVC decking; it doesn't include wood fibers and isn't subject to mold or delamination, but it has only a passing resemblance to wood. It is NOT a true PVC product. This statement applies to composite decking materials as well. 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. Theres a couple others out there. Your email address will not be published. Take a look at some of the websites where homeowners have posted their reviews, and youll read 1 and 2 star reviews all day long. I bought a remodeled house which the builder put composite decking. I am in the market to build a deck, hopefully this winter. Do not buy Trex! Similarly to composite, it requires no surface treatments and only basic cleaning. Composite decking is typically made of more plastic than wood fibers, leaving the surface fairly soft. It actually moves more AND more unexpectedly than wood decks. in a damp area they can be the best option .. also, if fire is a concern. In NY theres only 1 I believe, Upstate. What can you tell me about this productpros and cons? I have used this for years and its amazing, Spray it on and let it sit and come back and rinse with clear water. If youve founds some winners here then share them with us. I put 250 feet of garden hose on top of one container, snaked back and forth, and had it hooked up to a 1.5 GPM shower head over some bamboo slats, and I could take a 20 minute hot shower. boards lighter than normal composites. This one has been the issue that I encounter most- composite decking boards that feel like a trampoline when you walk on them. Someday, the industry may be able to create a consistent long-lasting product that lives up to the claims, but right now, they cant seem to make it work. As a Trex owner I can tell you that the answer is yes. Once you choose the colour, you have to stick with that colour. It is a fiberglass composite but I cannot find much information on them. Sadly, ours rotted in six years, even though I followed all maintenance instructions. Same situation Fiberon will do nothing and installer will not either. Its a very good deck board. Please dont make an expensive mistake and listen to the contractor whos limited to these composite products. Even though it is one of the most durable and commonly-used materials, it has its fair share of problems. rsteen1@msn.com. Homeowners quickly notice that their new deck scratches fairly easily compared to older wood decks. I returned all the uncut boards to the lumber yard for credit. The main competitor to composite decking in the early years was pressure-treated (PT) lumber. You mention not being able to install on 16 centers, but thats what the composite brand I have seen calls for, and it bends under a human beings weight, up to about 3/4 inch. Your email address will not be published. What Are the Problems With Composite Decking? It wont cover any of it due to weather conditions. If this was written 12 years ago, some points would be valid. Many people in these comments are wrong and spreading false information. Both at one time were cedar over PT frame. However, if you do wish to paint a composite deck and sand it beforehand, it damages the boards and loses protection. Dog is smart. Hi Scott, we are getting bids from local home improvement contractors on building a 14 x 16 deck. However, they are. Read more Get a FREE ebook, bonus content, and special deals not available on the blog right in your inbox! Required fields are marked *. The perfectmaterial for deckingdoes not exist. Your source for the latest products and trends within the architecture, construction, interior design, and building materials industry. Please help! The mold seems to grow heavily not just on the surface, but inside the rough texture of uncapped decking. Yes, my cedar deck is uncomfortable sometimes, but thats at 5 PM after its been in the sun for 8 hours. For example, PT wood must be restained and/or resealed every few years while composite does not. It seems to come on strong and takes constant effort to keep the decking clear of it, especially for a self-proclaimed no maintenance product. Especially prevalent on older and uncapped composited decking, mold shows up quickly and is more difficult to eradicate than youd expect. Plan on installing 800 sq. Yes, its can be scratched with something that scratches but there is a touch-up kit that quickly repairs the surface. Fading and discoloration is another undesirable effect of sunlight, but it is possible to correct fading by painting and staining the decking, provided you use the proper materials. The key to success is to use the proper product for what you are trying to do. And the best thing is, you can. Take a look at some of the websites where homeowners have posted their reviews, and youll read 1 and 2 star reviews all day long. My deck is warping cracking and twisting. These are the only products most contractors can get so of course theyre going to say theyre good. Just didnt have enough funding to keep up. Certainly doesnt mean the whole category is junk, but trying to discern which company is making the good products is difficult since they all claim to be making quality, lasting composite decking.
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