The Problems With Composite Decking

Winner: Trex

This requires special joist spacing that can be as little as 12 inches, depending on the size and thickness of the decking material. Composites are by far the most popular type of nonwood decking, accounting for 80 percent of all products sold. That's because they contain about 50 percent wood dust from sawmills, in addition to recycled and virgin high-density polyethylene . It also makes the material easier to cut and install than all-plastic decking. Composites do not require a finish of any kind, making them easier to maintain than solid wood. This durable and low-maintenance alternative to wood will never split or rot and requires no paint or finish.

Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb. Just like the mold, this issue is unpredictable and hard to understand which decking will have problems and which will not. PVC decking is made from 100% recycled plastic while composite decking, is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic products. Both products feature a “cap,” which is an extra, added layer of protection that helps make them more durable and longer-lasting. Please note that before you apply any grit paint to a slippery Trex deck we strongly recommend that you contact Trex and check the warranty for your specific year of manufacture.

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 you start shopping around to look at the various deck brands, you’ll discover that there is a wide range of warranty options. The best choice you can make with your composite decking is to choose an item that comes with a fade and stain warranty. If you don’t have this option, then you have every right to question the longevity of the boards that you purchase. When you’re in that situation, the use of hidden fasteners can become a disadvantage rather quickly. You’ll need to disconnect the entire board from underneath, which can mean removing multiple boards to get to the one in question.

These are algae or fungal growth, molds, or mildew, which can make the surface slippery. Molds do not grow on composite decks, but pollen, leaves or other debris on decks can cause mold. At SlipDoctors we stock Floor Grip, the ideal anti-slip product for composite decking. This product will not change the look of your decks, is easy to apply and incredibly cost-effective.

The recently settled legal matter focused on the propensity of the first generation, uncapped Trex boards to grow mold, mildew, and discolor over time. The 2012 Trex recommendation of painting first-generation Trex decks with enamel paint with grit additive makes sense to us. Assuming the enamel paint with a grit additive will adhere to your particular Trex product, that’s a reasonable for a first-generation Trex deck where nearly the entire surface is slippery. However, if you want a longer-lasting, more resilient traction paint, we recommend the Slip Doctor product line of epoxy grit pain. If most of your Trex Deck is slick, then you’ll need a different solution.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Add Sand To Your Deck Sealer Or Stain

If you plan to install decks by the pool or in a humid environment such as frequent rain, you will first be concerned about the safety of decks. Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery. With composite decking, you don’t have to worry about this problem. This durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does not need paint after long-term use. You’ve probably already noted the difference in cost between composite decking and natural wood; composite materials are more expensive per linear foot. But here’s where it’s key to look at the whole picture.

• So far, however, a nationwide safety standard has not been established.
• Sometimes slippage is caused by mold on the deck surface.
• To ensure safety, manufacturers of plastic and composite decking have started submitting products to slip-resistance tests set up by ASTM International.
• According to Richmond, who installs plastic and composite decks, all-plastic planks seem to be a little more slippery than regular wood, whereas composites are not.
• “Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance,” he says.
• It is important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning to keep the decking clean.

Most manufacturers in this industry call for 16 inches on the center framing for straight runs. If you opt for diagonal runs, then you need 12 inches on the framing. Despite the added weight of this recycled product, it does not usually have the same strength as pressure-treated or natural wood. That means your home could struggle to support this installation and the deck itself may not be as supportive of your needs as you hoped it might be. Depending on your market costs, composite decking could be as much as five times more expensive than using pressure-treated wood for your building needs. Another key benefit to consider when choosing composite decking over real wood is the fact that you can find a lot of color options available. Most manufacturers provide a series of brown, gray, and tan colors to complement the classic Earth tones that a natural wood product would provide.

Slip & Fall Problems Areas On Synthetic Wood

Without this step, the natural wood fibers will still begin to disintegrate, which can leave uncomfortable plastic fibers sticking out of your deck over time, creating a walking hazard. A major benefit of composite decking is that you will never have to stain, seal or paint it like wood materials. Most higher-quality synthetic decking materials are backed by a warranty against splitting, cracking, rotting and insect damage. Typically, major composite deck manufacturers have their code reports on their websites, which is the best place to get them, as you will always be using the latest version. Whether your deck is made of natural wood or composite decking material, each can be just as slippery as the other under the conditions described above. While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces aren’t impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness that comes with them.

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.