Some Issues With Composite Decking!

Vinyl decking is yet another low-maintenance option, although one that offers a particularly non-traditional deck. In general, first an aluminum or vinyl track is installed across the joists, and then top pieces are snapped into place. From an environmental standpoint, composite decking is considered a “green” product because it is constructed with recycled materials and is very durable. Experienced builders may want to skip this paragraph, but for most homeowners, it’s important to get your terminology right. Start with Joists… Joists are the heart of your deck infrastructure.

After purchasing the material, store the composite decking flat and bundled, if possible, in the area where you will be cutting and installing it. The decking should be at the same temperature as the area where it will be installed. On the downside, composite decking is susceptible to stains and may fade over time. Quality products cost more than softwoods such as treated pine. But they last longer with far less maintenance, so this premium is offset by their durability. Though not meant for structural purposes, these products are plenty strong for decking, fencing, and railings.

Hire A Deck Builder

Before installing any type of decking, you need a solid, flat surface to work on — this is where your deck frame comes in. A decking joist is a repeated board used as the structural base for your deck frame that is attached to the ledger via galvanized joist hangers.

It can be cleaned regularly with a garden hose and a soft bristled brush. Some manufacturers have had some success with the longevity of their products. With this type of material price is a contributing factor.

Check Deck Joist Spacing

If you have ever looked up at a deck from underneath, you’ve seen joists, which are dimensional lumber, (often 2×8’s or 2×10’s). They are set upright for strength, usually fastened to the house at one end, and sitting on top of a central support beam near the other end. Joists support the decking boards, which are fastened onto the joists from above. Joists are typically spaced out evenly for stability, ease of board installation and a clean look.

I know that this is a very one sided article and I am not comparing composite decking to wood. I am merely talking about some of the issues that have been noted with the material.

How To Lay Decking Joists For Composite Decking

• This contact area should be limited only to the top of the joists, leaving most of the decking exposed on both sides.
• If placed on top of other decking, there will be little drying potential beneath the new decking and more rapid decay of both the new and old can be expected.
• These days, installing a composite deck is a lot like working with wood -- some even claim it’s easier due to the clip system.
• For manufactured products, installations over old decking or solid surfaces are prohibited and will likely void the warranty.
• Guides exist online to streamline the process and encourage amateurs to try it out themselves, and many brands are working to improve the installation process further.
• While this might have been true when composite decking first hit the market, it’s not an accurate representation of the materials on today’s market.

DuraLife’s ColorLock™ Multi-Layered Finishing System also helps protect against discoloration because composite material is completely uniform from one side of the board to the other. The good news for homeowners is that unlike most composites, DuraLife® hardwood composite decking products can be installed between 20” O.C. That’s why most professional builders agree that building a deck with high-quality composite decking materials is the ideal choice. Isn’t it time to scrap that warped, splintery, faded wood? Replace it with Trex high-performance composite decking and enjoy long-lasting, low-maintenance beauty for decades to come. After all, your time outdoors shouldn’t be spent sanding, scraping and staining – it should be spent sitting on your deck enjoying the view. If you’re planning to replace old wood decking with PVC or composite, measure the deck joist spacing first.

How To Fasten Composites Down

Wood decking will absorb moisture and release to the air around it. Moisture that gets trapped under the decking and on top of the wood joists would tend to stay there and keep the joist from drying properly. Wood that is not allowed to dry properly will be more susceptible to rot and decay. Another mistake to avoid when installing composite decking is spacing the joists too far apart. So, keep in mind that some additional framing may be necessary if you decide to upgrade your existing pressure treated wood deck with a high-quality composite material.

Don't Frame Your Deck Without Considering These 3 Things

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If you want to keep the framing, they require you to tear off the decking and then they come and inspect it. If your deck is 20 years old it's likely it was built to a code less stringent than now. Like 4x4s instead of 6x6s for posts, or end-nailed joists instead of joist hangers. I'd take the opportunity to upgrade those at the same time. And the PT framing is about the cheapest & fastest part to replace. While many of the myths surrounding composite decks will be hard to dispel, many are trying to disprove these misconceptions.

More and more homeowners are choosing to have their decking built from composite lumber rather than use real wood. Composite lumber is made from recycled plastic, sawdust, and other wood byproducts. Composite decking requires little to no maintenance and won't rot, twist or splinter. More expensive than wood, but valued for its efficiency and striking resemblance to real wood which manufacturers have perfected, composite material is an excellent choice for decking. All my composite deck installations get the complete PVC trim treatment. The posts, porch roofs and the beam of the roof have PVC trim.

If you’re not satisfied with the color choices, or if you would like your deck to match your house, most products can be stained or painted, as specified by the manufacturer. You can fasten boards to joists by driving screws through the face or into clips inserted along the edge. Edge-fastening looks good because the screws are hidden, but face-fastening is faster, stronger, and easier to fix. When face-fastening, use screws designed only for composites. This decking bubbles up around standard bugle-head deck screws . Here’s a detailed review about composite decking, including how to choose the best boards, comparing costs, as well as installing and cleaning them.

This product is pricey but homeowners enjoy the varying patterns and tones that make the composite look remarkably realistic. Dirt can be easily trapped in textured composite planks, however, and this type of composite decking requires more maintenance as a result. Thankfully for contractors and serious DIYers, you don’t have to buy many specialized tools for installing composite decks. There are only a few composite deck installation steps that might require a new tool.