Decks

Posted in: Decks
Composite Decking
By Martin Smith
May 24, 2008 - 6:13:56 AM

Question - we have plans for constructing a new deck and our considering using the composite decking material for the railings, decking, etc. Do you have any feedback about the advantages or disadvantages of such products? Do I have to be aware about other facts related to maintenance in building the deck using the composite decking materials?

Answer - Nowadays plastic, wooden and cellulose materials are the most recognized products in the construction of outdoor decks, which may include caps, post wraps, spindles, railings and decking.

You are most probably influenced by the advertisements hosted by the manufacturers of such products, which may sound lucrative for the contractors and the consumers. A lot such advertisements claim that composite decking material is rot free. This is, however not true and may hurt back the manufacturers in the long run.

It was long back in the 1990’s that such products were introduced by manufacturers with the intention of providing environmental friendly material for the construction of the decks. Initially the decking material was the combine result of recycled discarded shipping pallets and plastic milk cartons. In comparison to those methods, in the present times the composite decking material is produced using cellular fibers and virgin plastic, and in some cases the products are still the results of recycled material as a whole.  

Based on your source of information, you are likely to hear the good and bad about the composite decking material. For instance, the residents of the eastern coast faced such bad experiences by using the composite decking material by a particular manufacturer, that they were forced to file a law suit in the state court, however the concerned company chose to an agreement for a national settlement, which saved them from legal hardships and a class action was certified for that particular state. Also the proofs and claims by the manufacturer weren’t ever made public due to lack of evidence.    

A lot of researches and statements by well known scientists have been published in important documents of Forest Products Journal between September 2001 and December 2002. These papers have reports about composite decking material and their experimented feedback. Wood fibers and cellulose products used for producing such material have been reported to be effected by wood rots, if not well preserved

At first sight, it doesn’t seems to be an important matter and for the common man the perception that the cellulose or wood content in composite materials is not too high still stands. It has been noted that most products have a wood fiber and cellulose content nearing fifty percent of the total volume and in some cases it may go up to seventy percent. As per laboratory results the composite decking material tend to loose any where between ten to twenty percent of their weight over a period of time, which also explains over forty percent of wood content loss due to the rotting of the wood.  

Some researches present the fact that a preservative is available which has proved to be helpful in maintaining the composite decking material. This preservative is a chemical named zinc borate which easily blends with the cellulose or wood components during the deck manufacturing. This chemical has the capability to with stand the effects of fungus and acts as a shield for the wood fiber to prevent the wood from rotting. The preservative has a long life span and can save the wood for periods over 20 years.

Most of the wood tends to rot over a period of time, as it is naked to the factors which cause harm to it. A common perception that the cellulose fibers of the wooden components used for the decking are protected are by the plastic is not true. Such components are not only visible over the edges as they are interrelated to the complete length, depth and width of the wooden boards. These components are not water resistant and water may seep into them igniting the process of rotting of the wood, if the wood is not well preserved.

In case you are planning to use composite decking material for building your deck, always remember to purchase the products which have the necessary preservatives. A written description by the manufacturer would be a great idea. A lot of them provide warranty on the product as a sign of well preserved materials; however it is not advised to rely on such warranties. Also remember to follow the proper guidelines for the installation of the products. Other important factors like joists placement supports, component spacing and gaps between the decking plans are vital and need to be ensured. In case you overlook these instructions the manufacturer may not be liable to abide with the warranty on the product.



© Copyright 2008 by Home Improvements - DIY Stuff