How To Avoid Warping of Composite Decking?
As an outdoor living space for entertaining and relaxing, choosing the right material for your deck can be difficult. You need to do your homework because there are many factors to consider. How much money you have will affect the type of deck you choose, but knowing the other benefits of each material will help you make the best choice.
Composite decking has become popular in recent years as a great alternative to traditional wood decking. When properly installed, composite decking has a long lifespan of about 25-30 years. Composite decking boards don’t usually split, splinter, or warp, and they require much less maintenance than natural wood decks.
This guide will cover the main causes of composite wood decking warping, ways to minimize the risk, and how to fix it.
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Table of Contents
Causes of Composite Decking Warping
Composite decking is made from recyclable plastics and wood fibers. The properties of these materials give composite decking both the feel of wood and excellent water and mold resistance, making it stronger and more durable. It is important to understand that capped composite decking is more durable than regular composite wood decking because a protective polymer shell surrounds it.
If natural wood decking is left in a humid environment for an extended period, it will usually warp. Of course, this is not the case with composite decking. Although composite decking does not usually bend, sometimes it does, such as in the following cases.
Incorrect Spacing
The spacing between composite decking planks is an important part of the construction process for several reasons.
If decking planks are placed next to each other, they will not drain as well as planks that are spaced apart. All composite decking needs to have drainage holes so that water does not pool and cause a slippery surface.
Poorly drained areas can harbor mold and make composite decking boards slippery and stained. Gaps between boards are also important for air circulation, which helps the deck surface dry properly.
A sealed deck also weakens the subframe and joists by making the area underneath the composite decking wet. This can cause them to break down faster and reduce the safety of the base.
Additionally, there needs to be enough space between the planks so they can naturally expand and contract with temperature changes.
If the deck boards are not spaced properly, they will bump into each other. Composite decking boards bend because they are caused by different boards bumping into each other.
For the same reason, space should be left between deck boards mounted against a wall. Thermal expansion of the decking boards pushes them against the wall, which can cause the composite decking to bend out of shape if space is not allowed.
Tightening Composite Decking into Place
Many people consider screwing decking boards into place when laying composite decking boards. But they don’t realize that there are some downsides to doing so.
Many people think that this is an easy, cheap, and fast way to lay a deck. When you screw composite decking boards into place, there are problems with the boards expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.
Screwing composite wood decking into place keeps them in place. However, as the boards expand, they put too much pressure on the screws. This can cause composite decking to warp.
How to Prevent Composite Decking from Bending
There are many ways to prevent composite decking from warping, and a professional should be able to tell you the best way to reduce the risk.
These are the easiest ways to prevent composite decking boards from warping.
Reserve the Right Amount of Space
Leaving enough space between decking boards helps with drainage and air circulation, and also prevents composite wood decking from warping.
When you are installing your composite decking project, it is recommended that you leave these deck boards to sit for about a week. This is to allow the composite decking boards to acclimatize to the local temperatures and humidity and reduce the problems associated with thermal expansion and contraction.
When working on the installation of composite decking, pay attention to the installation instructions provided by the composite decking manufacturer. Strictly follow the installation instructions, which usually require an 8mm gap between decking boards.
You can ask the composite decking manufacturer if you live in an area with a more extreme high heat or cold climate. Use them to get information on the gap that should be left when installing composite decking.
Using Concealed Fasteners
Hidden fasteners are an easy way to space out composite decking boards without having to deal with the problems that arise when using screws. With hidden fasteners, you can safely install composite decking without worrying about it warping.
Hidden fasteners are clips that screw into the joists and attach to the decking boards. Suppliers can ensure a secure installation by customizing the screws and clips for their products. They will not screw through the deck boards. Instead, they will hold the deck in place, allowing it to expand and contract.
If screws are used to screw right through composite decking boards, there is nowhere for the boards to go when they expand. This makes some parts of the boards easier to move than the parts that are screwed in place.
T-clamps also come with spacers to securely hold the composite decking in place. They also allow the boards to expand and maintain good air circulation and drainage.
How to Fix Warped Composite Decking
Depending on the severity of the decking warpage, you can repair the decking by replacing individual parts. If the warping is very severe, you may need to call in a professional contractor for additional help. Sometimes, a deck cannot be repaired and needs to be rebuilt. Therefore, the proper installation process is very important.
You must first look at the entire composite decking and find the damaged areas. When measuring the area, remember to include the depth of the trim boards. The damaged deck boards must be cut and pushed away from the deck. After that, it is time to install the new composite decking boards. If you are using hidden fasteners, you will need to access the underside of the deck to secure it.
You can also clamp a straight board to a crooked board, which may preserve your current decking boards. You can also remove sagging composite decking boards and lay them flat on a hard surface with the head of the board touching the ground. The boards may straighten out again.
This is a difficult step, but you can carefully remove the damaged boards or place a flattened board on top.
Final Thoughts
Composite decking warping is not as common as wood decking, but it can still happen. The best way to deal with composite decking board warping is to avoid it from happening in the first place, which is not hard to do. Ensuring that you follow your supplier’s installation guidelines should help with this issue.
To comply with the terms and conditions of the warranty, it is recommended that you use the parts and accessories supplied by the composite decking manufacturer. If you use different tools and methods and the composite decking still warps, then you may not get the warranty.
If the decking is laid properly and the composite decking boards are not screwed directly to the joists, problems are much less likely to occur. If there is not enough room for the composite decking to expand and contract thermally, then it may warp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does Composite Decking Sag?
In most cases, composite decking sags because the joists are too close together. Wood decking is much lighter than composite decking. This puts more distance between the frames.
Bringing the joists closer together and adding double tenons to the ends of each composite decking board will provide the material with the support it needs. It is also important to make sure that the joists are properly supported. If the joists are not properly supported, they will sag, which will cause the composite wood decking to break.
How Long Does Composite Decking Last?
If properly cared for, composite wood decking can last 25 to 30 years. Most manufacturers of composite decking typically offer a 15-20-year warranty.
For the warranty to be valid, proper installation methods and specified accessories must be used. Some other conditions, such as the use of unsuitable cleaning agents on composite decking, can also reduce the validity of the warranty.
Can I Power Wash My Composite Decking?
You can use power washing on composite decking. But before using it, check the supplier’s instructions for how much pressure is allowed and make sure that the spray does not come into contact with the decking.
Instead of cleaning the entire deck horizontally, you should follow the grain of each board piece by piece. This will minimize marks and avoid damaging the deck surface.
What Is the Best Framing Material for Composite Decking?
Wooden underframes are not expensive, but they do not last as long as underframes made from stronger materials. Aluminum is a good choice because it is strong, durable, and works just as well as composite decking.
Frames made of Composite material are easy to work with and not too expensive. It lasts a long time and water won’t hurt it. Only recycled plastic can be used to make composite joists.
Does Composite Decking Fade in the Sun?
Sunlight itself will not bend composite decking. However, it may fade if you choose the wrong type. Not every combination is the same. Each supplier has its unique features and advantages.
EVODEK’s composite decking usually contains UV inhibitors, so it can be exposed to sunlight for a long time without fading.
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