Some Issues With Composite Decking!

Weathered Wood

Some PVC decking materials can fade or peel as a result of exposure to the elements. PVC decking is made completely from synthetic materials. PVC consists of polyvinyl chloride, a type of vinyl typically used for outdoor siding and fencing. Your source for the latest products and trends within the architecture, construction, interior design, and building materials industry. Modified wood is stronger and longer-lasting than composite, not to mention more versatile. Modified wood can be used in any region or climate as well as alongside water as poolside decking, piers, or docks.

We regret that we do not provide a warranty in this instance. Wood or gas fire pits should not be placed on top of Trex decking. However, gas fire pits may be installed beside or between deck boards with a protective wall made of stone or other fire-resistant material used for insulation. The breadth of the Trex lineup means that there are Trex products to suit nearly any residential or commercial need.

Trex Composite Decking Company Information

• Now that a few years have passed, homeowners have seen the real truth behind these claims.
• While no product will ever be able to replace the natural beauty of wood, since composite decking materials are man made, they can also be man-improved.
• One of the biggest problems with older Trex decking is color fading.
• Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to how badly their products actually look when left out in the sun.

Again, our thanks and best wishes to all in your claims / suits against Trex. My husband chose to settle with Trex because our deck was getting dangerous. We sent in our recipt with pictures and a claim form.

Decking

Left in the wake are consumers complaining about mold, cracking and discoloration problems with their decking. Law firms, meanwhile, have been casting about on the Internet for participants to join a possible class action lawsuit. Pressure washing hardwood decking is another effective mold removal strategy, but it is a harsh method. Annual cleaning of hardwood decking can add decades to the lifetime of the decking material, not to mention the fact that it will look beautiful again. But even hardwood decking won’t look good for very long if mold and debris are left unclean. High density hardwood decking species such as Ipe decking, Cumaru hardwood decking and Machiche decking are well known for their natural resistance to decay from mold.

But the big different is the top of each plank and the top third of each side is capped with a solid plastic that's embossed with wood grain. The capping material also has some extra coloration to simulate the real look of wood. My wife is a very tough critic of all things that are made to simulate wood. She feels this is the closest she's ever seen of any product to replicate real wood. In the summer of 2016, I replaced all of the generation one Trex decking at my home with Trex Transcend. The Transcend product has the same, or similar, core of wood fibers that are encapsulated by plastic. The wood fibers inside the decking are getting wet, rotting and fueling the growth of mushrooms.

I enjoyed that decking, it never stained, easy care, and the new owners of that home tell me it is still holding up well! Thus getting Trex for this house currently seemed like a no brainer. The homeowner stated that he is using Trex decking boards to build a table. We do not warrant our decking product for use as anything other than a decking board. We don't know whether the boards warped from use as a table as opposed to decking.

Again, it seems completely random when this happens, but it happens often enough that you should know about it. Sadly, most composite decking falls into that category. It has been improving slowly over the years with the introduction of capped products and other upgrades, but still, the reports from consumers and contractors are not promising. Take a look at some of the websites where homeowners have posted their reviews, and you’ll read 1 and 2 star reviews all day long. Color difference – many decks were faded with uneven color resulting in some boards being lighter and others getting darker. Many of the synthetic products are available in colors such as white, gray, and several shades of brown. Surface textures include smooth , subtle wood grain, ridges, and other decidedly nonwood-like patterns.

Composite decking companies are making a product that will save you money by eliminating maintenance, repairs, and finishes, while providing the same strength as wood decking. No mater what your preferences, this product can answer the call. Other advances have been installing grain patterns in the decking to imitate the look of wood, as well as offering several more colors than was possible 5 years ago. While a wood porch or deck might be cheaper to build, it will continually cost the homeowner more money each season in maintenance and repairs. With composites, a little washing every now and again it all it needs.

Here are some of the known issues and things to consider before you make the leap. The other reason could also be that technically they are not as advanced in mold designing. A board with an uncapped groove still allows moisture to be absorbed into the core through the entire length of the board. Therefore, there is a potential for swelling, cupping, and cracking to exist over time. The first generation composite’s scratch resistance is very poor and this is due in part because of the wood fibers. Wood fibers inherently have a low scratch resistance and when the manufacturer brushes/sands the board it creates a coarse effect on the surface allowing for even less scratch resistance. Not only the color will be faded out, the structure and composition will be degraded or even destroyed.

Recently, I had to repair a poorly designed front porch that was covered with Trex decking. I would like Trex to pay for the replacement boards - which is a small portion of the total deck, like about 7-10 boards as well as pay the contractor for his time. This company refuses to acknowledge their warping issues with their composite deck boards. For our early generation composite decking , Trex does not recommend the use of a power washer. Use of a power washer will damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the power washing. In most cases, individual Elevations' components cost more than pressure-treated wood components. The Elevations steel deck framing system does offer efficiencies not found with wood, including the ability to build longer spans and extend cantilevers with Elevations joists and beams.

I have scrubbed with Dawn a total of four times now and the prints remain!! This has been such a huge mistake and this company will not stand behind their product!! Soft pressure washing does nothing either, it’s like the dirt is baked in. The deck is already fading as well and has developed these white speckles. I replaced my cedar decking five years ago with Trex Transcends Havana Gold decking.

When it comes to Trex vs. wood, there's more to the story than the upfront price. While wood may be cheaper on day one, it could end up costing you far more by day 365 . Trex means quality, beauty and minimal maintenance, saving you time, money and everything that comes with a call to the handyman.

Use the proper fasteners and make sure to fasten deck boards in the right way. Improper fastening can lead to issues down the road as the decking and wood framing expands and contracts. Sanding is not recommended for Trex decking products. Unlike wood, Trex is made up of layers, including a harder outer coat or shell that provides resistance to the elements. Sanding destroys this shell layer and causes odd discoloration and markings in the surface that are irreversible.