Composite Decking Slippery In Winter

Winner: Trex

In addition, composite decking materials can be milled and cut just like wood decking. Most manufacturers offer fade and stain warranties of up to 25 years. If you can find a product that goes beyond this timeframe, then that material should jump to the top of the list of preferences for your composite decking. Increased heat levels can also cause some of the materials in the composite decking can cause some of the materials to become more flexible. This disadvantage can cause the boards to move out of their fasteners over time. If you accidentally spill hot cooking grease on your composite decking, then there is an excellent chance that the plastic in this product will melt. You won’t want to grill on this deck either for the same reason.

Some types are solid and heavy, while others are hollow and lighter weight. And because much of this decking can be cut, shaped, and fastened almost like wood , building with it is just as easy. Prices are competitive with those for cedar or redwood, but expect to pay 15 to 20 percent more than for pressure-treated pine. For all the lounging done on them, wood decks require a lot of work to maintain. When paint or stain fades and chalks because of the weather, they need to be recoated.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

Since both products are nearly identical, for us it’s all about the style, price and color options. It’s a tough decision to make and really depends on the individual. The difference between the two brands is very slim without any major drawbacks or advantages.If you have any questions or comments e-mail us any time. Never paint or stain over dirty surfaces or surfaces with mold and mildew.

Refer to the Product and Installation Guide for cleaning instructions. Because of the weight of the composite materials, you must have a stronger frame in place for your deck when compared to the requirements for natural wood.

Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. outside is a cheap “vinyl” capstock. These are the only products most contractors can get so of course they’re going to say they’re good.

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

Choose composite deckings that have grooved or rough-textured surfaces as this improves grip and is less likely to be slippery. Composite decking on the other hand has a low water absorption rate. Most of which comes with a capstock coating or capping material around the surface, made of vinyl, that repels liquid better.

• The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot.
• "If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite," says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards.
• "Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance," he says.
• One concern about nonwood decking is how slippery it can be when wet.
• “If you have any concern with slipperiness, go with a rough-textured composite,” says Dr. Prabhat Krishnaswami, vice chair of an ASTM committee on plastic lumber standards.

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.

While composite decking will save you time, energy and money in the long-run, there is no such thing as a truly no-maintenance decking material. Any outdoor living space will require occasional cleaning of dirt and debris. Learn more about deck maintenance here, and discover some additional benefits of composite decking versus wood to keep in consideration when planning your next deck build. The most common question we encounter on Decks.com is, "What is the best composite decking material?" Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer. There are multiple brands to choose from, with various categories of products in a wide range of prices. To help you narrow down your choices, there are several considerations to take into account.

How To Stop Decking Being Slippery In Winter

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.