Composite decking is an innovative technology. That is the perfect alternative to traditional wood due to its durability, maintenance-free nature, and versatility. When preparing to add composite decking to your outdoor space, you may be asking many questions about it. “What is the cost of composite decking?” How long will composite decking last? ” and “Will it warp like traditional wood?” It’s good to be cautious. In fact, while composite decking has many advantages, some factors can cause the warping of the deck. In this article, we’ll look at why composite decking warps and how to prevent it from warping.
Table of Contents
Why does composite decking warp?
Dampness and moisture
Moisture is one of the main causes of composite decking material warp. Composite decking is made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood fiber. Which provides greater durability and a sturdier appearance. But if you use it improperly, it can cause the wood fibers to absorb moisture. Moisture and humidity are known to be important factors in wood, causing it to expand and contract, which can lead to warping of the deck. This problem is more common in areas where it rains a lot.
Improper installation
If you do not install the composite deck properly, then it can also cause warping of the deck. Incorrect deck spacing and incorrect temperatures can affect composite decking. A tightly spaced deck will not have as effective a drainage system as a spaced version. And as mentioned above, moisture is a major contributor to the deck warpage. Therefore drainage is essential for composite decking to minimize the risk of water accumulation and mold formation.
Sealed decking can create moist air at the bottom, which can damage your frame and deck, and can also cause warping problems in your deck.
Maintaining proper spacing is also important to allow composite deck boards to expand and contract properly. During the hot summer months or cold winter months, your deck may expand and contract thermally. If the decks are not spaced correctly in the middle, they will squeeze each other and eventually cause the composite decks to warp.
Fixing too tight
Fixing the deck in place all at once is a decision many homeowners make during installation. But this operation can have many negative effects.
Screwing composite decking into place all at once is very safe. But as the deck expands and contracts thermally, it can have many repercussions. The set screws can create a lot of pressure around the deck and this can cause the composite decks to warp.
High temperature and sunlight
Sunlight exposure and high temperatures are also major cause of warping in composite deck boards. Composite decking is more heat resistant and less likely to expand when exposed to heat than traditional wood. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. In hot climates, composite materials can grow or contract due to temperature fluctuations, which can lead to warping of the deck. In addition, direct sunlight can cause fading and discoloration of the decking, which can affect the strength of the material. And make it more susceptible to warping or buckling over time.
How to prevent warping of composite decking
Composite decking is more durable and weather resistant, so avoiding the warping of the deck is also very easy.
Professional installation
Composite decking installation requires specialized tools and techniques. So we recommend that you hire a professional installer to perform the installation. An experienced installer will be able to minimize the risk during the installation process. This includes maintaining the spacing between composite deck boards and ensuring that the correct fasteners are used to secure the deck. Also, installing at the right temperature will reduce the risk of warping the deck.
Keep the deck dry and clean
Moisture and humidity can seriously affect your composite decking, so it is important to keep your outdoor space dry. Promptly cleaning water from the deck surface can effectively protect your deck. Although composite decking is highly resistant to moisture, moisture can take a toll on composite materials as you use them.
Keep your deck clean and regularly clean the surface of your deck of debris and debris. This will also reduce the risk of composite deck warping to some extent.
Avoid direct sunlight
Homeowners need to take some ways to keep their composite decking boards out of direct sunlight. Thus reducing the possibility of warping. Installing outdoor shades, such as awnings and shades, is a simple and effective way. It can provide additional shade and protect the material from direct sunlight.
Using some materials that are highly resistant to UV rays is also a solution, but this approach will cost you more.
Proper sealing
Although many homeowners are not aware of it, sealing composite decking is indeed possible. Properly sealing and keeping up with regular maintenance can make your deck more durable. However, this is not recommended, so it will take a lot of time to maintain your composite deck boards later, and some manufacturers do not offer warranties on sealed composite decks.
Summary
In summary, warping does not often happen with composite decking, but it will inevitably happen. Humidity, incorrect installation, and direct sunlight can all cause warping of the deck. To prevent this from happening, homeowners need to take steps to prevent it, such as hiring a professional installer, cleaning the deck regularly, and avoiding direct sunlight. By taking these precautions, homeowners will be able to enjoy composite decking that will last and look great.
