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.

I returned all the uncut boards to the lumber yard for credit. There are serious inherent design problems with the composite decking product. I am in the process of switching over to aluminum boards which are more expensive. As my father used to say, quality remains long after the price is forgotten. Don’t be fooled by the contractors on here saying it’s not what it used to be. New names every year and ground breaking technology every year.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

This advantage also means that your deck will fight off mold and mildew better than natural wood products. You’ll still need to follow the basic precautions to prevent mold growth, such as installing the product at least two feet above ground to allow for proper ventilation. You can then remove the green stuff right away with a cleaning solution designed for that exact purpose. If you choose a capped product for your composite decking, then the boards are sealed in plastic that can be embossed or colored to create the variegated look of a natural wood product. You’ll find that capped composite decking also tends to be more resistant to fading, scratching, and stain damage.

And there are things you can do to increase the surface traction. SlipDoctors’ Floor Grip is an effective roll-on anti-slip coating ideal for slippery composite decking surfaces. This clear, water-based urethane sealer was designed for creating an anti-slip coating on vinyl, vinyl composition tile , interior wood, cork, laminate, linoleum surfaces, and more. Floor Grip will increase traction dramatically and is a great solution for human feet and dog paws to prevent slipping. What are Veranda Composite Decking and Railing made of? Our composite decking products consist of wood and plastic with a rich, realistic woodgrain. The downside is that plastic lumber doesn't look much like 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.

What’s more, this type of material has a habit of consuming the timber material and makes it incredibly hard to remove entirely. Trex manufactures a composite decking to create a low-maintenance, high-performance backyard retreat that can offer you serene outdoors without depleting them over a long period of time. Some of the manufactured products include high-performance composite decking, PVC decking, and wood/plastic early generation decking. When it rains or composite lumber is infiltrated by water, will pedestrians slip through the composite floor? During winter, when composite decking becomes wet, water can get into the crevices and grooves of the surface which hardens into ice. Uneven surfaces caused by a bad installation work can collect water at some portions of the decking which can harden into a big chunk of ice. The most common reason why composite decking becomes slippery are different dirt and organic particulates that accumulates on the surface.

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Eventually, as sun and rain cause the wood to crack, splinter, and rot, boards will have to be torn up and replaced. To keep a wood deck looking its best takes time and money. Composite decking manufacturers have also found ways to offer more cost-competitive options, such as Trex’s new lower-cost board, to fit a wider range of budgets. Now, it’s possible for a homeowner or commercial contractor to build with composite decking materials and realize the same long-term benefits without breaking the bank. Composite decking is one of the most durable decking materials on the market.

• While composite decks are built to last longer than natural wood decks, their surfaces aren’t impervious to mold and moss and the slipperiness that comes with them.
• This durable and low-maintenance composite material does not crack and rot and does not need paint after long-term use.
• Whether your deck is made of natural wood or composite decking material, each can be just as slippery as the other under the conditions described above.
• With composite decking, you don’t have to worry about this problem.
• If you plan to install decks by the pool or in a humid environment such as frequent rain, you will first be concerned about the safety of decks.
• Sunlight and rain can cause wood to crack or rot, and mold growing on decks can also make decks slippery.

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.

Slip & Fall Problems Areas On Synthetic Wood

This disadvantage is the reason why most homeowners opt for the standard installation even if they want a clean look. If you live in an environment where it rains frequently, then choosing composite decking with a non-slip texture could be an investment worth making. Homeowners that plan to install their deck somewhere next to a pool on their property will want to make use of this advantage as well. You’ll still get boards that look like natural wood and install on a pressure-treated frame, but you’ll also be reducing the risk of slipping and falling if your feet are wet. This advantage helps in the winter too if you plan to use your deck as part of your standard entryway. You don’t need any special tools to complete the installation of composite decking either.

Timbertech Composite Decking Color Chart

The 2012 Trex Installation Guide addresses the issue of a slippery composite decking surface in the following manner. Like any major home purchase, decking materials vary in looks, durability, and cost.