A deck is a flat surface that supports weight similar to the floor of a home, but is typically constructed for an outdoor space to beautify the home, for relaxation and outdoor entertainment.
Different materials can be use to make your decking, it all depends on your choice. Many factors may combine to form your choice of the decking you use, one of which is the constituents of the choice you are making.
Composite decking is widely preferred option, especially because it is one of the best alternatives to the traditional and widely known wood decking. Its beauty and strength is a feature you can always count on.
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What is Composite Decking Made Of?
Composite decking is a mechanically engineered alternative to traditional wood decking made up of wood fibres and plastics and some other beneficial additives However, the concept of composite decking is not that simple. It can also be called wood polymer composite decking (WPC) and it is the most environmentally friendly and cost effective approach to do your decking. Composite decking can be very heavy because of its composition and should not be used for construction.
The wood property in composite decking is always about 50-55 percent while plastic fibres take about 50-45%, the exact percentage largely defers for each manufacturing brand. The wood components maybe wood chips, sawdust, wood fibers etc. The plastics are organic materials such as poly vinyl chloride ( PVC), poly ethylene, poly propylene etc.
Additives and bonding agents are then added as wanted to further strengthen the end product and keep it shining.
Extrusion Method
There are two popular ways by which composite decking can be made. The first one known as extrusion is the process of making the boards using the science of malleability and expulsion. It starts with passing the raw materials through a machine called an extruder which combines and decomposes the mixture to be a malleable product that can be worked on easily. The malleable end product is then forced through an die which feeds it out in the shape and size of a deck board.
Compression Molding
The second method known as compression molding involves feeding all raw materials needed for production into a mold. The machine combines the molten raw materials places it on the mold. Pressure and heat then works on it to fit into the mold which are parts of a composite deck.
After the making of composite decking, the installation is a pretty easy process, it works just like the popular wooden boards but more recently new manufacturers have started to install grooves and screws to easily attach the boards during installation. This new feature provides another advantage for composite decking compared to traditional wood decking.
Advantages of Composite Decking
Durable and long lasting
As plastic has been added to support wood, composite decking roll can be very malleable during construction compared to a purely wood product. It is also relatively free from general issues that can reduce the quality of a deck fast such as direct sunlight, dampness and bad environmental conditions. Care to be taken to protect the machine from damaging. Composite decking have been known to stay in one place without damage, wear or tear for upto 20 years.
Water resistant
The rate at which composite decking absorbs water is very low compared to other materials. For this reason, it very firm on the feet and the likelihood of having a slip on its surface is reduced compared to other types of decking.
Beauty
The beauty of composite decking cannot be compared to any other type of decking, the plastic constituent which gives it a shiny surface does not need any paint, tiles or form of beautification. It is also an environmentally friendly option, so you can rest assured of even an infant’s health while around it. It contains recyclable materials which makes for a better environment for our future. This way you are making a practical, commendable and beautiful decision if you decide to use composite deck boards.
Value
Even with all the advantages of composite decking, you get to have a cost effective purchase. From acquiring the board to installation, you get to have an amazing quality for an affordable price. It’s long lasting and sturdy property also keeps you rest assured of getting good value if you want to resell your deck boards.
Suitable for all weather
Hot seasons will always come, it is up to us to devise methods by which we can protect ourselves from the harsh weather, one of the ways to do that is beamy using a composite deck. When combined with a hardwood fiber, composite decking are relatively cooler and offer more protection against the hot weather than plastic boards.
Less management and maintenance
The materials composite decking is made of ensures there is a perfect balance of materials needed to keep your decking sturdy and have a nice polish as well. For this reason, there is less reason for you to maintain and clean your decking as often as you would a traditional wood decking while offers you a more original and shinier look than plastic decking. Even when you do have a stain on your deck, simple wiping with a cloth can help to take the dirt away.
Does Composite Decking Burn?
Due to the raw materials needed in the making of composite deck boards, the material is flammable and the plastic in it cause a higher level of heat due to melting. Manufacturers are getting increasingly concerned about the safety of composite deck boards and now add fire retarding additives and chemicals to reduce flammability to a Class C.
Does Composite Decking Expand?
One of the best features of composite decking is it’s resistance to moisture and humidity, but humidity does have it’s effect on it. When composite decking are in highly humid or wet areas, the material changes in shape and size to accommodate the changes in humidity hot or cold weather might bring. So, yes composite decking expand and even contract. This knowledge would help you to keep safe while using your deck boards and provide adequate spacing during installation.