Problems With Trex 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.

You can cure fading and discoloration on some composite decks by staining them using a specially formulated composite deck stain. But, if you stain your deck, you will have to periodically re-stain it to keep it new looking, just as you would a wood deck. So, you end up with a choice, a faded, old-looking but clean deck or the chore and expense of regular re-staining to keep it looking new.

Trex Composite Decking Company Information

• Some manufacturers have had some success with the longevity of their products.
• With this type of material price is a contributing factor.
• Ask people that you know about the decks that they have installed and what issues they have come across.
• If you are considering using a composite decking material, do your research.
• It can be cleaned regularly with a garden hose and a soft bristled brush.
• In this instance the phrase, "You get what you pay for" may be very important.

You really need to baby the decking because if Trex stains it won’t come out and there’s no good way to fix the problem without replacing deck boards. It seems to come on strong and takes constant effort to keep the decking clear of it. Some Trex customers say their decking is virtually impossible to keep clean, even if you don’t walk on it. Cleaning with a soft bristle brush and warm soapy water per the cleaning instructions and waiting for it to dry still doesn’t clean it.

Decking

Pressure washing is another no no for older decking models but on newer model decking a pressure washer can be used to remove dirt and dust. While great for driveways, wooden decks and siding, 1500 psi pressure washers will damage older decking, possibly voiding your warranty. A simple garden hose with a lower pressure fitting, coupled with detergent and a mop for tough spots, is your best bet for cleaning Trex deck. Any type of deck board can be bouncy if the joists aren’t spaced properly, that’s why deck joists are supposed to be 16″ o.c. Deck boards are thin so they can’t safely span longer distances than 16″. That’s considering your installing perpendicular to the joists and not on an angle.

There are color-matched screws available, but when installed, are far more noticeable than screws capped with color matched plugs. Hidden fasteners don't need plugs since there shouldn't be any screw holes. Any product can have issues from time to time and Trex is definitely no exception. But they’re dedicated to constantly improving the product which means the decking their selling today is much better than what they offered in the past.

To avoid splitting planks, drill pilot holes for nails, countersink screws in wood, and predrill screw holes into composite. Choose zinc-coated or other corrosion-resistant fasteners, and use the right fasteners for composites. Also consider hidden fasteners or systems that hide the attachments.

With pressure-treated wood decks, maintenance costs add up over time. Although Trex costs more initially, you'll never have to sand, stain or paint your Trex deck. Over the life of your deck, those reduced maintenance costs add up to a greater value than wood—not to mention the value of the added time spent enjoying your deck rather than working on it. No matter where you live, Trex composite decking is backed by a 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty. It’s engineered to stand up to harsh weather and decades of foot traffic.

If I opt into the settlement I appear to be releasing them from any future claims if, as is likely, the balance of the deck goes bad. Since the manufacturer admits the decking does absorb moisture, anyone with Trex decking needs it to dry as soon as possible when it gets wet. This does become problematic in areas that experience lots of rain over months of time. To prevent the growth of mushrooms, fungus and mold on the underside of your decking, you may want to consider implementing what I’m doing. The front porch I’m rebuilding is going to have new and vastly improved ventilation.

Another characteristic that can cause problems includes retaining heat and feeling hot to bare feet. Composite decking also isn’t as strong as solid wood, which is evident in that smaller joist spacing is required for the deck’s structure. While a hardwood deck can be constructed with joists 16′ apart, most composite deck joists must be built 12′ or less apart to prevent sagging. There are other characteristics of composite decking that limit its usability. Since these are natural attributes, there really is no way to avoid them. While composite decking certainly does have some advantages, it also has a number of problems that the average homeowner may be unaware of. Many homeowners have ended up learning the hard way that composite decking isn’t flawless and, in many cases, ends up being a frustrating, expensive mistake.

I’m so sorry Carol, unfortunately there is not a lot you can do to fix the power washing companies mistake. I see this often which ruins the decking by putting a 1/8” groove all through out the boards surface. To belt sand all the boards would not be cost effective! Transparent and solid stain will show every mark.

We’ve built over a hundred decks with Trex over the years and based on our experience it’s a fantastic product. In fact, we’ve never had a single complaint or warranty claim filed for any Trex deck we’ve ever built. Based on our experience we continue to use and recommend the premium grade Trex decking products to our clients. Trex has Acknowledged their color fading and since it is not covered in their "warranty" have actually recommended staining these decks in a similar fashion to traditional wooden decks. There are actually many brands that have created lines of solid deck stain to restore these faded decks.

Nails and screws are inexpensive, easy to handle, and suitable for nearly any material. But nails can pop loose over time, while screws are more permanent.

Skip Composite And Stick With Real Wood

The plastic in the composite mix is compromised, and water gets past the protective plastic and into the wood flour. This means that special processes must be used in manufacturing and installing composite decks to account for this un-wood-like expansion and contraction. For guidance, we can look to the experience of the vinyl siding industry that has been contending with the problems of plastic expansion for over a half-century. Many of the techniques of installing composite decks are taken from the vinyl siding professionals. But, there are still many problems that have not yet been conquered. In our heat retention tests, dark stained wood was typically Fahrenheit 5° to 10° (Celsius 2.8° to 5.6°) hotter than natural, unstained wood.