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How Long Does Composite Decking Last?
The service life of composite decking materials is determined by various factors, including material quality, maintenance level, and local climate. However, with proper maintenance, composite decking can last for 25 to 30 years or more.
Composite decking is popular because of its long life, resistance to decay, insects, and moths, and little maintenance. Regular cleaning, avoiding severe impacts, and proper maintenance can considerably extend the life of composite decking. Choosing high-quality composite decking board products and following the manufacturer’s care instructions are essential steps in ensuring the deck’s long-lasting.
Lifespan of Different Deck Materials
Outdoor living areas are constructed using a variety of decking materials, each having a different lifespan. We’ll look at some common deck materials and their expected lifespans. Select the right deck material based on how long it will endure.
Pressure-treated Wood Decks
Most people like the look of solid wood decks. However, most wood decks, with the exception of ipe, do not endure long. As a result, they are expected to live the shortest.
A wood deck must be maintained regularly to maintain its appearance for an extended period. First, the wood should be treated specifically to boost its strength. Allow the treated wood deck to resist weather, deterioration, and insects. Most wood decks will last between ten and fifteen years if properly maintained.
Cedar
People who want their wooden decks to last a long time prefer cedar. Cedar resists decomposition in several ways. Your wood deck should be sealed every two years and kept clean. Furthermore, because of its softness, pets and outdoor furniture could easily harm it. However, with proper care and cleaning, your cedar deck can last up to 20 years.
IPE
It is a robust and long-lasting timber that was imported. This wood is very strong and durable and can last for decades without rotting. In comparison, it is far more expensive than standard wood decking and composite decking.
Composite Decking
Composite wood decking needs less maintenance than wood decking. All you have to do is gently clean them every six months. This means that very little cleaning is required to maintain the beautiful appearance of composite decking.
Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers. As a result, it is less susceptible to moisture, mold, and rot than traditional wood, and it is not affected by insects such as termites. Composite decking also contains several compounds, including UV inhibitors. This means that the composite material will keep its appealing appearance for a long time.
Composite decking should last 25-30 years. If properly managed, it can live for 30 years or more. Many people prefer composite decking to wood decking because it can be produced to look like real wood.
Metal Decking
Metal decks can last up to sixty years, but they are rarely used. This is because they are expensive, and most people don’t like the way they look.
Furthermore, steel does not provide as effective a barrier as aluminum. Steel decks can get hot in the summer and cold in the winter. If you don’t mind these problems, metal decks can last a long time
Why Does Composite Decking Last So Long?
Moisture Impacts the Durability of Your Deck
Moisture is a major contributor to the degradation of outdoor decks over time. Water causes traditional wood decks to expand. When it begins to swell, cracks appear in the deck planks, endangering the deck’s structure.
Even if the wood deck does not fracture, prolonged exposure to moisture can promote mildew and deterioration. Moldy boards become brittle, weakening the deck structure and jeopardizing pedestrian safety.
Because water and moisture can damage traditional wood decks, sealants should be applied at least twice a year. Wood decks can warp and rot if they aren’t sealed regularly.
Composite decking products contain a large quantity of recyclable plastic. It is well understood that plastics do not absorb water. As a result, composite decking is very resistant to both water and mold. This is one of the reasons why composite decking lasts longer than wood decking.
The Effects of Splitting on Decking Durability
Standard wood decking will eventually splinter. Water can enter through cracks and breaches. Cracks in the wood can make walking barefoot on the deck dangerous, and some boards may need to be removed and replaced.
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers, recycled plastics, and other additives, making it less prone to splintering. Composite decking is reliable since it is long-lasting and does not splinter. It is long-lasting and can be used for a variety of outdoor living projects.
The Effect of Sunlight on the Appearance of Decking
Intense sunlight exposure can cause wood decking to fade, while high temperatures can cause the boards to swell and bend. To prevent deterioration, wood decks must be repaired, stained, and sealed once every two years. Even if you keep your wood deck in good condition, you may need to repair damaged decking after a few years of use.
UV inhibitors and other additives are combined with composite decking materials. This ensures that composite decking is UV resistant and will not fade even if exposed to sunlight for a lengthy period of time. Just follow the composite decking manufacturer’s installation instructions and allow for adequate expansion joints between adjacent deck boards. Then these composite decking boards will not warp due to thermal expansion.
Pests’ Impact on Deck Life
Termites are another major worry for the longevity of wooden decks. Painting and sealing prevent termites from entering the deck. Termites, on the other hand, can inflict severe damage over time. Professional pest control services are necessary to remove termite colonies from wood decks before they spread inside the home.
Because composite decking contains some recycled plastic, it is resistant to termite infestation. The likelihood of termites beginning to feed on composite decking materials is low, but they nearly always prefer real wood. This is because the wood has cellulose, which termites prefer to devour, whereas composite deck boards do not.
Common Factors that Limit the Lifespan of Composite Decking
Many people feel that composite deck boards are incredibly durable, however there are various things that might damage them. These items might shorten the lifespan of your outdoor deck. To avoid damage to the composite decking, keep the following in mind.
Moisture
Excess dampness can harm any deck. While composite decking products offer better waterproofing than wood decks. However, prolonged exposure to high moisture levels can still damage composite decking boards.
Mould and Rot
Mold will not grow on top of composite decking boards. However, if you leave too many leaves or other organic material on the deck’s surface. Mold can then grow on the organic waste. This mold may potentially destroy your composite decking.
Moving Heavy Objects
Composite decking has exceptional antislip properties. However, this does not preclude injury. If you transport heavy metal furniture on top of a composite deck. You will most likely scratch the decking surface.
How to Increase the Life of Composite Decking
Nonetheless, composite decking can retain its performance and beauty for a long time. However, we are aware that with proper maintenance, our outdoor decks can endure longer. Here are some suggestions for looking after your composite decking boards.
Regular Cleaning
Composite decking manufacturers recommend cleaning floors or wall panels every three to six months to remove dirt, leaves, and organic debris.
To best remove surface debris from your deck, use a jet washer with a pressure of no more than 3100 PSI. If you plan to utilize a fan connection, make sure that the distance between the fan and the boards is at least 250 mm. If you adhere to these instructions, you will be able to maintain a long-lasting appearance on your deck surface.
Whatever method you use to clean your deck planks, make sure to scrub the full length of the boards so that nothing builds up and clogs the drain.
Remove Ice and Snow
To keep your composite decking safe during the winter, remove any snow and ice from the surface. When removing snow and ice from your deck, avoid using a metal shovel, rake, hoe, ice breaker, or other sharp objects. Instead of that, you should use a plastic or rubber trowel. Failure to do so may cause harm to the board’s surface, including scratches.
We recommend using an ice melt free of salt and corrosives. This type of ice melt leaves no residue on the boards and is more effective than salt-based ice melts. This type of ice melt can be applied before the frost hits or in frozen regions.
To avoid damage or scratches on composite decking, we recommend removing the rock salt as soon as possible after application.
Using Furniture Pads
When sitting on an outdoor deck, it is common to add some Garden Decking furniture to make yourself more comfortable. However, heavy furniture can cause damage to composite decking surfaces. As a result, pairing it with proper house cushions may help protect your deck.
Summary Up
Finally, the durability and versatility of composite decking illustrate its long last. With proper care, composite decking can resist the elements while also providing a useful and visually appealing outdoor living environment.
The durability of composite decking may vary by location. However, with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years or more, this decking material is exceptionally robust. Invest in high-quality composite decking boards and maintain them on a regular basis, as directed by the manufacturer. This ensures that your composite decking material not only withstands the elements but also delivers many years of enjoyment and relaxation.
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