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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Alphonso Sirtle.. | Posted under Landscaping Gardening
Composite Decking or Wood Decking
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Companies that produce composite decks are spending huge budgets to tell you all the benefits of using composite building materials. And there is certainly nothing wrong with that!! After all the more composite building material we use the more garbage that doesnt land up in the landfill. After all recycling is a big part of your modern society. Originally a composite building supply used only pine and spruce finishes but as their market has grown and now they offer all kinds of different composite wood finishes. Todays composite comes in a wide choice of colors with hidden fasteners and you will never have to stain or paint it. Theres more great news. Unlike wood this is a material that will last a lifetime. In fact it will last more than one lifetime and the idea that there is no need for maintenance makes it that much more appealing. You even get a lifetime warranty. Now all that said remember that in the advertising sometimes the truth gets stretched just a little. Lets examine the phrase 25 year limited warranty you should instantly be on guard when you hear the word limited. Its important that you find out what that limited means. Because even with a 25 year limited warranty Im sure youve driven by a collapsed vinyl deck or siding that is less than impressive to look at. Thats because vinyl on its own cannot form a structural program on its own. You composite vinyl deck is only going to stay looking like new and lasting a lifetime if you treat it with kid gloves and avoid any foot traffic on it. Because over a five year period you will see normal wear and the color beginning to fade and that limited part of the warranty generally applies to normal wear. Composite wood is similar to plastic sharing many of the same characteristics. UV rays will fade your deck and if the sun doesnt hit the entire deck the same way you will land up with a two tone deck that you cannot do anything about. Theres a good chance that the supplier will tell you that you need to tighten up the joist spacing to avoid any sagging. Because plastic expands and shrinks relating to temperature you are also going to find gaps that you didnt think were there. You need to make sure when you are combining wood with composite that you do it correctly so that you do not run into problems at a later date. You also need to make sure that you read the load bearing rating on the composite material and do not exceed it at any time. Now dont get me wrong. Composite materials are an affordable way to have a great looking deck for the fraction of the cost of wood. Just keep in mind that the lifetime for your composite decking might not be quite your version of lifetime. About The Author: Alphonso has been working in the home remodeling industry for last 5 years. Take advantage of his experience and written material on deck ideas at his website at http://www.improve-home.com |
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