Archive for the ‘Composite Decks’ Category
I’ve heard that composite deck material is prone to permanent stains, is this true?
May 23, 2011
The flipside of the fact that composite decking doesn’t need to be stained is that it can’t be resurfaced or (intentionally) stained like pressure treated or cedar decks can. If you spill grease, paint or red wine on your composite deck, be sure to clean it immediately, as there’s no easy way to remove or fix stain spots on composite material. Visit our composite deck page for more information.
Will composite deck material fade?
May 9, 2011
This varies by material, but in general the answer is yes, composite decking will fade initially. Over the first ninety days of your composite deck’s exposure to the UV rays from the sun, a slight fading process will occur with many brands. This will change the colour of the deck, giving it a more natural “weathered” look. Once the initial weathering process has occurred, composite decking is remarkably resistant to further fading. Low grade composite deck material, however, is susceptible to higher levels of fading over longer periods of time, often turning a greyish or pinkish colour. Visit our composite deck page for more information.
How do I maintain my composite deck?
April 25, 2011
Compared with its natural alternatives, composite decking requires very little in terms of upkeep and maintenance. The most important maintenance measure you can take is to sweep your composite deck.
I’ve heard that composite decks can have mold and mildew problems, is this true?
April 4, 2011
Yes and no. Older composite decking materials (e.g. manufactured in the late 90’s) were especially vulnerable to mold and mildew development. Improvements in manufacturing have largely eliminated these problems, though poor deck construction can still contribute to them. Mold and mildew is most likely to occur in areas where water collects and pools for extended periods of time on the composite material. Composite decks should be constructed with a slight tilt away from the home into the yard, allowing for proper water run-off and drainage. The amount of tilt varies per deck, but the keyword here is slight – the tilt should be invisible to the naked eye. Visit our composite deck page for more information on the proper construction and maintenance of composite decks in our Ottawa, ON climate.
Does anything void manufacturer’s warranties on composite wood?
March 28, 2011
Buyer beware: manufacturer warranties only apply if the contractor that installs the composite deck builds in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines. The bottom line is that if your composite decking is installed incorrectly, your warranty is voided, so be sure to choose your contractor carefully. Gillespie Decks guarantees that all synthetic decking installed meets its manufacturer’s installation guidelines. For more information please visit our page about composite decks.
Is it true that composite decking won’t splinter, warp, crack or rot?
March 7, 2011
That’s the guarantee. Most composite decking manufacturers provide 20-25 year warranties on their products against the occurrence of splintering, warping, cracking and rotting. Visit our composite decks page to learn more.
