In search of new decking materials, composite decking has become the new in-thing in the eyes of homeowners for its combination of beauty with practicality and low maintenance. Are you working to refurbish your backyard retreat, or are you starting from scratch for an outdoor living area? Consider composite decking. At Reddy Pros, we realize that choosing your deck material takes more than just consideration of looks. It must also work for your space, lifestyle, and budget; this composite decking guide will give you all the pros and cons for you to make a valuable decision.
Starting Cost: Quality Costs
When developing your Composite Decking desires, one of the main considerations is the starting price. Composite Decking, which usually costs higher than normal wood, may cause some problems in the minds of budget-conscious homeowners. The bottom line is that this is an investment wise enough to pay off in the long run. Higher-grade composite materials derive their short-term paper loss from lower maintenance in years to come. There is no need for staining, sealing, or treatment for composite decking. The ongoing maintenance costs for wood decks may accumulate very fast. Therefore, composite wood decking requires more cash flow in the short run, but you keep the bulk of your money because of what it results in thereafter.
Heat Absorption and Retention: The Heat Conundrum of a Warm Summer Day
If you live in a warm climate or enjoy walking barefoot on your deck, consider the heat retention properties of composite decking. Composite materials tend to absorb and maintain more heat than natural wood, making your deck rather warm on particularly hot summer days. This can be most uncomfortable for anyone whose only love is to lounge outside or for those with kids who hate wearing anything on their feet. In case heat retention is high on your list of concerns, you might want to consider getting lighter-colored composite decking instead since it absorbs less heat than darker shades. Another tip is to use outdoor rugs or mats to help prevent direct contact of your feet with the deck surface, hence making your outdoor space comfortable.
Fading and Discoloration: Keeping It Beautiful
While composite decking offers a fairly good chance against fading, it is not totally immune to the effects of the sun. Given time, UV rays will fade the material, especially if it is a darker shade. Light-colored decking tends to hide fading much better, so keep that in mind during your color choice. Certainly some fading will occur, but generally at a much slower rate than traditional wood–which can crack and splint as it ages. Manufacturers of many composite decking types also have UV-resistant finishes to prolong the color retention of your deck. Routine cleaning works to reduce the appearance of discoloration and prolongs the life of your deck color.
Name this text “Surface Scratching: A Consideration for Pets and Furniture”
One of the outstanding issues is surface scratching. The composite decking is engineered to be highly durable in conclusion; it does not come damage-proof. Scratches are caused by heavy furniture, claws of pets, or sharp objects dropped onto the deck. Although, composite materials have more resistance to scratching than wood, and most of its high-quality options come with an additional protective coating which adds to their resistance to wear. Incase such scratches occur, some brands may have a choice of repairing such minor damage through special touch up kits. Dragging heavy items over the surface usually leads to scratching. Other preventive measures include installing furniture pads under chairs or tables to reduce the chances of gouging the deck.
Mold and mildew: Keeping it clean and fresh.
Additionally, this composite decking has incredibly high resistance to rot, mold, and insect damage, but it is not impervious. Areas where humidity or shaded conditions are consistent happen to be susceptible to mold or mildew growth. This is especially the case if trees surround the deck because of the reduced sunshine exposure it receives. Regular maintenance and cleaning are the remedies for this. Routine sweeping or washing off excess dirt, plus a specialized composite decking recommended cleaner, will reduce much of its chances for developing mold or mildew formations. Twice a year-cleaning operation on the deck would keep it looking sprucely and help avoid possible issues down the road. Some composite materials have antimicrobial additives that increase their resistance even further.
Weight considerations are essential for the support of your deck.
Composite decking tends to be heavier than natural woods-with possible implications for your deck structure.Whenever you build a new deck or remodel an old one, be sure to factor into the foundation design the extra weight that will be carried by composite materials. A strong support structure with good design will ensure that your deck remains safe and sound for many years to come.Reddy Pros will evaluate your deck’s structural needs, ensuring your foundation can hold the weight of the composite.
Why Composite Decking?
With these concerns, composite decking is still an option for homeowners to consider. The advantages of composite decking outweigh whatever disadvantages may arise, especially with consideration to savings, maintenance, and overall attractiveness in the long haul. In terms of maintenance, composite decking is so much easier the wood requires staining, sealing, and replacing rotting boards. Plus, the colors and styles offered let you customize your deck to fit your outdoors perfectly.
The team at Reddy Pros is committed to arming you with the tools and knowledge necessary to make the best decision for your home. We believe in giving straightforward and thorough information about every form of decking material in order for you to select the one that truly answers your needs and lifestyle. In the event that you’re considering building a new deck but are not sure what type of material would suit your house best, we will gladly supply you with a free estimate and walk you through the process.
Composite decking for today, or if you are just doing research for a future project: Reddy Pros is here for you. If you need clarity or more specific advice, just ask! Your dream deck could become a reality, and we are here to help!