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Alternative deck materials are a great choice for people who want to enjoy their deck without all the maintenance required by wood. Low Maintenance Decking is available in a wide selection of colors, profiles, and textures. Most of these products are covered by warranties to provide you with the peace of mind that your deck will perform well and look great for many years. For more information on high quality low maintenance materials visit these companies. EverGrain, WeatherReady, LockDry, DeckRite
It is very important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing composite decking material. Thermal expansion is always something to be aware of when dealing with plastics. Most climates temperatures fluctuate enough to cause an issue with how the decking is spaced from summer to winter. Composite decking is less stable than wood so it tends to grow and shrink across the length of the boards as it heats and cools. Proper spacing will allow some movement without buckling.
Some composite decking materials are designed to be installed with hidden fasteners. These clip systems generally are screwed into to the deck frame across each joist and fit tightly into a cavity running down the side of the boards.
We recommend using reverse thread screws when face screwing composite decking to eliminate mushrooming. Mushrooming occurs when a standard bugle head screw pulls some composite material above the surface during installation. The resulting raised bump isn’t very attractive. You can also use a hammer to level the surface.
Hollow decking products will leave open ends that aren’t attractive and can collect dirt, leaves, etc. Most hollow decking products sell end caps that can close the ends. Another method involves installing a racetrack or picture frame pattern perimeter to cover the open ends.
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