PVC Decking – An Alternative to Wood and Composite Products

PVC decking is gaining popularity among homeowners who are seeking an alternative to wood or composite products. Unlike traditional and some composites, capped pvc is completely free of organic material, making it impervious to mold and mildew.

Both pvc and composite should be intermittently swept or hosed down to remove debris and dirt build-up, but this should not be as frequent as with natural wood.

Versatility

While composites offer incredible design versatility, PVC offers a clean and sleek look of its own. It can be manufactured to look like wood or even stone, allowing you to create a deck that is uniquely yours.

PVC decking is also mold-resistant. Because it doesn’t contain organic material, rot, mildew and insects won’t thrive in your backyard oasis.

Unlike composite, which requires structural wood supports, a PVC deck is self-supporting and can be built on ground that is not level or graded. The plastic polymers also make it up to 30% lighter than woods and competitive composite products for faster installation.

Both PVC and composite decking can expand and contract slightly with temperature changes, but this is easily addressed by following the manufacturers’ guidelines for spacing (gapping) between boards. Additionally, choosing a lighter color will allow the deck to heat less, reducing expansion and contraction. PVC is also 100% recyclable, making it more environmentally friendly than composites that are unable to be recycled when they reach the end of their life span.

Durability

PVC decking is highly resistant to moisture, insects, and dents, which makes it a smart choice for areas that receive heavy foot traffic. It also does not require annual sanding and staining like composite and wood options, making it a time-saving alternative that offers a similar appearance.

The material’s thickness and chemical interactions can impact the durability of a deck, but pvc is a good choice for those seeking a more durable option. It is strong enough for heavy furniture, and its natural look is indistinguishable from traditional wood. Depending on the manufacturer, pvc can last 30-50 years when properly installed and maintained.

Homeowners should pay attention to moisture resistance and if they live in a wet climate, choose a product that is mold resistant. Flame resistance is also important, especially if the deck will be located in wildland urban interface (WUI) zones. Heat resistance is also impacted by color and density of the decking, with darker colors absorbing more than lighter hues.

Low Maintenance

When homeowners invest in PVC decking, they want a deck that looks crisp and clean, and doesn’t require staining every year. PVC is resistant to fading and staining, and doesn’t need to be treated with expensive chemical sealers.

It’s also resistant to mold, rot and insect infestation. The fact that it’s splinter-free makes it safer for families with children and pets.

Like composites, PVC decking can occasionally need gentle sweeping or scrubbing with soapy water to remove dirt build-up. It’s a good idea to sweep it on a regular basis to ensure that the board’s gaps don’t become clogged. If a stain or spill does occur, it should be cleaned up promptly to avoid stains and marks. Unlike wood, both PVC and composite decking are resistant to moisture damage, which is the leading cause of rotting and structural failures. However, they should be checked on a daily basis for signs of moisture penetration, such as moss and algae growth.

Easy to Install

While installation varies depending on deck size and design, PVC is ultra lightweight compared to composite and wood, making it easier for DIYers to work with. Just follow manufacturer guidelines and local building codes for framing procedures.

Like most deck materials, both composite and capped PVC will expand and contract slightly as temperatures fluctuate. To minimize this impact, use a divider board (also known as a splitter board) between each continuous run of longer boards. In addition, choose a lighter color for your deck as dark colors absorb more heat and can cause the material to overheat and crack.

Both capped composite and pvc decking require less maintenance than wood decks and are resistant to several environmental factors including stains from suntan lotion, ketchup, mustard, and other food. Just wash your pvc deck with soap and water 2x per year to keep it looking new. Additionally, PVC decking is non-toxic and does not contain any harmful chemicals like adipates and phthalates.



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