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How long does composite decking last

Friday, December 03, 2021

WPC decking materials combine wood fiber and polymer material, which has the characteristics of wood texture, rich color system, low maintenance cost, good weather resistance. And Most importantly, composite decking lasts has a long service life.

The diversification of size and shape also makes composite materials suitable for various architectural designs. Accepted and known by more people all over the world over the years

We imported the WPC production technical from the USA in the year 2000. During the 21 years of development, we got the very mature formula: 50% wood fiber, 38% HDPE, 12% additives(like the expensive imported Dupont brand additives, such as anti-UV additive). 

The scientific formula gives WPC products very good and better performance

Such as waterproof, fire-proof, anti-ultraviolet, anti-termite, and so on. Compared with traditional wood decks, WPC products only require simple maintenance. And because the product is a mixture of plastic and wood flour, termites and other animals do not eat. This also increases the service life of the floor.

An outdoor living space, specifically one built around composite wood decks, is an investment. You want to make sure your space looks immaculate and performs for decades. That’s one of the main advantages of our preferred composite decking material: the average composite wood decking lifespan is at least 25 to 30 years and can span even longer.

PVC decking materials | trex composite decking products

What Can Damage Your Composite Decking

Despite what most people think, many things can damage even the most durable composite decking. These will be detrimental to your patio’s overall life. It’s important to note these to avoid potential damages.

1. Moisture – Moisture is the worst enemy of all wood decks. While composites are not as prone as wood, they can still be affected by moisture. After all, composites have wooden parts. Any exposed wooden portions of the board are prone to moisture, which causes warping, twisting, and cracking. In turn, these damages can spread, exposing more wood. As time passes, more and more damage can be seen if you don’t treat your wood deck as soon as possible.

2. Moulds and Mildews – Like moisture, composite decking is not prone to molds and mildews. These can’t grow on the surface of composites. However, they can grow somewhere else on your patio. When you leave out a pile of leaves and debris, it can be the breeding ground for harmful molds. Dirt stuck in-between the spaces in your deck can also be the source of molds. These will slowly spread and do damage to your deck. 

3. Rust – Rust is the same case as molds and mildews. Although it won’t naturally build up on your patio, it can spread from metal rugs, grills, and other metal furniture.

When homeowners ask us how long do composite deck boards last, we start with the minimum 25 to 30-year span covered by the warranty — but we also let them know that composite decks can last far longer. Learn more about the science that contributes to the outstanding composite decking lifespan, the strengths of composite decks, and the warranties that back these luxury products.

From our experience, composite decking is the most durable, least maintenance-intensive product on the market. So, how long does a composite deck last? A minimum of 25 to 30 years with the possibility of it lasting from 30 to 50 years. In addition to being the manufacturer‘s reported number, numerous third-party tests also confirm the lifespan of composite decking.

Here’s how composite handles the 3 most common issues that limit the lifespan of wooden decks:

1. Mold & Rot — When mold grows on the surface of a wooden deck, it’s only a matter of time before the deck begins to rot and fall apart. While mold growth destroys wooden deck boards, composite boards are impervious to it — this is one of the major factors behind composite decking’s superior lifespan.

2. Discoloration — In addition to wooden decks becoming structurally unsound, they show their age in a way that composite decks don’t. While the ultra-durable composite material keeps its color, wooden decks fade, resembling driftwood rather than the luxury product they did when new. This is one of the reasons that composites decks can be 25 or 30 years old and still look new. In fact, color is one of the major things covered by composite manufacturer warranties.

3. Splintering — Another advantage of the engineered capped-composite product: it doesn’t splinter as wooden decks do. It’s not uncommon to see wood deck boards splinter and break apart at the 10-year mark. Since this doesn’t happen with composite products, it expands the usable lifespan in a meaningful way.

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