30/01/2024
Composite Decking Trouble Shooting
Composite decking is extremely robust, long lasting and durable.
However there are a few issues that we occasionally get asked about so we would like to cover some of the questions that are frequently asked to help you keep your composite decking looking like new for longer.
The most common question is – How do I remove dirt from composite decking?
Composite decking is extremely low in maintenance but like all things it does require the occasional clean to keep it at its best. By following the steps below you can keep your decking looking good all year round.
Remove all furniture and other items from the decked area
Sweep the decking, removing all leaves and other debris, including from between the boards
Make up the cleaning solution using a gentle soap and warm water to the surface of the decking using a soft bristle brush
Rinse off using a garden hosepipe
For those difficult to remove marks use a jet wash
Let the decking dry fully before putting back any furniture and accessories
Why are my composite deck boards warping?
The most frequent cause of composite decking boards warping is poor installation. All composite boards require expansion gaps to be left, as well as effective ventilation and airflow systems.
Where boards butt together each board must be on a separate joist and have its own concealed fixing clip. Two boards must not share one bearer. It is imperative that you do not just use one clip to hold two boards.
Composite decking boards have been designed to be fitted using concealed stainless steel fixing clips, fitted directly to the joists and to clip onto the groove that runs along the length of the board, holding it snugly but giving room for the boards to expand and contract.
We understand that there are professionals and experienced DIY’ers who have been installing decking by screwing through the face of the timber decking.
It may seem a complicated method of fixing but using the correct clips allows the board to expand and contract with changes in the ambient temperatures.
Another question I get asked is:-
My boards are sagging, why?
Sagging boards will normally be down to poor installation by not fitting the joist to the correct centres. Centres should be a maximum of 350mm.
If the boards are being fitted at 45 degrees, the centre to centre dimension of the joist should be 300mm.
These joist spacings are tighter than those commonly associated with timber as the plastic element within the board means that the board flexes more.
It therefore pays to ensure that the subframe has been installed to the correct centres. Failure to do so will put undue stress onto your boards and over time it will lead to sagging and warping as they have not been supported correctly.
Can you repair sagging composite decking?
In almost all cases the repair of a sagged board will require the replacement of the board but first identify why that part of your decking needs replacement. Has the subframe been installed correctly, probably not?
Why is water pooling on my composite decking?
Standing water on a composite deck is not just unsightly it can become a slip hazard when the water freezes. By fitting your decking perfectly level will mean that water will be unable to drain properly.
To ensure proper drainage you should allow a fall of 1% (1:100). This means that your decking (not just composite) should slope slightly away from your home by 10mm in every one metre of length.
This small difference will be sufficient but not noticeable and it will enable the water to drain away easily preventing a health and safety hazard.
One of the joists on the subframe may have sagged slightly causing water to pool along that fixing point.
If you are concerned about water pooling on your composite decking, call me on 07766 727597 and I will assist you in resolving the problem.
Why has my composite decking cracked?
Normally it is because the composite decking has been fitted incorrectly.
It is a far more common sight on timber decking but it can happen to composite decking when it has been fitted for a while. There are several reasons as to why this occurs.
There could be many contributing factors but normally cracking in composite decking happens due to poor installation.
Let’s look at some common mistakes and investigate the primary causes of cracking in composite decking. Have the correct expansion gaps been left where boards butt together? If not the pressure builds up along the boards length as it expands in the heat (as everything does), and if the expansion gaps have not been left the pressure builds up causing the boards to crack.
Has a satisfactory gap been left where boards meet a wall, fence or other obstruction?
A 20mm space must be left for expansion, not just for the decking but for any other wall or part of a building.
Failure to do this will result in pressure building up where the boards meet the building creating a crack in the decking board.
The boards have been fitted up to the wall leaving no space for the boards to expand causing the boards to buckle.
My composite decking boards have faded?
Composite decking is made from timber (FSC certified) and recycled plastics, typically high density polyethylene.
A UV stabiliser is added to the mix before extrusion starts but there will be a small amount of colour pigment fade within the wood fibres over the first few months giving a more textured appearance and this is a standard process called weathering. This is apparent in nearly all building materials used outdoors.
Can I repair a chipped board?
Composite decking is very resilient and has been tested to be impact resistant however outside sources can damage anything. You may opt to change the damaged board, but in some cases the decking is reversible so you may just want to flip it.
If you have any concerns about your composite decking, wooden decking, in fact anything related to garden landscaping then contact me directly on:-
07766 727597 or KHgardenlandscaping.co.uk or email me at [email protected]
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