How To Prevent Your Composite Decking From Warping?
Composite decking is popular for being affordable and durable, but it does have drawbacks. One issue is warping, which can harm both the look and function of your deck, leading to expensive repairs. Why does composite decking warp, and how can we prevent it?
Table of Contents
1. Why Composite Decking Will Warp?
Thermal expansion is one of the most significant factors that can cause composite decking to warp. This phenomenon occurs when the temperature changes, causing the composite material to expand as it heats up and contract as it cools down. Since decking is often placed outdoors where temperatures fluctuate, these temperature changes can have a significant impact on the decking.
When composite decking expands, it needs room to spread out. If the decking is installed without sufficient expansion gaps around the edges, it can’t expand freely. Instead, the boards push against each other, leading to buckling, warping, or even lifting of the decking. This issue is particularly prevalent in outdoor spaces like patios or decks, where composite decking is exposed to direct sunlight and varying weather conditions. The more extreme the temperature changes, the more pronounced the expansion and contraction will be, increasing the risk of warping.
2. How to Prevent Your Composite Decking Warping?
Correct Installation is Key
The most critical step in preventing the warping of composite decking is to ensure proper installation. Please follow these guidelines to minimize the risk of warping:
1) Avoid Premature Unpacking: Do not unpack your composite decking until you are ready to install it. After unpacking, lay the flooring flat in a cool, dry place to prevent warping prior to installation.
2) Make sure the decking is flat and even: An unevendecking creates pressure points that can cause warping. Make sure the decking is clean, dry and level before laying the composite decking. If necessary, use a leveling compound to smooth out any imperfections.
3) MAINTAIN PROPER EXPANSION GAPS (IMPORTANT POINT): It is critical to allow for proper expansion gaps between the decking and the decking during the installation process. These gaps allow the decking to expand and contract without causing warping. The size of the expansion gap depends on the material and manufacturer's specifications. (Our PVC-based decking has a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion and therefore expands less when the temperature changes. Whereas someone else's PE-based on the contrary may expand more significantly when the temperature rises significantly, and therefore a larger gap is needed to prevent the floor from warping.)
We provide you with the installation gap requirements for our co-extrusion decking:
1) The span of each joist of our decking should be within 30~35cm
2) A 3mm gap is required at each joint point.
For more detailed installation instructions, please contact us.
3. What To Do With Warped Composite Decking?
If your composite decking is warped, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue:
1) Assess the Extent of the Warping
Check for Specific Areas: Identify the areas where the decking is warped. Sometimes, only a few boards may be affected, while in other cases, the warping could be more widespread.
Determine the Cause: Consider what might have caused the warping, such as improper installation, lack of expansion gaps, or extreme temperature fluctuations. Understanding the cause can help prevent future issues.
2) Replace Warped Boards
Remove the Damaged Boards: If only a few boards are warped, you can remove them using the appropriate tools. Be careful not to damage the surrounding boards during this process.
Install Replacement Boards: Replace the warped boards with new ones that match the existing decking. Ensure that the new boards are installed correctly, with proper spacing to allow for thermal expansion.
3) Consider Professional Help
Consult a Professional: If the warping is severe or you’re unsure how to fix it, consider consulting a professional. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of action, whether it’s repairing the existing decking or installing a new one.
4) Prevent Future Warping
Regular Maintenance: Keep your deck in good condition by regularly inspecting it for signs of wear, moisture damage, or other issues that could lead to warping. Clean the deck as needed and ensure that it’s properly sealed to protect against the elements.
Conclusion
Repairing warped composite decking isn't difficult, but seeing it warp can be quite frustrating. That's why the most important step is to install the decking correctly, following the supplier's guidelines closely.
If you are looking for a WPC manufacturer, MATECO will be your best choice.
Website: https://www.matecowpc.com
WhatsApp: +86-13380085620
Email: info@matecowpc.com
