As a prefered material for outdoor decking, composite boards are becoming more and more popular. To make a stronger board, composite boards are created from a mixture of polymers (recycled plastic) and wood fibres. Crack-resistant composite decking, made with the most recent technology, will assist in building a deck floor that is resistant to rot and water damage as well as being able to withstand intense heat and sunshine.
Given that it is one of the most durable and crack-resistant building materials available, particularly when compared to timber decking solutions, composite decking is becoming more and more popular. Crack resistance, however, does not equate to crack resistance. Today, we’ll examine the potential causes of a composite deck’s cracking and the best remedy.
What causes composite decking to crack?
It’s just as crucial to understand the causes of a break as it is to repair it. Finding the root of the problem will enable you to determine if this is a persistent problem or a one-time occurrence. Problems are often the result of bad design decisions, abuse, or environmental conditions.
Foundational problems
Even the best-designed construction project might fail due to a weak foundation. Make sure your deck is being built on firm ground and that the structure satisfies all necessary specifications before beginning. Your deck may be made more robust and crack-resistant by building a steel deck frame.
The incorrect joist arrangement is one of the most frequent causes of broken boards. Perpendicular beams called joists run under your deck and support the decking, enabling it to sustain the weight. The problem arises when these joists are set too far apart since the added tension will cause your boards to fracture and deteriorate. We cannot overstate how crucial it is to get this information correct since various joists need varied joist spans. We advise having the joists as close together as feasible if your deck will see a lot of foot activity or if you just want to make it stronger.
Excessive weight
You must prepare your deck’s engineering such that it can support the items you want to place on it. If you want to build a spa on your deck, for instance, you must consider the weight of the tub itself as well as the people using it and the water it will contain. If you misjudge this or place heavy objects on a deck that isn’t designed for them, the added strain might cause your boards to break. We advise speaking with a structural engineer prior to putting any very large objects, such as a hot tub, on your deck.
Incorrect placement of the decking clip and screw
Decking clips are crucial because they keep boards attached to the subframe, helping with weight bearing. As a consequence of improper clip placement during deck installation, your deck may have weak places and an uneven weight distribution. The load-bearing capability of your deck is weakened by improper installation and/or placement of screws and clips, which may result in fractures.
Moisture
Any material will lose its structural integrity if it is exposed to too much moisture. Consider a composite material that is impervious to water if your deck will likely be heavily exposed to water (from pools, spas, and rain). One example of such a material is our Titanium Range, which has a non-porous core.
Lack of ventilation and sunshine may make a deck more susceptible to moisture. The secret is to choose a material that works with your surroundings and to have enough drainage and space below your deck. Again, this demonstrates the need of sound deck design, since preventing water stagnation can significantly lengthen the longevity of your deck.
The suggested procedure for repairing tiny fractures in your composite decking is as follows. It is frequently the case that manufacturers may suggest a certain solution for their product, so if you can, look into this.
- Supplies required
- Blended filler
- Masking tape with a putty knife
- stages for air compressor repairs
If at all feasible, examine the board’s top and bottom sides to see how severe the fracture is. For the time being, you may flip the board over if the damage is limited to the surface.
To remove any foreign things from the crack, such as sand, dust, glue, debris, twigs, etc., use a compressed air nozzle.
Once everything has been cleared away, thoroughly wipe the crack with a cloth dipped in mineral spirits. Be careful with this since it’s crucial to prepare the crack for the sealant.
For this stage, we advise using high-quality masking tape. Without covering the crack itself, apply the tape to both sides of the crack. This serves to shield the remaining board from the filler.
Cut the end of the composite filler at the most comfortable angle for you using a utility knife or other sharp item. Insert the composite filler tube’s tip into the crack and compress. To ensure that the seal is excellent, distribute the filler evenly and thoroughly into the crack.
Remove the tape once the filler has had the night to dry.
You may need to replace your board if it has sustained substantial damage, such as large chips or a hole that extends through it.
How to stop your composite boards from cracking
The easiest way to deal with decking cracks is to avoid them in the first place, as with most issues. Your composite boards will look fantastic for years to come with a little research and care.
First prevention tip: Purchase premium composite boards
There is a distinction between inexpensive and cost-effective. Although a cheap board could initially cost less, it will struggle to endure for many years. It is far more probable that a composite board produced from high-quality components by a reputable manufacturer will provide you years of dependable service. We would suggest using our Next Gen Titanium Composite Boards for the highest fracture resistance.
Second prevention tip: Proper Installation
Your decking’s longevity will depend on how properly you install it. This is a large project for beginners if you don’t like doing things yourself. It is worthwhile to hire a specialist to create your deck for you unless you are sure in your ability to do so.
Third prevention tip: Care and Maintenance
Particularly when compared to wood decks, composite decking needs less care. You should still frequently clean your deck, give it a once-over, and examine it after inclement weather. It will be much simpler to resolve any concerns if you can identify them as they arise.
Who fixes fractures in composite decking?
Having the skilled decking professionals at Superdeck Deck on your side is the greatest way to guarantee that you create the finest deck. We provide a variety of options and have over 20 years of expertise with composite decking. A low-maintenance, low-cost, eco-friendly decking option for your house is composite decking. Since decking is our area of expertise, we can help you through the whole process of selecting the ideal materials for your deck and provide guidance on how to prevent cracks.