They are heat, the deck’s color, and the location you place the deck. Composite materials that use sawdust or wood fibers in the core are subject to expansion and contraction due to changes in moisture content, which is typically seasonal. For composite decks, you need to leave some gaps during installation. It is important to understand these reasons, as it directly influences the correct installation of the decking … In order to prevent buckling of the deck during the wet season, you need adequate gaps between the boards. As Builddeck composite decking is made up of 60% natural material, some expansion can occur however on a significantly smaller scale. Remember to factor all necessary expansion gaps into your plans. Composite decking is a great alternative to traditional wood decking, but does have some limitations. Therefore, we suggest you use the composite-cutting blade for cutting the deck boards. One thing about thermal expansion is that it can shift the composite decks from where they are fixed if enough space is not allowed between the decks. » Note, Trex fascia has to be gapped width-to-width and end-to-end the same as … Which Decking Material Is the Best for My Garden. A composite decking is a strong and durable building material that is used to make decks. High temperature makes the composite deck expand along its length and width. In this case, we will be using a rail sleeve and base trim that will cover the gaps. It will add beauty to your outdoor space and provides plenty of privacy. Click & Collect or delivery options are available. Capped polymer and capped composite deck boards, on the other hand, are installed at a minimum 1/8” gap between boards because they won’t shrink from drying like pressure-treated decking. Must have header joint expansion Use starter clips Finishing slip Expansion gaps “We recommend that you use a qualified and compe-tent deck installer who is familiar with the workings of decking and outdoor pro-ducts that are exposed to the elements” 1 plank Not sure of the type of composite decking or the colour you want? Why not order our sample pack! Our fastener system is designed to act as hidden spacers to effortlessly create equal gaps … The gaps between boards are designed for expansion, as composite decking boards are manufactured from a mix of wood and recycled plastics the expansion properties are critical to stop buckling and the deck … This means that composite decks built in the garden or lawn will absorb heat more than composite decks that are built in the balcony. The amount of space required depends on how often temperature changes where you live. ... slim objects can be lost through the gap so I opted for a 4 mm gap. Expansion gaps explained Deck boards are laid with a gap between each individual one - both along their length and their ends. Blacking like this was a problem with 1st generation Trex decking that has been corrected with newer models. When installing composite decks, there are procedures that you must follow to make the process simple and to stick to best practice. So, if you live in an environment that is hot, it is recommended that you choose composite decks that are light-colored. during the winter my boards expand every year the gaps close and the boards buckle. EXPANSION: Everlast decking boards will expand and contract at a rate of around 0.3% to 0.5% of the boards length. Senate WPC decking boards will expand and contract at a rate of around 0.3% to 0.5% of the boards length. As long as the space left is big enough for adequate drainage and board expansion in the heat, and the gaps are exactly the same size to give a uniform finish, the gap size is an aesthetic decision. Dark brown composite decks, for example, will absorb heat than light brown composite decks. That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another. This makes DuraLife exceptionally resistant to staining and fading compared to older generations of composite decking from … What Are the Different Types of Composite Decking? There should always be a slight gap. Homeowners prefer composite decks because of the ease that comes with maintaining them. Full step by step installation video can be found at the end of this installation article. It is recommended that there should be a 5mm gap between the ends of your composite deck boards. Composite decking has 60% timber content to prevent damage. DuraLife composite decking products are uniquely manufactured with a super-strong, co-extruded polypropylene outer shell that forms a “force field” around three sides of the board. It is essential to leave gaps between your composite decking boards to allow for both adequate drainage and any expansion in hot weather. Composite decking expand when they are heated or exposed to direct sunlight. The MAXIMUM SPAN WIDTH is 350mm center-to Centre. The Expansion and Contraction gaps on a back to back butt joins generally on the inner gaps must be 5mm or the thickness of a Best Deck Clip on its side. EXPANSION GAPS: Like a wood composite decking, ECO BAMBOO COMPOSITE DECKING also expands, although this is less than with polypropylene or polyethylene based decking products. How much of a gap? The expansion occurs due to 2 reasons. The polyethylene used in our decking boards is a high quality, … Note: To allow for expansion and maintenance, please be sure to keep a 30mm expansion gaps between all sides of your deck and … Leave a gap calculated on the expansion rate of 0.3% - 0.5% of the board length to allow for expansion. Composite decking is made from recycled wood and plastics, so no trees are fallen to make the board. It is recommended that there should be a 5mm gap between the ends of your composite deck boards. Then, install a fastener in the middle of each board length to prevent shifting during thermal expansion and contraction. It is incredibly strong and is naturally slip resistant and splinter free making it safer for children, visitors and pets. For areas that are subject to significant temperature swings, we recommend installing your deck boards using surface fasteners. The board, when ready, will form one of the strongest deck materials that you can use to build a deck in your house. UltraShield decking products are designed to protect against mold, fading, moisture and mildew.See our simple composite decking installation video here. Each decking species will have different movement properties, but let’s use Ipe as an example. There should always be a slight gap. The next section explains why composite decking expand. There are some factors that affect composite decks expansion. Bear in mind when planning your deck that the length of the Wickes range of composite decking boards is 1.8 or 2.4 metres. What Are the Different Methods Of Installing Composite Decking? That will depend upon air temperature at the time of installation (Read this to learn more). Take the next piece of composite deck and securely push into the clips. How Do I Replace My Wood with Composite Decking? If stored outdoors the decking should be kept in a covered area to prevent exposure to direct sunlight and weathering. So, when you are laying your composite decks on the joists, you must make sure that you leave at least 5mm space between the composite decks. Also, resistant to mold, mildew, and rot. This means that any load bearing area will need to be framed and supported before the composite material can be … This usually occurs in hot regions, and the process is called the thermal expansion of composite decks. for 2.4m length boards 7mm gap should be left when butting. short of dismantling the deck and staring again, 2 years ago I used a skill saw to open the gaps when they were most swollen this helped … The wood and plastics are then processed in factories and cut into various sizes so that they can be used for building decks. Remember that composite decks are made with wood and plastics. The essence of leaving this space is for the decking to expand and contract when they heat up. You must gap Trex® decking, both end-to-end and width-to-width. If joining 2 lengths of board together, make sure both ends are supported by separate Joists. INITIAL HINTS AND TIPS FOR INSTALLING HALLMARK COMPOSITE DECKING 7. Composite decks that are exposed to direct sunlight absorb heat more than decks that are positioned under shade. DOUBLE JOISTING Nominal 2" thick boards require a minimum #8 - 3" … Additionally, by leaving the correct expansion gaps as detailed within our full installation guide, any fluctuation can be pre-empted, avoiding possible future warping. The accounts of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints. 6. Also, composite decking expansion depends on the materials that the decks are made of. The width of the Wickes range of composite decking … Expansion gaps … Expansion gaps when boards are to be butted together should be calculated based on this sum, eg. Below … Composite decking cannot be used as structural material. Staining is a major problem with older model Trex decking and a huge issue with older composite decking products in general. Composite decking expansion and contraction, deck board installation technique, butt joints, butt joins, staggered joins, breaker boards ... Trex Composite Decking, ... if you allow gaps between the boards from side-to-side and at the end joints this will allow for thermal expansion and contraction. Push the next board in place. Different makers of composite decks will provide various instructions on how to install your deck and the right amount of space that you should leave. It is important to leave gaps between boards when installing your composite decking, but the size of the gap you choose can vary. These are known as expansion gaps as they allow rainwater to easily run through the decking (rather than pool in an unwanted puddle) and for the deck to expand and contract due to changes in the … This is to accommodate composite decking expansion gap. Leave proper expansion gaps: With the change in temperature, composite boards can expand and contract along the length of the board. The Problems With Composite Decking. If we install a typical 1×6 Ipe decking board today using our weather conditions of 90% humidity and 96° while assuming the wood is 5.5″ wide, it will maintain that width through the heat and humidity; however, as we draw into … © Copyright 2020 CompositeWarehouse – Composite Decking Supplier. When you are installing your deck, you should not allow your composite decking board to meet at both ends. Repeat until your deck is the required length. So, when you are laying your composite decks on the joists, you must make sure that you leave at least 5mm space between the composite decks. Staining Problems With Trex Decking. The outer gaps must be a minimum of 8mm from anything prohibiting from expanding. The size of the gaps must be even and consistent to give a pristine finish, but the choice of gap size is yours. First, ensure that the deck boards are aligned properly. Also, composite decks are more desirable than timber decks and will not wane when they are exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. When leaving an expansion gap for each board, compare the current installation temperature (ambient) to what is … How much of a gap? How much gap should I leave for expansion or contraction when installing. So, you should make sure to check with your composite decks’ maker for advice so that you will know the expansion level of your deck. Framing for Trex & Composite Decking. There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too often to be just a stray issue for a hard to please homeowner. Because with a Trex deck you can’t sand or refinish … When this happens, the dark-colored composite decking will expand more than the light-colored composite decking. Composite decking expand because of a change in the temperature of the location they are installed. Gapping is necessary for drainage and the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex decking boards. This is because there is no need for you to sand and oil composite decks to preserve them. What Is Composite Decking Expansion Gaps? The installation process of composite decks is easy because you can choose between the surface installation and the hidden installation. This is because dark-colored composite decks absorb heats more than light-colored composite decks. Everlast decking should be stored flat. Composite decking will transform your outside living space and give it a real wow factor.It's hard wearing with no need to stain, seal or sand it. Here are some best practices to keep in mind to allow for expansion and contraction when installing capped composite decking: Always leave 1/8” to 1/4” gap between deck boards during installation. UK Composite decking boards are made from a mixture of hardwood fibres (approximately 55%) and high density polyethylene with the addition of certain additives to improve physical, weathering and processing properties. You have to leave a space between the composite decks. If you reside in hot regions that have frequent temperature change, you need to leave a larger gap than you would if you live in a region where the temperature doesn’t expand. The plastics in the composite decks make them absorb heat when the decks are exposed to direct sunlight. As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. Start by planning your deck to scale on paper and try and be as accurate as possible. Make sure the composite deck boards do not over hang the joist at the edge by more than 20mm and a 20mm expansion gap should be left between the wall or other fixed objects surrounding the composite deck. Fasten your deck boards as … One of those guidelines is to leave enough space between the composite deck board to accommodate expansion. That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another. Decking expansion gaps. Get into the nitty-gritty details of all side-to-side deck board spacing requirements in our official and detailed installation guides for each … Make sure to leave at least an 1/8" gap for thermal expansion. So, when composite decks are exposed to high temperature, they expand at all sides. Composite decking boards do not always return to their original positions after expansion and contraction, and therefore sometimes you may see different expansion and contraction gaps occurring within your decking. As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. That will depend upon air temperature at the time of installation (Read this to learn more). This can lead to a situation where the decks will be weakened. So, it is advised that you leave a space of 5mm between the edges of the decks. This is so that when the composite decking expands, the decks will not warp. The Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Fencing is crafted to be durable, reliable, and weather resistant. The fixing of composite … All Rights Reserved. The installation process of composite decks is easy, the dark-colored composite decking will expand more than the light-colored composite decking. When using WOOD/COMPOSITE SCREWS, nominal 1" thick boards require a minimum #8 - 2 1/2" or longer screw for fastening. The color of your composite decking matters because it affects how your deck expands. Providing expansion gaps allows proper drainage and ventilation to the sub base which prevents the timber from rotting Composite decking should require minimal maintenance over its life, usually a clean-up with a garden hose is sufficient Gapping also allows for the shrinkage of the wood joist system. Notch your composite decking material around rail posts. I’m using composite decking - will this be okay on a timber subframe? Full details are available upon request. This is so that when the composite decking expands, the decks will not warp. Providing expansion gaps allows proper drainage and ventilation to the sub base which prevents the timber from rotting. ENVISION Composite Deck Screws and EverGrain Composite Deck Screws are color matched deck screws designed for use with EverGrain and Envision. In cooler climates, some composite boards expand at approximately 0.75 mm/m of a composite deck board. Decking Boards Description. 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