Staining is a major problem with older model Trex decking and a huge issue with older composite decking products in general. Check the product's end-gap … Robust as made from thick timber. 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. 6. Composite decking is a great alternative to traditional wood decking, but does have some limitations. For composite decks, you need to leave some gaps during installation. Start by planning your deck to scale on paper and try and be as accurate as possible. ... Where boards meet at corners of the picture frame, a 45-degree mitred edge should be made and an expansion gap of 4mm must be observed. We lay around 150 decks per year. If joining 2 lengths of board together, make sure both ends are supported by separate Joists. Expansion gaps will differbetween cool and warm climates. Cumaru Deck Board Gapping – Allow a minimum of 1/8" gap between board widths on 4" wide decking, and 3/16" gap between board widths on 6" wide decking for drainage, airflow and expansion. 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. The Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Fencing is crafted to be durable, reliable, and weather resistant. For composite decks, you need to leave some gaps during installation. Produced from quality Baltic pine. Full step by step installation video can be found at the end of this installation article. It is critical to use the appropriate clip for each joint, as the deck needs to expand and contract properly without buckling or warping. There should always be a slight gap. You must gap Trex® decking, both end-to-end and width-to-width. Push the next board in place. Leave a gap calculated on the expansion rate of 0.3% - 0.5% of the board length to allow for expansion. DuraLife composite decking products are stain and fade resistant with a co-extruded polypropylene outer shell that resists everyday spills and normal wear and tear. Note: Changes in length are most significant during the installation process, and should be 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. The amount of expansion and contraction will vary depending upon board size and temperature. The composite decking must not be laid directly on the sub-floor. What is composite decking made of? At edges a gap must be left for expansion. 2. Because with a Trex deck you can’t sand or refinish the deck. Composite 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. High-quality stair stringers to allow you to quickly make steps to different levels of your deck. The picture framing technique allows for expansion and contraction to occur with these temperature fluctuations. Blacking like this was a problem with 1st generation Trex decking that has been corrected with newer models. Manufacturer's specifications will guide the size of the gaps required for the composite decking. Push the next board in place. A composite decking picture frame involves incorporating a border around your project. When I’m installing composite decking in the summer, I use a siding nail to determine the gap size. UltraShield decking products are designed to protect against mold, fading, moisture and mildew.See our simple composite decking installation video here. The expansion occurs due to 2 reasons. Composite and plastic decking: product in review Architecture And Apr 11, 2014 The main reason for its popularity is its low maintenance but other benefits include its standardised size and strhtness, as well as its termite, water and UV resistance. Gapping also allows for the shrinkage of the wood joist system. Allow a 10mm expansion gap between the ends of boards The outer gaps must be a minimum of 8mm from … Recall Old News: How Spacing with composite deck boards is just as important as it is with conventional wood. 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 size of the gaps must be even and consistent to give a pristine finish, but the choice of gap size is yours. 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 deforming as the temperatures fluctuate. I put this down to two things; The product… 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 weather. Timber, composite, aluminium or steel joists are acceptable materials for the substructure of a deck. Smaller boards will expand less and larger board sizes will expand more. Install the decking with a … Expansion gaps are needed at both ends of each board to allow for the material to naturally expand and contract without any issue. Notch your composite decking material around rail posts. If not boards may warp or crack under pressure. ... For most brands of composite decking boards, manufacturers will specify the necessary ground clearance as part of the product warranty. It is pressure treated for longer life and to help resist rot. Additionally, by leaving the correct expansion gaps as detailed within our full installation guide, any fluctuation can be pre-empted, avoiding possible future warping. In order to prevent buckling of the deck during the wet season, you need adequate gaps between the boards. EXPANSION: Everlast decking boards will expand and contract at a rate of around 0.3% to 0.5% of the boards length. Because with a Trex deck you can’t sand or refinish the deck. Due to the plastic content, Composite materials expand and contract along their length due to changes in temperature, therefore adequate expansion gaps are needed between the ends of each board. Decking expansion 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 deforming as the temperatures fluctuate. When I’m installing composite decking in the summer, I use a siding nail to determine the gap size. The size of the expansion … Decking Boards Description. If joining 2 lengths of board together, make sure both ends are supported by separate Joists. It is known that composite boards do suffer expansion/contraction changes according to the weather, affecting the structure and look of each deck! Take the next piece of composite deck and securely push into the clips. Don’t worry about the aluminum getting hot in the summer, it doesn’t get any hotter than wood or composite … Typically, leave 3/16-inch – 1/4-inch gaps between boards. If you have poor ventilation, wider is always better. Note: Changes in length are most significant during the installation process, and should be Staining is a major problem with older model Trex decking and a huge issue with older composite decking products in general. Senate WPC decking boards will expand and contract at a rate of around 0.3% to 0.5% of the boards length. When installing UltraDeck® decking, gapping guidelines must be followed to ensure that gaps between decking and end gaps allow for proper expansion/contraction, drainage, and the shrinking of treated wood joists that can happen over time. All end joints need a minimum of 1/4” expansion gap from board to board. Now nip the screw to secure the clip against the board. Trex Transcend Composite Decking - How To Install. Make sure to leave at least an 1/8" gap for thermal expansion. 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EverGrain and Envision decking and skirting products will expand and contract with changes in temperature. With composite decking you have to create the gap right from the get go. It simply acts as a coupler between the heads of boards keeping the gap spacing exact. Click & Collect or delivery options are available. INITIAL HINTS AND TIPS FOR INSTALLING HALLMARK COMPOSITE DECKING 7. The reason that you cannot have these long runs of composite decking is that it is prone to longitudinal expansion and contraction. 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. Consider Expansion and Contraction. for 2.4m length boards 7mm gap should be left when butting. ... slim objects can be lost through the gap so I opted for a 4 mm gap. 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. Expansion and contraction are most significant where extreme temperature ... Gap (in) 23 1/16 3/16 4/16 4/16 5/16 5/16 6/16 7/16 7/16 This reduces the overall width so the floor now becomes compartmentalised,allowing now smaller areas to move independently of each other thereb reducingfloor growth or shrinkage problems. It is important to leave gaps between boards when installing your composite decking, but the size of the gap you choose can vary. Each decking species will have different movement properties, but let’s use Ipe as an example. All Rights Reserved. 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. Remember to factor all necessary expansion gaps into your plans. Virginia Decking & Remodeling LLC Expansion gaps are should be to Get a "Contractor Discount" on Your Deck or Porch 9. 6mm for 4m . Composite decking has minimal maintenance requirements. With composite decking you have to create the gap right from the get go. It will add beauty to your outdoor space and provides plenty of … Determining the gap with pressure-treated … Staining Problems With Trex Decking. 7. Additional Installation Information Expansion Space in Extreme Climates Expansion space: Bamboo Composite products expansion rate vary from 0.2% to 0.4% depending on the length of the planks as well as the climate it will be installed in. The locking clips serve to fasten the deck boards to the joist to prevent movement, whereas the T Clips allow expansion and contraction of the deck boards. Copyright by 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. » Note, Trex fascia has to be gapped width-to-width and end-to-end the same as Trex decking. This is why any installer will leave a small gap between ends of the composite decking boards to allow for any heat expansion/contraction. It is a Feature Strip that is somewhat similar to a reduction strip separating two rooms like kitchen and dining room. 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. Decking must be fixed to composite joists if installed over a flat solid sub surface. Leave proper expansion gaps: With the change in temperature, composite boards can expand and contract along the length of the board. If the installation area measures >10 metres in width, expansion joins must beinstalled. It’s made to use as a water tight deck above patios or other decks but we used it everywhere including our front porch. It is essential to leave gaps between your composite decking boards to allow for both adequate drainage and any expansion in hot weather. That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another. 35 The size of the expansion gap … ... Top selling high-quality deckboard that is made from slow-grown premium European Pine enabling you to build attractive decking that can extend your home into your garden, or give you a tranquil hideaway. Leave a gap calculated on the expansion rate of 0.3% - 0.5% of the board length to allow for expansion. The expansion and contraction may result in slight gaps, likely noticed at the ends of boards or in splice joints. Expansion gaps are needed at both ends of each board to allow for the material to naturally expand and contract without any issue. GeoDeck Composites can grow or shrink over one millimetre or more for every metre of length. Wood Composite deck boards are subject to expansion and contraction when exposed to variations in temperature. Expansion generally occurs in the width of aboard. As Builddeck composite decking is made up of 60% natural material, some expansion can occur however on a significantly smaller scale. It’s aluminum decking and it’s far superior to composite decking. This allows for contraction, expansion and a natural flow of water. Our deck boards are made from high quality, slow-grown European Redwood Pine. Magazine Features Virginia Decking, ICC-ES The longer the piece of decking, the greater its expansion and the more you have to account for this when building your deck. If the ... Take weather into account when allowing for expansion and contraction gaps. Materials, Remodeling Composite Railing. An innovative connector that eliminates the expansion/contraction gap between composite deck boards. 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. As a result, you need to leave gaps between the ends of the boards during installation. GeoDeck® is the first, and at this point the only composite decking manufacturer, to solve this problem. Framing for Trex & Composite Decking. Prior to installing any composite decking, it is recommended that you check with local building codes ... NewTechWood deck boards will experience expansion and contraction with changes in temperature. See charts below. Three years ago out of the 150 we would do around ten composites, now we are completing roughly 50 composite decks a year. Expansion gaps when boards are to be butted together should be calculated based on this sum, eg. in Ordering GeoDeck, Fairway VA), In Home Presentation 6. decking components + accessories 07 pre installation notes 09 falls and gradients 10 installation of substructure - timber 11 installation of substructure - aluminium or plastic 12 installation 13 cleaning and care 33 expansion gap table 34 removing a board. Installing The Perpendicular Frame Board. More substantial than easy deck bearers. The width of the Wickes range of composite decking board is 140mm. 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 Repeat until your deck is the required length. To optimize the size of the expansion gaps, the maximum expected temperature range - in relation to the installed ambient temperature - should be calculated and the corresponding change in length calculated. The use of composite decking over timber decking is growing every year here in Sydney, Australia. Staining Problems With Trex Decking. Therefore, we suggest you use the composite-cutting blade for cutting the deck boards. Full details are available upon request. To accommodate for this potential thermal movement: Allow a 30mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the deck giving consideration to all walls, posts and other obstacles. Pressure treated for longer life. INITIAL HINTS AND TIPS FOR INSTALLING HALLMARK COMPOSITE DECKING 7. Like real wood, composite boards will also expand and contract as the humidity changes. Important points about the substructure. during the winter my boards expand every year the gaps close and the boards buckle. Gapping is necessary for drainage and the slight thermal expansion and contraction of Trex decking boards. The correct spacings can be found in our installation guides here . The polyethylene used in our decking boards is a high quality, recycled material made up of mainly bottle, film and pipe materials. The polyethylene used in our decking boards is a high quality, recycled material made up of mainly bottle, film and pipe materials. At least twice a year, give your composite deck a thorough clean using brush and mild soap. The decking is mounted on support beams and the fixing is with especially designed clips to avoid visible fixing. EVERLAST by Composite Decking Installation Guide Only lay Everlast composite decking with the ridge side as the walking surface. reports and reports to ICC-ES standards. Installing composite decking can’t be done like wood decking where you can slam it tight together when it’s still green and then shrinks as it dries. The steps (Deck Boards) in this photo are ... An 80mm x 80mm pergola upright post that can also be used a deck joist on a solid surface such as concrete. The correct spacings can be found in our installation guides here . Due to the plastic content, Composite materials expand and contract along their length due to changes in temperature, therefore adequate expansion gaps are needed between the ends of each board. As Builddeck composite decking is made up of 60% natural material, some expansion can occur however on a significantly smaller scale. Providing expansion gaps allows proper drainage and ventilation to the sub base which prevents the timber from rotting Do not lay the decking boards directly onto a solid surface Always allow 150mm air-gap to create unobstructed airflow under the deck Hollow decking … ... make sure you align boards from the middle rather than the edge to allow for expansion of boards. Do not leave more than 50cm between the beams and respect the following expansion gaps : 5mm in width, 5mm per running meter in length with a minimum of 15mm between a board and a wall. Decking Materials, Help Ends of deck boards must be supported and not have an overhang of more than 20mm. Repeat until your deck is the required length. Gapping (between boards and between the decking and an abutting wall) is necessary to accommodate the expansion and compression that is inherent in composite decking. Also, resistant to mold, mildew, and rot. When installing UltraDeck® decking, gapping guidelines must be followed to ensure that gaps between decking and end gaps allow for proper expansion/contraction, drainage, and the shrinking of treated wood joists that can happen over time. If not boards will move or be damaged. Leave expansion gaps. In this case, we will be using a rail sleeve and base trim that will cover the gaps. Expansion gaps explained Deck boards are laid with a gap between each individual one - both along their length and their ends. Everlast decking should be stored flat. Thermal expansion gaps must be left at both ends of decking board. That constant movement can leave unsightly gaps. Composite decking will thermally expand and contract at a rate of 1 mm per linear metre of decking material under normal circumstances. 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. Allow a 3-5mm gap on either side of the deck boards Allow at least 5mm between deck boards and adjoining structures or posts It's worth bearing in mind that even though composite decking does expand and contract a little bit, they don't take on water. Unlike wood, whose size fluctuates with moisture changes, both capped composite and capped polymer decking, as well as rim joist covers, will expand and contract with changes in temperature. Composite decking cannot be used as structural material. Book. Temperature changes cause composite boards to expand and contract along the length of board. 703 494-6556 (No Decking Boards Description. Leave proper expansion gaps: With the change in temperature, composite boards can expand and contract along the length of the board. Corner trims can be applied subsequent to skirting trims to achieve a finishing touch by screwing them directly into the joist below the decking.. How much gap should I leave for expansion or contraction when installing? This means that any load bearing area will need to be framed and supported before the composite material can be attached. Mike French 2006-2012 The tight, compact growth rings, that are a feature of wood grown in northern countries, provide a stable deck board to work with. Installing composite decking can’t be done like wood decking where you can slam it tight together when it’s still green and then shrinks as it dries. Composite decking will thermally expand and contract at a rate of 1 mm per linear metre of decking material under normal circumstances. In a warm climate boards expand at a maximum of 1.5 mm/m of composite deck board. The fixing of composite boards is different from timber. Blacking like this was a problem with 1st generation Trex decking that has been corrected with newer models. As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. 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. Its advisable to leave a minimum gap of 8mm between any composite skirting trim and the ends of composite decking boards to allow for expansion, expansion can happen with temperature variations. If stored outdoors the decking should be kept in a covered area to prevent exposure to direct sunlight and weathering. Leave at least a 1/8″ gap between composite boards. Therefore, we suggest you use the composite-cutting blade for cutting the deck boards. The fixing of composite boards is different from timber. The MAXIMUM SPAN WIDTH is 350mm center-to Centre. 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