_{How to Avoid the Warp of Composite Decking}

Your outdoor living space will become more visually appealing if you install WPC composite decking. Because wood-plastic composite decking is made from recycled plastic, plastic includes discarded shopping bags. And it requires very low maintenance. What an environmentally friendly building material! The good thing about composite decking is that it does not involve extreme warping like other options such as wood decking. For that reason, most homeowners would prefer composite decking. Yet, composite decking can still warp for several reasons.

_{What Causes Decking Warping?}

Heat is what makes decks warp most times.

Thus, warping can be typical in decks that get exposed to direct sunlight. The high temperatures during the day make it distort gradually. This condition may result from thermal expansion since the deck absorbs heat and expands.

The heat from the sun will make the deck soften and alter its shape when it cools down.

In other words, the resulting shape may not be similar to the original shape before thermal expansion. Thus, its board will not remain straight and in a position like it was at the beginning. Does composite decking really warp?

_{Will a Composite Decking Warp?}

Generally speaking, composite decking features plastic and wood material. Thus, it is somewhat different from natural wood decking. In simple words, composite decking comes with synthetic decking material.

Therefore, people prefer to use it since it features extra durability than both plastic and timber decking. Nevertheless, it can still absorb heat like other decking options. Thus, it can warp and change its shape when the condition is too extreme.

It would be best to mention that the composite decking expands when hot, but it does not shrink. Thus, it cannot warp like wood decking since it does not shrink. However, composite decking can warp if it gets installed poorly. Here are some other reasons that can cause composite decking warp.

_{What Makes Composite Decking to Warp?}

The main factor in wood-plastic decking warping is whenever it touches a fixed surface after expanding due to heat. For instance, a composite decking would warp if it touches a wall. In simple terms, the wall will impede its expansion process since it blocks it from stretching further.

Besides, the tightness may force the decking to shift from its position. Whenever it shifts from its position, the composite decking gets removed from its joist. Thus, it may lose its original shape and appearance. But is it possible to prevent warping in composite decking?

_{How to Avoid the Wrap of Composite Decking}

The installation process will determine a lot when keeping the composite decking in position and free from warping. It is not possible for composite decking to warp if you install it properly. The good thing with composite decking is that it can resist warp cause elements such as heat from the sun.

In any case, warping will not occur if you allow enough space between the boards.

It would be best to ensure that you consider how the decking expands freely and allow enough space between the boards. Ensuring that you maintain a flexible gap between the boards will allow it to expand freely. Thus, the decking will not warp even under the hottest conditions.

For that reason, you ought to seek professional help to keep your composite decking free from warping. Or when you installing composite decking strictly follow the data of installation instruction. These experts have worked on similar projects and can install them rightly. For instance, most experts recommend leaving a 5 mm gap between the boards. Ensuring at least a 15 mm gap from the wall will also keep the decking intact.

_{How to Fix Warped Composite Decking}

Composite decks are somewhat tender and tend to warp over time. Thus, it would be best to understand how to repair it when it warps. It can be great to hire an expert to fix it for you, but this option can be costly. Yet, you can do everything if you have the apt tools. In general, you may require to replace the warped boards with new ones. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1:

The first crucial step would be to select the new decks and hidden fasteners to replace. You have to measure the boards to ensure that you fix fitting ones. In any case, you must be accurate enough significantly if you cut the boards first before installation. Besides, check on the decking’s thickness.

Step 2:

The next step would be to use the circular saw to cut the warped boards. It would be best to check out safety precautions using the circular saw. For instance, you must wear safety goggles and gloves. Also, ensure that you check the cutting point to ensure that you do not damage the wood joists or framing.

Step 3:

Once you finish cutting through the boards’ length, you need a claw bar or crowbar to complete the following steps. The claw bar will allow you to pry the boards you cut off the frame. Hence, it will allow you to remove the remaining portions of the boards carefully.

Step 4:

The next step involves removing the screws that lay down the decking board and holding it onto the frame. A screw gun will make it easier to remove the screws of the joists screw holes.

Step 5:

The final step would replace the boards. It would be best to opt for precisely the same material, color, and brand so that it can fit perfectly. Besides, you must be careful with measurements when cutting the board to install.

Sometimes it can be an excellent idea to remove all the decking boards and replace them or reinstall the entire deck if the warp is extreme. You should also check on the joists health to ensure that the decking remains durable. This strategy will allow you to avoid the chances of the decking getting warped.

Extreme climates make it necessary to ensure that any structure outside the house comes with rugged materials. The materials should withstand extreme humidity, high heat, wind-driven moisture, heavy snow, and subfreezing temperatures. For that reason, opting for a deck with quality composite material is crucial. Yet, here are six mistakes that can result in warping:

_{1. Weak Deck Framing}

The most prevalent cause of warping in composite decking is when you incorrectly install loose nuts onto the frame. However, you ought to select the apt hardware type to ensure proper attachment, install a protective wall to deter sun rays, and flash the ledger board correctly to allow it to drain water. The crucial factor to check on would be to minimize its exposure to moisture and heat from the sun.

_{2. No Lag Head Screws}

The absence of lag screw heads can be a potential cause for composite decking warp. It would be best to tighten the deck further and do not opt for screws and nails alone. Ensure that the ledger gets attached tightly to the house. Thus, hiring a professional will enable you to tighten the ledger even better. They use reliable heavy-duty lags to attach it to the frame.

_{3. Keeping Joists Too Apart}

Spacing the joists too far will also render the composite decking loose. Experts say that the apt installation to support the deck properly would be to support it with at least 2 mm x 10 mm pressure pine joists that are about 24 mm apart.

It would be best to note that extra framing can be crucial where you would like to upgrade the existing PT (pressure-treated wood) using a better-quality composite material. Investing in extra framing material allows for increased stability for lifetime deck durability.

_{4. Shallow Deck Footings}

It would be best to ensure that you remain careful about the depth of the concrete footings. Thaw and extreme freeze conditions can damage the concrete footers if not installed below the frost line. The depth should be more than 48 inches depending on the location.

Deepening the concrete footers makes the composite deck secure and sturdy enough for a more extended period. Another benefit is that it enables it to absorb the contraction and expansion of the surrounding material whenever it thaws or freezes to avoid foot shifting that can impede its shape.

_{5. Incorrect Fascia Installation}

Another common mistake during fascia installation would be to extend the fascia to cover the decking boards’ ends. This improper installation option allows moisture and dirt to get trapped into the gap between the decking and fascia. If this happens, it makes the fascia warp or pulls away from its outer rim joist.

The deck boards and the perimeter boards for picture-framing should extend past the rim joists by about 2 inches for the length and 1 inch for the width. It would be best to install a half-inch fascia board below the decking board and ensure that you fasten it onto the outer rim joists with eight 2 inches steel-capped deck screws or with nine half inch fascia screws.

All the same, you ought to leave a gap between the bottom and top fascia of the deck boards. You can use three fasteners by equally spacing them across the fascia width at the bottom, middle and top to space the board with equal length. You should never set the fasteners closer from the ends or edges of the board and ensure that you leave a gap at the adjacent and butt joints to the fixed objects.

_{6. Screws Securing the Deck Boards}

Over the years, most builders have permanently opted for attaching decking boards to the support frame with screws. Although the screw tech has advanced over the past few years by introducing options like installation without stripping, screws might still not be the best option for installing a composite deck.

Relying on regular screws to attach the composite deck boards onto the frame can be another stupid mistake. Although the screws may appear stable and reliable, they can mess up everything and weak the entire composite deck. It would be best to opt for other helpful options to secure the deck boards.

The good thing is that new and advanced composite decking brands design better hidden fasteners that can keep the decking surface smooth and clean while ensuring that it remains firm and stable. These options can be a better choice for holding your decks onto the frame rather than the screws.

Besides, it is easier to install the composite deck using these fasteners instead of the screws. They feature unique clips that are easy to tighten and attach to the frame. Thus, it would be best to ensure that you check out for the best composite decking brands to ensure maximum durability.

_Conclusion

The bottom line is that the installation process will determine a lot when it comes to the durability of a composite board. In general, composite deck boards do not warp due to internal causes but can warp if external conditions do not favour them. It features an excellent structure to withstand harsh conditions, but installing it properly would give the best results.

_{Frequently Asked Questions}

_{1. What Causes Deck Warping?}

Heat is what makes decks warp most times. Thus, warping can be typical in decks that get exposed to direct sunlight. The high temperatures during the day make it distort gradually. This condition may result from thermal expansion since the deck absorbs heat and expands.

_{2. Can a Composite Deck Warp?}

It can absorb heat like other decking options. Thus, it can warp and change its shape when the condition is too extreme. It would be best to mention that the composite decking expands when hot, but it does not shrink. Thus, it cannot warp like wood decking since it does not shrink. However, composite decking can warp if it gets installed poorly.

How to Avoid the Warp of Composite Decking