Enjoyed the article on synthetic decking but was wondering if anyone has a comment on composite decking. I had a problem with expasion on one of my installs.
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What brand did you use? You might contact the manufacturer. Did you butt the stuff tight together? that is a big no-no. Especially if it's not the height of summer when you're building. The stuff expands and contracts a lot with the changing temps.
I used the older composite Carefree decking. It was installed according to specs, but has continued to expand with no contraction. I was told it was a defect because they used yellow pine for the composite. I'm trying to locate others that have had the same problem. I contacted the mgf, but they will not respond since going into bankruptcy.
I've never heard of Carefree decking. Is this "pre" trex? I'm sorry to hear that you evidently got ahold of a lemon. I guess this is one of those learning experiences.
Your customers ask you for references...
Why didn't you ask the manufacturer for references or examples more than 3 years old that you can see? You can do that right? I call it due diligence.
L
GardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it!
The deacking was fairly new when I bought it three years ago. I went with the recommendation of my local supplier, who I've dealt with for over 10 years. The problem seems to be that the magf, U.S. Plastic Lumber switched Manufacturers in the middle of production. They changed the composite from hardwoods to yellow pine. Other decks I constructed with the Carefree decking have no problems. It is just the one that continues to expand. Even the local distributer, Russin Lumber, verbally admitted to a problem, but wouldn't put it in writing. U.S. Plastics went belly up after replacing over three hundred decks. All I'm trying to do is find something in writing to give to my client to show there was a defect and not a installation problem. I'm hoping to find other contractors that may have had the same problem.
The above response is why I'm very causious about all the "new" man made products coming into our industry. Wood I know. I understand it because I've been around it for 25 years. The new synthetics scare me because I can't afford to be stuck with material on a deck that I warrant.
Wood/Plastic composite is made from a wood slurry...could be 10 different types.
When you grind the wood up into fine bits-it will rot faster. Species matters a little-but not a lot. Personally-I think it is a "Great Idea" to rival the old vega motors with the cast heads and aluminum block. (old mechanic coming out).
It all works out in the end... as American Composites found out.
LGardenStructure.com~Build for the Art of it!
See the "prices for decks" discussion. Follow the link from Lawrence
http://www.gardenstructure.com/page/composite_decking.html
Edited 5/26/2005 9:13 am ET by pickings