Composites

This article was written by Vince Jordan

We are living in a era where sustainability is on everyone's lips and in an effort to reduce deforestisation manufacturers are looking at new alternatives to natural timber products.

According to www.rainforests.net

"If no action is taken, between 2012 and 2016 the land area of virgin Rainforests will go below the critical built-in natural safeguard threshold providence of 10% virgin Rainforests area with its 50% species remaining. This issue of Rainforests destruction and mass species extinctions is the # 1 issue facing humanity. We now may have as little as 5 years to create the awareness to completely stop Rainforests destruction before this momentum brings us through our Omega Point."

The demand for decking has rapidly grown as consumers want the latest in outdoor living. They naturally expect their decking products to look exactly like wood. Not only that they want decking that is easy to clean, doesn't contain any potentially harmful chemicals or splinters and which will go on looking good for a very long time with little or no maintenance.

Consumer demand for new ways to address sustainability and common problems with natural timber such as annual upkeep, splitting, rotting, cupping and warping has led to the development of a new generation of high performance decking. Composite products have been steadily gaining market share as a sustainable, higher performing option to wood.

Depending upon whom you talk to, you will get both positive and negative comments about composite decking. So let's answer some common questions and look at why composites should be considered for your outdoors areas.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITE DECKING?

Although more expensive than wooden decking, composite does not warp, twist or fade. It is non-slip and is not affected by temperature. Marine (wet) applications are the perfect use for this product.

BENEFITS:-

Low maintenance
Fade resistant
Safe
Durable
Uses materials from sustainable sources
With less than 1% water absorbency it doesn't warp, crack or twist

COMPOSITES Q&A

WHAT IS A COMPOSITE?

Most composite deck materials are manufactured with a blend of recycled plastics such as polyethylene or PVC and wood fiber and sawdust by-products. Every manufacturer as you would expect have their own ‘recipe' for making their unique products. A lot of research is going into this market simply because it's a great way to recycle products and reduce the amount of natural timber used.

HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT YOUR COMPOSITE IS FROM A SUSTAINABLE SOURCE?

Elitescapes can provide evidence that the timber used in the construction comes from environmentally and socially responsible source. All products are 100% recycled.

DOES IT COME WITH A WARRANTY?

Yes all composites come with a manufacturer's warranty.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY COMPOSITE DECKING?

Outdoor living by its very mature means that there are many opportunities for it to get dirty; food, grease, muddy feet or paws, wet leaves. So naturally the harder it is to stain your deck, the less cleaning it will require.

Although composite timber decking is low maintenance like any product it will need cleaning from time to time. Elitescapes recommends power washing. 3000psi is the recommended maximum. A fan tip nozzle should be used along with the proper cleaning product. Spray in the direction of the brush/grain pattern to avoid damaging your decking. Use caution not to damage the material and always take the proper safety precautions when operating a power washer.

WHAT ABOUT COLOUR CONSISTENCY?

The composites used will be manufactured using a process which eliminates fading, improves colour retention and ensures consistency across batches. Prior to cutting and installing decking, sample layouts can be done to achieve a desired appearance.

CAN I ELIMINATE MOLD/MILDEW?

Mold and mildew are a big challenge for outdoor decks. Many composite products are pre treated to help reduce this problem. You could also easily wash it down on a regular basis with a suitable cleaner.

IS IT SLIP RESISTANT?

Yes a composite deck will be slip resistant so there is no danger of someone slipping and falling. In the winter months, you will have to keep it free of ice and snow if you don't want any slippery patches, but salt will do the trick without harming the composite decking material.

CAN I PAINT, STAIN, OR SEAL A COMPOSITE DECK?

No. There is no need to.

CAN INSECTS DAMAGE A COMPOSITE DECK?

The composition of a composite deck is too dense for insects to damage.

IS COMPOSITE DECKING THE SAME AS PLASTIC WOOD?

No, plastic timber contains no wood traces. Plastic timber is primarily composed of recycled plastics, where usually up to 90 percent of the product is plastic.