7 Must-Know Advantages of Composite Decking in South Africa

If you are remodeling your home, then you likely want to get a new deck. However, the decision is not easy. You want to get one that will last a long time and which gives you a lot of value for your money.

In many cases, composite decks are the best option. They may be more expensive than wood or plastic, but they have some unique advantages which make them worth it.In the past, composite decking was made from alternative materials that can create various colors that look beautiful. Still, in the face of changes in the environment, all they want to be replaced by composite decking.

Composite decking is a kind of green building block. It has an excellent aesthetic value and is good waterproof. Together with the color of the metal mesh showing a wood decking structure, texture and a variety of advantages, it is a good choice for outdoor areas. Composite decking in South Africa is to be seen for the quality material that it is. It comes with a lot of benefits that are worth being aware of. Composites are popular options available in homes because of the variety of available styles. They are the best choice to invest in composite decking because they are used for building houses.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a combination of wood particles and plastic, which combine to create a strong material. The wood fillers most commonly used in composite decks include sawdust, wood chips, and bamboo dust.

Composite decking has many benefits over traditional wood decking. Unlike wooden decks, composite decks never need to be stained or refinished and are impervious to water and insects. For people who lead active outdoor lives, this is the ideal material.

Composite decking is also more durable. Composite decks can be cleaned using a power washer.

The deck boards you buy come in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. Some boards have a warm, natural color, while others have a cool, crisp look. Composite decks are low maintenance. Just rinse them with water to keep them free of dirt, mold, and mildew, and leave them to dry naturally. Composite decking is easy to install. Most composite deck boards are grooved and come in lengths that you can snap together. Installing composite decks is much simpler than installing wooden decks, and an experienced handyperson can quickly get the job done.

Composite decking is environmentally friendly. Composite decks do not contain any harmful chemicals and are made from 100% recycled materials. In addition, composite decking has a lower carbon footprint than a wooden deck because wood is a resource that is in relatively short supply.

Why Should You Use Composite Decking?

Because composite decking material is easy to maintain, composite decking material requires no staining or painting. In other words, it's virtually maintenance-free.

The composite decking material is often made from recycled materials. The composite material is made primarily from sawdust and wood shavings, combined with recycled plastic to create the end product.

The composite decking material is also environmentally friendly. This type of decking material is made from recycled plastics and wood. It provides durable, low maintenance, and long-lasting alternative to wood. And even though the material contains no harmful chemicals, it is resistant to mold and fungus.

The composite decking material is a cost-effective way to build a deck. The cost of composite decking material varies based on the material you choose.

7 Must-Know Benefits of Composite Decking In South Africa

1.  What are the industry-Leading Warranties of Composite Decking?

Wood is a material people love – and for a good reason. Wood is readily available, versatile, and beautiful. You can choose from hundreds of wood species, each with its unique properties and appearance.

Over time, this can lead to structural damage. That's where composite decking comes in. Composite decking combines the natural look of wood with the durability of plastic. It's made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic polymers, giving it rigidity, strength, and stability.

Composite decking has been proven to last more than 20 years, much longer than wood decking. And because composite decking is made from plastic, it's resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. In addition, composite decking is more durable than wood decking. Wood decking can warp, split and crack over time, while composite decking is structurally sound and resistant to weather extremes.

Maintenance is also easier with composite decking. Unlike wood decking, composite decking doesn't require staining or sealing. Composite decking is easy to install, too. Because composite decking is made of plastic, it doesn't absorb water as wood does.

Installing composite decking is like installing wood but faster and easier. Plus, composite decking comes in various colors, so it's easy to match it to your deck and your home. Composite decking might not last forever, but its hybrid nature means it's designed to be low maintenance.

2.  Materials Science and Manufacturing That Prevents Weathering and Warping

Composite decking is very durable, but it will fade to a lighter color if exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods. The materials science behind composite decking is not well understood, but specific techniques used in the manufacture of composite decking make it more resistant to fading. 

Composite decking is made by mixing wood fibers with synthetic materials, such as plastic and wood floors. The wood fibers give the decking its structural integrity, and the synthetic materials provide the color and the resistance to fading.

Here are the common materials used in the manufacture of composite decking:

• Pigment: Pigments are added to give the deck its color. The deck manufacturer usually provides a book of approved colors, and customers can choose a color that matches or complements their deck.

• UV inhibitors: UV inhibitors are added to the composite decking to resist fading. The UV inhibitors (usually applied as pigmented liquid) are mixed into the fibers during the manufacturing process and protect against fading for the deck's life.

• Plasticizer: Plasticizers are used to make the fibers more flexible. This increases the life of the decking because less stress is put on the structure of the deck.

• Wood fibers: Wood fibers are the main component of composite decking. The fibers are mixed with the other parts during the manufacturing process and are a crucial component of the deck's structural integrity.

• UV stabilized pigments: UV stabilized pigments are used to extend the life of the deck.

• Plasticizer: Plasticizers are used to make the fibers more flexible. This increases the life of the decking because less stress is put on the structure of the deck.

3. How Protective Capping of Composite Decking Prevents Mold & Mildew

Composite decking materials can soak up the moisture from under your deck, causing it to expand and causing the wood to loosen and rot. If the boards begin to rot, mold spreads quickly. 

With wood, you don't need to worry about adding a protective cap. You can buy a deck coating that covers the decking and keeps it from absorbing moisture. But composite decking is made to be stain, fade, and mold-resistant, so it shouldn't be exposed to water.

The manufacturer of the decking material you use should tell you how to waterproof your deck. It's usually as simple as applying a thick coating of sealer, paint, or stain. Chemicals in these products don't break down over time, so you won't have to worry about staining or repainting your deck.

4. Require Low Maintenance:

Composite decking is a low-maintenance alternative to wood decking. Composite decking is made from wood fibers and plastic resins, giving it many of the same characteristics as wood. While wood decking must be cleaned frequently, composite decking is virtually maintenance-free. This means homeowners can spend more of their time enjoying their deck instead of working on it.

5. Composite Decking Has Higher Value than Wood Decking:

May be the initial cost of a composite deck would be higher than that of a wood deck, when maintenance expenditures (such as staining and repair costs) are included, a composite deck can last for itself in a matter of years. Another benefit of composite decking is the potential for long-term cost savings.

6. Aesthetic Variety of Composite Decking That Doesn't Sacrifice Performance

Aesthetic variety in composite decking materials is one of the features most requested by consumers. The popularity of composite decking materials has increased steadily in recent years, especially in the residential market.

Many engineers, architects, and builders back this trend. Consumers want decking that looks great, complements their design and architecture and fits their lifestyle.

7. It's Eco-Friendly:

Aesthetic variety in composite decking materials has also contributed to the industry's success. Many consumers looking to purchase composite decking materials are looking for "green" decking. The decking industry has developed many new, eco-friendly materials without sacrificing aesthetics. Unlike wood decking, composite decking is made of recycled materials. That makes it an eco-friendly decking option.

Take Away:

Composite decking won't rot, split, or splinter, and it requires virtually no maintenance. It's also fade and stain-resistant, which means less maintenance for you. Also, a beautiful deck can make your home more enjoyable and low-maintenance. Perhaps that's why composite decking is becoming so popular among homeowners.

Moreover, many people choose composite decking over wood for its durability, easy maintenance, and beauty.

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