What exactly is composite decking made of?
Our team starts with the basics about composite decking. Composite decking is not just plastic, and it is not just wood. It is a blend of both materials. We use recycled wood fibers as well as recycled plastics, and these are all bound together with some special agents. You can think of it as engineered lumber. This mix gives composite decking its strength as well as its low-maintenance qualities. Some of the newer, high-performance composite decking options even have a protective polymer shell. This makes the composite decking even tougher against stains as well as fading.
How long can I really expect a composite deck to last in Pawtucket?
This is an important question for homeowners in Pawtucket, especially with our New England weather. Traditional wood decks, even with proper care, might give you 10 to 15 years. They might last 20 years if you are really on top of the maintenance. Composite decking is a completely different situation. Most quality composite decks come with warranties for 25 years or more. With good installation and a little common sense maintenance, these Pawtucket composite decks can easily last 30 to 50 years. This is because composite decking is built to resist the things that kill wood around here. It resists rot, warping, insects, and the brutal freeze-thaw cycles we get every winter in Pawtucket.
Is composite decking really maintenance-free?
"Maintenance-free" is a marketing buzzword. "Low-maintenance" is a lot more accurate for composite decking. You will not be sanding, staining, or sealing your composite deck every year like you would a wood deck. This is a huge time saver as well as a money saver. You still need to clean your composite deck. An occasional wash with soap and water, and maybe a soft brush, will keep it looking good. You also have to clear off leaves and debris. This is especially important in shaded areas because that stuff can hold moisture and cause issues over time. Around here in Pawtucket, where humidity can be a real factor, keeping your composite deck clean is always a good idea.
Will my composite deck get super hot in the summer sun?
It is true that some composite decking boards can get warmer than wood in direct sunlight. This is just how some materials are. However, manufacturers have gotten a lot smarter about this. Lighter colors of composite decking tend to stay cooler. Many newer composite decking products are designed with ventilation to help reduce heat buildup. If your deck gets a lot of afternoon sun, especially if it is facing south towards the Seekonk River in Pawtucket, it is definitely something to consider. Our team will help you when picking your color as well as your brand of composite decking.
What about the cost? Is it way more expensive than wood?
Upfront, composite decking usually costs more than pressure-treated wood. You are looking at about $30 to $45 per square foot installed for composite decking. This compares to $15 to $25 for pressure-treated wood. You need to look at the long game for composite decking. Over the lifespan of the deck, composite decking often ends up being cheaper. This is because you are not constantly buying stain as well as sealer. You are also not spending your weekends, or paying someone else, to maintain it. The yearly maintenance for a wood deck can run you hundreds of dollars. Composite decking is just a few bucks for cleaning supplies. So, while the initial sticker shock might be higher, the long-term value of composite decking is often better. It is an investment that pays off in time as well as less hassle for Pawtucket homeowners.
Do I need a permit for a composite deck in Pawtucket?
You absolutely need a permit for a composite deck in Pawtucket. Any new deck construction or significant alteration to an existing deck in Pawtucket will require a building permit. This is not just for wood decks; it applies to composite decking too. The City of Pawtucket operates under the Rhode Island State Building Code. Generally, if your deck is over 30 inches high, or attached to your house, or requires footings, or is over 200 square feet, you will need a permit. Pawtucket Quality Decks always handles all the necessary permitting with the City of Pawtucket building department. This ensures your composite deck is built to code as well as being safe for everyone.
Can you install composite decking over my existing wood frame?
Sometimes, yes, we can install composite decking over an existing wood frame. It is not a given in every situation. We can often install new composite boards over an existing frame. This is only if that frame is structurally sound as well as up to code. Pawtucket Quality Decks will always do a thorough inspection first to make sure. We are talking about checking for rot, proper joist spacing, and overall stability of the frame. If the frame is good, it can save you some money as well as time. If the frame is not good, trying to put new, heavy composite decking on a failing frame is just asking for trouble down the road. Our team will not do anything that compromises safety or the longevity of your new Pawtucket composite deck.
What kind of warranty comes with composite decking?
Most reputable composite decking brands offer solid warranties. These often cover 25 years or more for things like structural integrity, fading, and staining. Some even go up to 50 years for their premium lines of composite decking. These warranties usually cover defects in the material. This includes excessive color fade beyond a certain threshold or structural failure due to rot or splinters. It is important to know that these are manufacturer warranties. They typically require proper installation to be valid. Also, some warranties are prorated, meaning the coverage might decrease as the deck gets older. If you ever sell your home in Pawtucket, many of these warranties are transferable. This can be a real selling point. Pawtucket Quality Decks always makes sure you understand the specific warranty for the composite decking product you choose.