Weather Resistant Decking Increases Longevity While Decreasing Maintenance
Posted by EMS |
Charlotte, NC (December 15, 2020) - Outdoor living spaces are at the mercy of Mother Nature, subject to the full range of elements.
Wind, rain, sun and extreme temperatures can damage decks in short order, but nothing wreaks havoc like moisture. While you can't stop the onslaught of the elements, you can tilt the odds in your favor by building your deck or outdoor living space out of the most weather resistant material you can find.
Pressure-treated wood is the traditional choice for deck surfaces. Unfortunately, water finds its way through the chemical treatment after a couple of years outdoors. Once water is absorbed, the wood starts to rot, and it's only a matter of time before structural integrity begins to suffer. You can delay this process by applying sealer every year, but once the water has worked its way in, the damage has already started.
Composite deck boards are a little more water-resistant, but face other issues related to moisture. Uncapped composite boards installed in a shady area, or one that gets wet frequently tends to grow mold quickly. Remedying this requires special chemical cleaners that kill the mold, but tend to remove some of the finish in the process. Unfortunately, this makes the board's surface more porous and susceptible to mold growth. And once the outer surface is compromised, uncapped composite boards tend to crumble pretty quickly as the sawdust core can't handle any moisture.
Synthetic deck boards, such as Endeck, are the most weather resistant choices available. Some composites have a weather-resistant cap but the wood filler used in the core is susceptible to moisture damage. Endeck features HardCover technology, which provides a rugged shell on all four sides to keep moisture out. If water somehow found its way in, the board wouldn't be affected, thanks to the 100% cellular PVC core that is impervious to water. Because water can't get in, Endeck won't dry out or swell, twist or warp, like other choices.
The uniform cell structure of the core eliminates the voids commonly seen in competitive boards for added strength, but keeps Endeck lighter than composite, capped composite or most treated wood deck boards. Because they're less dense, Endeck is less affected by temperature extremes, staying up to 30 degrees cooler than other materials. The hard-capped shell provides superior UV protection, further resisting damage from the sun.
Synthetic deck boards can also handle extremely low temperatures without ill effects, making them a good choice for the frozen north. After eight-plus years in the Northeast and Canada, it's safe to say Endeck can handle the rigors of a tough winter.
The capped cellular PVC construction gives Endeck unbeatable water- and weather-resistance, making it the perfect choice for decks, docks, and other outdoor living structures subject to the toughest climates. Since gaining code approval in 2009, Endeck has endured the worst Mother Nature can dish out from the Caribbean's blazing sun to Canada's ice, snow and subzero temps. If you want your next outdoor project to stand up to the elements, give Endeck a look.