Capped Composite Decking – An Eco-Friendly Upgrade
Capped Composite Decking offers an innovative alternative to classic wooden decks. Made of highly durable material that resists scratches, stains and weathering.
Plastic capping adhered to the composite board protects it against moisture and helps it resist fading, while also helping prevent mold, mildew and bacteria growth.
Environmentally Friendly
With capped composite decking, you can have peace of mind knowing it is an eco-friendly addition to your home. Traditional wood decks require regular staining with sealants or paints containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs); in contrast, capped composites don’t rely on these harmful substances for protection, making them significantly more eco-friendly.
Many capped composite products are manufactured with recycled materials such as wood fibers and plastic polymers; at the end of their lives these composites can be recycled back into new decking products.
Capped composites absorb less water than traditional wood, so they’re less susceptible to rot, mildew, and mold growth – making them more durable and longer-lasting decking solutions than natural wood. Capped composites also won’t crack, splinter, or attract termites or other insects like traditional wood does and are easy to keep clean with only needing soapy water for maintenance of an attractive appearance.
As an added benefit, capped composites don’t retain heat like traditional wood does. While all composites absorb some heat on sunny days, this phenomenon is less apparent with capped composites due to their protective polyethylene layer on top, helping them resist UV rays for prolonged exposure and help prevent fade damage from exposure.
Long-Lasting
Capped composite decking will not splinter or become infested with termites like wood does, while also being less likely to warp or rot over time thanks to being composed of recycled materials with dense structures. With regular care and maintenance, your capped composite deck can remain looking brand new for many years!
A “cap” on a capped composite board prevents moisture from reaching the wood fibers within, eliminating mold and mildew growth as well as cracking and peeling. Furthermore, capping provides protection from cracking and peeling while never needing to be refinished – simply an occasional cleaning with soap and water is enough to maintain its appearance!
Because of their advanced tough plastic coating, capped composite boards are highly resistant to staining and scratches. Certain brands even provide warranties against staining and color fade for up to 25 years!
Uncapped composite decking lacks this protective layer, so it may require regular sanding or application of deck cleaner. Depending on which brand is selected, uncapped boards often come with more modern-looking colors and finishes that resemble natural wood grain than their capped counterparts, while capped boards often have more classic tones.
Today’s majority of capped composite decking manufacturers use modern technologies to extrude boards with a protective covering on all four sides (except grooved ones). While there may be companies who only cover certain sides (either top or bottom), or don’t cover at all – it is crucial that consumers do their research and only buy from reputable brands that cover all four.
Easy to Maintain
Capped composite decking differs from traditional wood decking in that it doesn’t need to be stained or sanded, making its maintenance much simpler for homeowners while helping prevent deforestation. Furthermore, this eco-friendly material features an attractive wood-like appearance and can withstand years of weathering and wear – adding value and curb appeal. A well-kept composite deck increases resale value and increases the curb appeal of homes alike.
Composite boards feature a protective polymer layer to resist water and mildew damage as well as fade resistance properties, making capped composite boards long-term solutions with low maintenance requirements – one reason they come with a 25-year stain and fade warranties.
Though capped composite boards tend to be less vulnerable to staining than uncapped decking, they still may become stained when exposed to liquids like food, oil, wine or sunscreen that have come in contact with them. Any spots can usually be easily eliminated with warm water and a splash of household cleaner or vinegar.
For optimal deck maintenance, ensure any spills are cleaned up immediately and use rugs or mats around BBQs, potted plants and other areas that attract dirt. Regularly sweeping and cleaning with a gentle soapy cleanser is all it takes to maintain its beauty year after year.
Versatile
Composite materials differ significantly from natural wood in that they don’t absorb as much heat from sunlight and won’t warp or crack under direct sunlight while remaining safe for bare feet without the risk of splinters or warping. They come in an assortment of colors, grain patterns and textures to mimic stained or painted wooden finishes – though not all boards have equal quality; those that offer protection from mold and mildew have thick shells with hard coatings that resist scratching and fade, providing essential core protection from mold growth.
Many capped composites come with 25-year warranties to provide peace of mind to homeowners. Furthermore, capping protects the composite decking by eliminating refinishing needs; this lowers maintenance costs and gives new homeowners more time to enjoy their outdoor living spaces.
Capped composites differ from first-generation ones through their protective cap, which helps ward off mold and mildew growth in the material, leading to warping, decay, or insect infestation. Capped composites also protect from insects entering into organic wood such as cedar or pine.
Capped composite decks are easy to keep looking great as well since they do not require railings for safety or the weatherproofing treatments necessary for traditional wood decks. A quick soap-and-water cleaning should suffice to keep them looking their best!