As homeowners across the country seek to make their gardens an extension of their homes, building a deck is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. When it comes to picking the right decking though, it is important to choose a material that is built to last and will meet the homeowners desired look and feel.
Manufactured from 95% recycled materials, Trex, the world’s number one composite decking brand, is made from reclaimed wood and sawdust, as well as recycled plastic from commercial packaging and a variety of common household items. Guaranteed to retain a ‘like-new’ appearance for at least 25 years, Trex offers the natural beauty of wooden decking but won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter over time or after a long, wet winter.
To help homeowners and contractors make the most of their outdoor spaces, the experts at Trex offer the following tips for building a deck that delivers maximum enjoyment and ROI.
Protect your investment
Homeowners today have access to high-performance deck boards warrantied to last for decades. But, unless the proper steps are taken from the start, the deck’s foundation could begin decaying within the first 10 years. This is because the vast majority of substructures are built using wood, which is susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements.
Easily one of wood’s worst enemies, moisture contributes to mould growth and can accelerate structural deterioration. When joists and beams are exposed, water seeps into screw holes and sits on the wood causing it to rot and the screws to rust. Additionally, the natural expansion and contraction of wood due to seasonal freezing and thawing can cause beams to split and weaken over time, posing serious safety concerns.
- Trex® Protect™ Joist and Beam Tape is a self-adhesive butyl tape designed to protect wooden joists and beams from moisture that can lead to rot and the loosening of deck screws and fasteners. Effectively shielding the top of joists, rim joists, ledger boards and beams from moisture it also acts as a barrier between the wood and galvanized metal commonly used in construction hardware such as joist hangers. Additionally, Trex Protect seals deck fasteners and helps deck screws hold longer and stronger by preventing moisture penetration and defending against splitting that can result from seasonal freezing and thawing. Trex Protect works as a cap (vs wrapping), which allows the wood to breathe. The butyl-based self-adhesive also won’t bleed, dry out as quickly, or curl up and hold water like many asphalt-based tapes.
- Trex® RainEscape® – To protect an elevated deck from moisture, consider installing an under-deck drainage system. Using a network of troughs and downspouts, these systems capture and divert water away from a deck. They also allow homeowners to double their outdoor space and create a truly unique outdoor living space, by protecting the area below the deck from rain, sun and other elements, making it useable for storage or as an additional living area. Once protected, dry space beneath an elevated deck can be outfitted with everything from furniture to lighting fixtures and even outdoor cooking facilities. The Trex® RainEscape® will protect the entire substructure from water damage and deterioration and can be installed to both new and existing decks.
Choosing the right materials
Before beginning any project, it is important to choose a decking that will stand the test of time. New for 2019, the new Trex Enhance range provides trade professionals and homeowners with a high-performance, lower-cost deck board designed to compete more directly with timber. Delivering the beauty of wood with the confidence of composite by combining premium aesthetics with superior durability and ultra-low maintenance – all at an attainable price point. The Enhance decking collection is part of Trex’s tiered decking line-up that allows contractors and homeowners to choose the perfect product for any project.
All of these upgrades and decking materials add considerable function and value to a deck project without adding a lot of time or cost. For homeowners, this translates into greater satisfaction and increased ROI. For builders, they are great ways to earn more profit and over time, these minor add-ons can have a major impact on a company’s overall revenue.
For more information on Trex please visit the Trex website https://uk.trex.com/ or contact Trex supplier Arbordeck https://www.arbordeck.co.uk/ or 01463532300
