Choosing the right deck material to withstand overheating
If you’re like most homeowners when the sun comes out you take this as an invitation for outdoor living. Summertime means more time spent outside, taking long walks, playing backyard games and, of course, relaxing on your deck.
When it comes to your deck, though, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause irreparable damage—especially if it’s made of decking material that wasn’t designed to withstand it.
So, what is the best deck for direct sunlight? Read on for the answer, along with other information to help you maximize your deck enjoyment this year and for many summers to come.
So, which decking material should I choose?
Because first-generation composite decks once had the reputation of getting too hot, wood was often favoured as the superior choice for warmer climates. The irony is that composite boards’ use of wood filler was actually a cause of their excessive heat. Today’s composite materials, thankfully, have drastically improved their ability to keep cool underfoot.
Naturally, it is also important to consider your deck colour option as darker colours are a major contributor to heat absorption, simply choosing a lighter colour is one way to mitigate sun exposure.
Other decking options include PVC deck boards, which on average absorb 30% less heat than their composite counterparts owing mostly to the fact that they are made solely of polyvinyl materials, containing no organic materials such as wood. For this reason, both composite and PVC boards are favoured above their organic material counterparts when choosing a decking product.
Other reasons for choosing these materials above wood products include their lifespan. Composites and PVC can typically last between 25-50 years depending on brand selection, whereas on average a wood deck at best will have a 15-year lifespan.
Another feature which makes Composites and PVC boards more favourable is the maintenance element. Unlike wood products, Composites and PVS’s require no refinishing and cleaning these types of decks is far less maintenance which only requires simply taking a garden hose to the deck and brushing off any excess build-up.
Sunny days and hot seasons are the perfect time to gather friends and family on your deck. But when it comes to weather, not all deck materials are up to the task.
Ready to start planning your deck? Contact Carpenter Near Me, your local deck builders in Ottawa, for your free, no-obligation quote and get the ball rolling to enjoy your maintenance-free deck this summer.