How to Ensure Outdoor Decks Thrive, Not Just Survive, the Elements
As winter rolls in, it's crucial to think about keeping our outdoor spaces, like decks, in top shape—especially with the wet weather on the horizon. Composite decking brand, Trex Company are experts in durable decking solutions. We have complied a selection of top tips below to ensure that decks not only survive but thrive through the elements.
From the correct way to insert screws to choosing the right materials and protective measures, Trex Company Australia, Market Manager, Rod Schiefelbein shares his top tips to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to damage and costly repairs.
Insert screws carefully - If you insert your screws into wood too forcefully, it can cause the joist to split at the source. The crack in the joist will expand in the Australian elements, resulting in little ‘wells’ where water can enter and sit, causing corrosion on the screw. Avoid all of this by drilling a pilot hole to prevent cracks.
Material match-up - Be strategic about the fasteners and screws you use in construction, choosing materials that work together and reduce corrosion. For example, don’t use zinc screws to fasten stainless steel materials, as together, they can weaken over time.
Stay dry - Just as you don’t like being out in the rain, neither do the joists on your deck. When wet, joists and fasteners can warp and rust. Choose materials like galvanised steel or aluminium to reduce the chance of breakdown, and place joists out of the rain where possible.
Prepare and protect - The life of any structure will be shortened when surrounded by moistened, rotting wood – regardless of what screws and fasteners you use! Invest in a specially-made deck flashing tape protectant such as Trex Protect, which is a non-skid, 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.
Consider what’s on top - If you’re going to include pot-plants on your deck, move them around regularly and never place them over screws or fasteners. This will ensure wet patches don’t form underneath the pots and trickle down to the metal.
And what’s below – Consider installing a under-deck drainage system to divert water from the deck using a using a network of troughs and gutters such as Trex RainEscape. Trex RainEscape provides 100% protection of the deck substructure from moisture and holds screws in place longer.
If you’re in the market for a premium deck to breathe new life into your outdoor area, then look no further than Trex Company. For more than 30 years, Trex has invented, reinvented and defined the composite decking category. Today, the company is the world’s #1 brand of sustainably made, timber-alternative decking and deck railing and a leader in high performance, low-maintenance outdoor living products.
With the importance of time spent outdoors top of mind, it makes sense to opt for a composite deck that not only looks great, but is also sustainable. Further, on the heels of the successful launch of Trex Transcend® Lineage™ in Australia, the composite decking leader has since added two new, on-trend colours to the luxury line, which you can check out here.
