“My trex deck installation gapping between pieces has closed up over time and filled in with pine needles and other debris. Whether you had a jobsite accident that took a chunk out of a deck board or you’re just curious if Trex composite decking can be fixed, we have the answer. In fact that’s true of just about anything you buy. Replacing severely damaged boards seems to be the only remedy. Although we take that with a grain of salt since all of our interactions with Trex have been very positive. A simple garden hose with a lower pressure fitting, coupled with detergent and a mop for tough spots, is your best bet for cleaning Trex deck. You’ll end up with uneven fading which can basically create a 2 color deck. Pro Tip: Check with Trex before using any cleaning product on the deck. Sometimes the materials fail, but it’s very rare. Manufactured by NCP in Fergus, Ontario. *According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2009-2010 “Cost vs. V alue” report. “We installed Trex back in 2006-2008 not sure of exact date. NOTE: It is recommended to install wiring and splitters before decking and railing have been installed. As a leader in the industry, they are a brand we tend to hear about more often, but it’s important to keep in mind that these are common issues across found across the decking world, and not just problems with Trex decking. Staining is a major problem with older model Trex decking and a huge issue with older composite decking products in general. Discover the right Trex deck board style and color for you. Even the chalk dusting off the line can cause a permanent stain. Make sure the cleaner you plan to use is compatible with the model decking you have. Any type of deck board can be bouncy if the joists aren’t spaced properly, that’s why deck joists are supposed to be 16″ o.c. Color fading is something the company knows about and acknowledges. They did replace some of the material but not all even though they were bought from Home Depot and same lot. It’s worth the money to avoid costly problems in the future. This Is Not An Issue With Newer Trex Decking Models like it was with their first generation products. What can be done to open up the gaps between runs? Removing leaves and debris with a broom or leaf blower frequently is the best preventive measure. My Trex deck was installed in 2000, and of course my problem was that the product is very porous and a perfect environment for mold. We never use markers or snap lines with chalk. In this guide, we are going to discuss some of the more common problems homeowners have had with Trex decking and how to solve them. Make sure to keep grease away from a Trex deck. Many Trex deck owners have complained of flaking, deterioration and even in extreme cases virtual disintegration of their Trex decks. How to Identify Wood Rot. This damage results in a near complete deterioration of the decking boards surface. Since that time Trex has diligently worked to revise, expand, and perfect their line of composite decking products. The labor to install a substructure, the deck, and the railings takes an average of 50 hours, which brings you to an installation cost of $3,138.. Return to Top So Trex agreed to replace the defective decking but decided as a matter of ‘policy’ that they would only replace 113 of the 144 defective boards. Beginning last year I also started to experience cracking flaking over approximately 5% of the deck surface. Blackening like this happens more in dark areas that don’t get much sun. We don’t want this article to scare away anyone from using Trex decking problems are extremely rare. By 2009, though, the company had filed for bankruptcy protection, and its assets were sold to what became GAF … DO NOT run wires between joists and deck boards. Even if you cut away a chalk line some of the chalk can still get onto the decks surface and stain so be careful. Arguing that they only replace defective product on a square footage basis. 2. I work with a law firm that filed a lawsuit against Trex for misrepresenting their materials and then failing to … It makes a big difference. A 24’ x 12’ (288 sqft) deck will take an average of 34.5 hours to build with a labor cost of around $2,165 for a deck to be installed on an existing substructure.. We highly recommend them. Failure to do so will void the warranty. We notice this issue showing up after years of use and with older, cheaper models of Trex. If you notice you composite decking flaking or cracking, contact the manufacturer immediately. And by constant cleaning we mean more than just a simple sweeping or spraying with a hose. Porches, just like decks, have a lot of different & important parts. It’s very difficult to get and they only offer their products to the top decking companies in the country. Because with a Trex deck you can’t sand or refinish the deck. A chemical called tannin carries the color in most leaves and wood. Check with the manufacturer before you use any product on your Trex deck. Since Trex decking is warranted for 25 years, I filed a warranty claim only to find out the quality problem I experienced was systemic and subject to a Class Action suit against Trex. Sanding is not recommended for Trex decking products. Decomposed first generation Trex decking. Another problem that can affect Trex or any type of composite decking is static buildup. Bigger gaps allow for material to fall through and provide a place for water to drain but how big is big enough? Because of this acknowledgement you can be sure when you buy a Trex deck you will have color fading. Should you require additional support, please call 1-800-BUY-TREX or send an email to question@trex.com. Skimp on any of these 3 issues and you could have problems down the road. There are a few cleaning substances that may remove or lighten these marks, but you’ll want to contact the manufacturer of your decking beforehand. Porch Building Parts of a Porch. It seems to come on strong and takes constant effort to keep the decking clear of it. Many first generation Trex products, last sold in 2013, have a wood grain texture that can gather debris and moisture, resulting in surface mildew and mold. Equally important are the supporting posts and joists under the deck. Staining is a major problem with older model Trex decking and a huge issue with older composite decking products in general. Trex has absolutely had problems in the past but their constantly trying to improve and perfect their decking products. Yes. Unfortunately, this is one issue where there is no quick and easy fix. If you have a small scratch or chip, use a composite deck repair kit. Replacing severely damaged boards seems to be the only remedy. Composite decking is highly resistant to water and waterproof if capped, but ice and snow can be challenging to remove once the temperature drops. Their current line up of decking products are much better than what was offered in the past. Even if it didn’t, we could rebuild the entire deck and still be money ahead. But if you buy a home with an older Trex deck or you built one years ago, then keep this in mind. Wood will always warp, crack, and split. Failure to adhere to the required cleaning guidelines will void the Trex Limited Note: This section refers only to older model Trex decking sold up until 2013. Here’s a gallery of beautiful decks to remind you exactly why you wanted that Trex deck in the first place. But, if your buying a home that has an existing Trex deck with older, cheaper decking. It seems that under some conditions the coating seal placed on this recycled plastic/wood composite fails, exposing it to the elements, with poor results. From chewing gum and tar to suntan lotion or ketchup, most of these messes can be cleaned up quickly with the right tools. After the deck dries, the dirt footprints remain.” Says Selka of Dublin, OH. Some savvy homeowners have been able to fix this by running a saw with a thin blade between the problem areas, but it is not ideal or recommended if you want to keep your warranty intact. Companies like Trex stand behind their products and warranty them but they have to be installed properly. Just install the fasteners and deck boards, your gaps will all be perfect. In fact, Trex is so confident in the stain resietance of their products they back their entire decking portfolio with a 25 – year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty. With a few tools, you can easily repair your deck and enjoy your patio. It looked beautiful! Pro Tip: Always use pencil to make your marks since graphite easily washes off the decks surface. If a stain occurs and … Trex deck, when you consider what you’ll spend in cleaning supplies, stain and your precious time. For light scratches, there are a number of companies that make composite deck repair kits. If you notice a small straight light that’s blue or red on a deck board, there’s a good chance it’s from a chalk line the contractor used. 3 INSTALLATION GUIDE TREX INSTALLATION GUIDE ... cleaning is required every 6 to 9 months. So, what are the biggest problems with Trex decking, and what can you do about them? Trex Deck Designer (Portal to Desktop) This app is a portal to the Trex Desktop Deck Design Tool. Never use a marker unless your completely cutting off the mark. Are you kidding? This was an issue that affected thousands of homeowners with Trex decking between 2002 and 2007 because of a defective batch of planks. That’s the reason we have lemon laws for cars and laws protecting consumers. If the boards are dual-sided or reversible, you can simply flip one over. There are wax-based solutions along with colored pens and kits that require you to lightly sand the area before refinishing it. Many Trex deck owners have complained of flaking, deterioration and even in extreme cases virtual disintegration of their Trex decks. Any chalk lines and other marks that do not dust off will be permanent, but may be lightened with acetone, which is available in the paint department of any hardware store. Tannin can then leach into your deck causing discolorations. Cleaning complaints are fairly common problems with Trex decking that are actually an issue with all types of composite decking. Have you ever walked across a carpet and received a small shock after touching a metal surface? If you have to snap a line make sure you use blue chalk and plan on cutting the line so none of the blue remains. Trex Decking Installation Cost. It’s absolutely terrible.” Says and unnamed source. In addition to 25 to 30 years being the manufacturer reported number, numerous third party tests also confirm the lifespan of composite decking. Instead the weathered composite turns to a musty gray color. Now it seems more people are becoming dissatisfied with the longevity and quality of Trex products. And this creates a secondary issue where some of the deck is in sunlight and some isn’t. Because with a Trex deck you can’t sand or refinish the deck. But it certainly shows up and when it does the deck can become unusable. That’s considering your installing perpendicular to the joists and not on an angle. Well, the same thing can happen with composite decking if you live in a dry area, and the conditions are just right. if not advise customer we do not support use of non‐trex power supplies and cease troubleshooting. The wrong type can eat into your deck causing spots that won’t come out. How much however is uncertain. Incredibly frustrating, unresponsive and inane.” Says Michael of Bend, OR. Apply a small amount with a soft cloth and rub. With each failure they’ve learned a lesson and improved the product. TREX SIGNATURE ® RAILING CARE AND CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS For installations where the atmosphere is influenced by bodies of salt water or other contaminant conditions, cleaning is required every 6 to 9 months. Despite these recent Trex concerns, in 2012 we decided to build a small patio deck in the backyard of the coastal home were we had originally built our first Trex porch deck in 1999. Another study put out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that in a five-year period, over 224,000 people have been injured in deck incidents. However, over time some types of Trex decking can become spongy and bounce more than when it’s brand new. NOTE: Avoid railing brackets and locations for deck rail lights when running wires up posts. But they’re dedicated to constantly improving the product which means the decking their selling today is much better than what they offered in the past. We’ve built over a hundred decks with Trex over the years and based on our experience it’s a fantastic product. Sold by Monaghan Lumber in Peterborough, Ontario in 2008. Avoid some types of harsh cleaners. “We purchased the Trex in 2008, and it was an expensive mistake. Metrojersey.com NJ's #1 Web Directory
The company developed one of the first capped products, called Correct Deck CX. An Example Of Excessive Fading. Get Notified About New Articles, GREAT DEALS on Home Goods, Videos & Product Reviews. Otherwise, you can try an epoxy or wax repair kit to fill in smaller chips. That's fine if a gray deck is the end result in mind, but there is a large difference between gray and silver. If any food or drinks spills clean it up right away, don’t let it sit on the deck for too long. “I was lured by the durability and lack of maintenance as advertised. 2012: Deck #3. An old fashioned way of installing deck boards is to find a nail that’s .25″ and use them as spacers. Tannins are one of the tougher things to remove from composite decking, but it’s possible with a little elbow grease and oxalic acid. Order Trex composite decking samples direct to your door. Most common issues can be resolved easily by following these instructions. Composite boards that flake could be deteriorating, which can result in failure and injury. I would NEVER ever recommend this brand. Trex Company, Inc. Consumer Care 160 Exeter Drive Winchester, VA 22603-8605 USA If you are considering adding a new deck onto your home, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Any product can have issues from time to time and Trex is definitely no exception. Inspector in 2010 does not identify deck issue. This is a composite decking problem that’s impossible to predict until a deck has been in the weather for several months, which can lead to a very expensive problem. Unlike wood, Trex is made up of layers, including a harder outer coat or shell that provides resistance to the elements. Build your dream deck in Australia with Trex, the world's best high-performance & low maintenance composite decking brand. If a stain occurs and can’t be cleaned the only remedy is replacing the entire board. That said, as long as you use a low-powered washer around 2,000 PSI or under with a wide fan tip, you should not damage your deck. When dirt and debris are allowed to build up on your deck, it will eventually creep into the textured top and crevices of your decking. I called and filed a complaint. Some Trex customers say their decking is virtually impossible to keep clean, even if you don’t walk on it. While highly resistant, there are a number of substances that can temporarily leave stains on composite decking. Blacking like this was a problem with 1st generation Trex decking that has been corrected with newer models. VERY unhappy with this product! A thorough cleaning with a mop and gentle detergent, such as dish soap, may help remove residual grime and lighten the stain. A soft-bristled brush and garden hose should remove all but the toughest mold. If your going with composite decking rather than wood, even though it’s a maintenance free product, it still needs constant cleaning to look it’s best. Composite decking may be highly resilient to water, but it’s not ideal to have it pooled up on your new decking. It’s dusty and muddy and dirty. Again, it seems completely random when this happens, but it happens often enough that you should know about it. If you want a larger or smaller gap just buy bigger or smaller nails. Now, other homeowners are seeing their Trex decks rot, warp and fall apart. Drive a nail every few joists before you install your next deck board. According to Trex, all newer products being sold today are designed to resist fading and are backed by a 25 – year Limited Fade & Stain Warranty that guarantees products will not fade in color from light and weathering exposure by more than 5 Delta E (CIE) units – a margin of difference that would be hardly noticeable to the human eye. deck joists. I should splice deck boards to comport to their minimized square footage solution? As a general rule of thumb assume everything stains a Trex deck. Claims made by Trex that the composite decking materials will turn silver with age and weather are found to be false. Trex does not recommend using a power washer on your decking, and most composite deck manufacturers feel the same way. Unfortunately, they can be impossible to remove depending on the type of chalk used. We Update Weekly & It’s All Completely FREE. Just a few months after installation, mold started to appear. You will want to proceed with caution if dealing with capped composites or cheaper decking, however. You really need to baby the decking because if Trex stains it won’t come out and there’s no good way to fix the problem without replacing deck boards. Your decking will only be a straight as the lumber you install it on. The only way to prevent this is constant, regular cleanings. Copyright © 2021 Gambrick Construction – website by On Your Mark Design and Graphics. On average, you can recoup more than 70% of the cost of adding a deck*, making it one of the best investments for your home. Black spots and streaks, brown blobs & green junk that would NOT scrub off. While Trex remedied that problem over a decade ago, it’s a sure sign of problems regardless of the manufacturer. My old wooden deck was painted and lasted 30 years. New model Trex decking with capped design don’t have staining problems like the older products do according to Trex. Trex decking is made up of 95% recycled materials making it an eco-friendly decking option. “Moving to an adult community, we decided to replace the wood deck with Trex, as their ads touted ‘easy care’, ‘low maintenance’. Fading issues are unpredictable and hard to understand. Trex is the worlds #1 Decking Brand and the inventor of wood alternative composite decking. Observation: During construction, if post is cut the cut end must be coated with a TIS approved cold galvanizer. “As my dogs walked across the deck, it left paw prints, which I immediately tried to sweep and then simply hose off, without success. If you have any questions or comments e-mail us any time. However, it’s hard to say exactly how long the decks will last since composite decking in general is a fairly new product which improves all the time. VEKADECK is the best deck board in the entire vinyl decking industry. However, after installation, I realized that it is more difficult to remove dirt footprints off the Trex decking than off of regular wood decks. or 12″ o.c. All the nails are the same so the space will be even. The mold seems to grow heavily not just on the surface, but inside the rough texture of uncapped decking. It can be worse with certain colors or on uncapped products. This is one of the topics we get asked about the most and something that is easy to fix. This blackening isn’t caused by anything spilling on the deck, it’s a natural process that happens over time from decking being out in the elements. Every material in the construction trade can have a bad manufacturing run. It started literally shredding and falling apart. We contacted Trex, got the runaround. It is not nearly as simple to fix as wooden decking. “My Trex decking is 10 years old and has substantially deteriorated to the point where it is rough and pitted and the interior core material has become exposed. Premium grade Trex decking seams to perform much better in the field as does newer decking. Trex is issuing this reminder notice because it has received a small number of claims where badly flaking decking boards that had not yet been replaced broke. Based on our experience we continue to use and recommend the premium grade Trex decking products to our clients. That’s partly due to the number of options available to homeowners today, but also because of installation issues and decking problems across the industry. Some Trex decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb. Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to how badly their products actually look when left out in the sun. It’s not wood, so it shouldn’t be expanding and contracting due to temperature changes, right? But we also let them know that composite decks can last far longer. Removing Snow or Ice from Composite Decking, Composite Decking Reviews: Brands, Colors and Cost, How to Install Trex Decking | Composites Installation, Wood Deck Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Stainless Steel Cable Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Aluminum Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Glass Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Wrought Iron Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, Hog Wire Deck Railing Reviews, Installation and Cost, 12 Tips for Choosing the Best Flooring Options in Every Room, Ceiling Tiles Reviews and Installation Cost, Decorative Ceiling Tiles Reviews and Costs. Our deck began flaking, cracking and molding over the last few years and we found out about the class action lawsuit. This is a common ingredient in deck brighteners and a great way to remove tannins left behind from leaves and other debris from your composite deck. Improper fastening can lead to issues down the road as the decking and wood framing expands and contracts. 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With warm soapy water every time it gets dirt on it even the chalk can still get the! Than just a simple sweeping or spraying with a mop and gentle detergent, such as Pour-N-Restore which! Easily washes off the mark protecting consumers because of this acknowledgement you can ’ always! Dirt footprints remain. ” Says Selka of Dublin, OH should splice deck boards comport... Decking do happen from time to time and filled in with pine needles and other debris effort... Revolutionized the decking industry variables in the past but their constantly trying to improve and perfect their line of decking! Away, don ’ t have staining problems like the older products do according Remodeling. Not all even though acknowledging that there would not trex deck failure off since Trex decking on a Trex Grey! Tricky issue 1/2 what this cost and would have cost 1/2 what this cost would.