A deck is a great addition to any home. It provides a comfortable and attractive outdoor space for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the views. However, a deck is also exposed to various environmental factors that can affect its durability and lifespan. If you want your deck to last longer, you need to consider these factors and choose the right decking material and maintenance practices.

In this article, we will explore the main factors that affect decking longevity and how you can make your deck more durable and resistant to damage. We will also compare different decking materials and their expected lifespans, as well as provide some tips on how to care for your deck properly.

6 Factors That Affect Decking Longevity

There are several factors that can affect how long your deck will last. Some of these factors are related to the decking material itself, while others are related to the installation, maintenance, and usage of the deck. Here are some of the most important factors that affect decking longevity:

1. Decking Material

The material you choose for your deck will have a significant impact on its longevity. Different decking materials have different characteristics that affect their durability, such as strength, density, moisture resistance, UV resistance, pest resistance, and more.

Some of the most common decking materials are:

• Wood: Wood is a traditional and popular decking material that offers a natural and warm look. However, wood is also prone to various types of damage, such as rotting, warping, cracking, splintering, fading, and pest infestation. Wood also requires regular maintenance, such as cleaning, sanding, staining, and sealing, to prevent deterioration and extend its lifespan.

The lifespan of wood decking depends on the type of wood used. Generally, hardwoods are more durable than softwoods, and tropical hardwoods are more durable than native hardwoods. However, even the most durable hardwoods will eventually succumb to weathering and decay.

The average lifespan of wood decking is:

Type of Wood	Average Lifespan
Pressure-treated lumber	10-15 years
Cedar	15-20 years
Redwood	20-30 years
Ipe	25-50 years

• Composite: Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic resins. It is designed to mimic the appearance of wood while offering superior durability and performance. Composite decking is resistant to rotting, warping, cracking, splintering, fading, and pest infestation. It also requires minimal maintenance, such as occasional cleaning with soap and water.

The lifespan of composite decking depends on the quality and composition of the product. Generally, composite decking products are divided into two categories: capped and uncapped. Capped composite decking has an extra layer of polymer coating that protects the core from moisture and UV damage. Uncapped composite decking does not have this layer and is more vulnerable to staining and fading.

The average lifespan of composite decking is:

Type of Composite	Average Lifespan
Uncapped composite	10-15 years
Capped composite	25-30 years

• Polymer: Polymer decking is made from fully synthetic materials that offer the highest level of durability and performance. Polymer decking is resistant to rotting, warping, cracking, splintering, fading, pest infestation, mold growth, staining, scratching, and heat damage. It also requires virtually no maintenance other than occasional cleaning with soap and water.

The lifespan of polymer decking depends on the quality and technology of the product. Generally, polymer decking products are made with advanced materials science that ensures their longevity and stability. Some polymer decking products even come with lifetime warranties.

Type of Polymer	Average Lifespan
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)	25-50 years
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate)	50+ years

2. Installation

The installation of your deck will also affect its longevity. A poorly installed deck can lead to structural problems, such as sagging, unevenness, gaps, and cracks. These problems can compromise the safety and stability of your deck, as well as make it more susceptible to damage from moisture, pests, and foot traffic.

To ensure a proper installation of your deck, you should:

• Hire a professional contractor who has experience and expertise in decking installation. A professional contractor will follow the best practices and standards for decking installation, such as using the right tools, materials, fasteners, and techniques. A professional contractor will also ensure that your deck meets the local building codes and regulations, as well as obtain the necessary permits and inspections.

• Choose a suitable location and design for your deck. The location and design of your deck will affect its exposure to the elements, such as sun, rain, wind, snow, and salt. You should choose a location and design that minimizes exposure to these factors or provides adequate protection and drainage. For example, you should avoid installing your deck in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding or water accumulation, or under large trees that can drop leaves, branches, or sap on your deck. You should also consider the orientation of your deck in relation to the sun, and provide shade or cover if necessary.

• Prepare the site and foundation for your deck. The site and foundation of your deck will affect its stability and support. You should prepare the site and foundation by clearing any debris, vegetation, or obstacles that can interfere with the installation or damage your deck. You should also level the site and compact the soil to prevent settling or shifting. You should also install a proper foundation for your deck, such as concrete piers, posts, or footings, that can bear the weight and load of your deck.

2. Maintenance

The maintenance of your deck will also affect its longevity. A well-maintained deck will last longer than a neglected one. Maintenance involves regular cleaning, inspection, repair, and protection of your deck.

The maintenance requirements of your deck will depend on the decking material you have chosen. Generally, wood decking requires more maintenance than composite or polymer decking. However, all types of decking require some level of maintenance to keep them in good condition.

The maintenance schedule of your deck will depend on the usage and exposure of your deck. Generally, you should perform maintenance tasks at least once or twice a year, preferably in spring or fall. However, you may need to perform maintenance tasks more frequently if your deck is heavily used or exposed to harsh environmental factors.

Some of the common maintenance tasks for your deck are:

• Cleaning: Cleaning your deck involves removing any dirt, dust, debris, stains, or spills that can accumulate on your deck surface. Cleaning your deck will prevent mold growth, discoloration, and deterioration of your deck material. You can clean your deck using a broom, a hose, a brush, or a pressure washer. You can also use mild soap and water or a specialized cleaner for your decking material. You should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage your deck surface.

• Inspection: Inspection involves checking your deck for any signs of damage or wear and tear that can affect its performance or appearance. Inspection will help you identify any problems early and prevent them from worsening or spreading. You should inspect your deck for any cracks, splits, warps, sags, gaps, loose or missing fasteners, rot, mold, mildew, pests, or corrosion. You should also inspect the substructure and foundation of your deck for any signs of instability or damage.

• Repair: Repair involves fixing any damage or defects that you have found during the inspection. The repair will restore the functionality and appearance of your deck and extend its lifespan. You should repair your deck using the appropriate tools, materials, and methods for your decking material. You may need to replace any damaged or worn-out boards, fasteners, or hardware. You may also need to fill any cracks or gaps, sand any rough or splintered areas, or reinforce any weak or sagging sections.

• Protection: Protection involves applying a protective coating or treatment to your deck surface that can enhance its durability and resistance to the elements. Protection will prevent fading, cracking, warping, splintering, staining, and other types of damage. The type of protection you need will depend on the decking material you have chosen. For example, wood decking may require staining and sealing to preserve its color and moisture resistance. Composite or polymer decking may require a UV inhibitor or a water repellent to prevent fading and water damage.

3. Local Climate

The local climate where you live will also affect the longevity of your deck. Different climatic factors can have different effects on your deck material and performance. Some of the climatic factors that can affect your deck are:

• Moisture: Moisture is one of the most damaging factors for your deck. Moisture can cause your deck to swell, shrink, warp, crack, rot, mold, mildew, or rust. Moisture can come from rain, snow, ice, dew, humidity, or water spills. You should choose a decking material that has high moisture resistance and provide adequate drainage and ventilation for your deck. You should also avoid installing your deck in areas that are prone to flooding or water accumulation.

• Sunlight: Sunlight can also damage your deck. Sunlight can cause your deck to fade, bleach, dry out, crack, warp, or splinter. Sunlight can also increase the temperature of your deck surface and make it uncomfortable to walk on. You should choose a decking material that has high UV resistance and provide shade or cover for your deck. You should also avoid installing your deck in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

• Heat: Heat can also affect your deck. Heat can cause your deck to expand, contract, warp, crack, or splinter. Heat can also increase the risk of fire or combustion on your deck. You should choose a decking material that has high heat resistance and provide insulation or cooling for your deck. You should also avoid installing your deck near sources of heat, such as fire pits, grills, heaters, or chimneys.

• Pollution: Pollution can also harm your deck. Pollution can cause your deck to discolor, corrode, or deteriorate. Pollution can come from air, water, soil, or chemical contaminants. You should choose a decking material that has high pollution resistance and provide filtration or purification for your deck. You should also avoid installing your deck in areas that are exposed to high levels of pollution, such as industrial zones, urban areas, or busy roads.

• Snow or Frost: Snow or frost can also affect your deck. Snow or frost can cause your deck to freeze, thaw, crack, or rot. Snow or frost can also increase the weight and load on your deck and cause it to sag or collapse. You should choose a decking material that has high frost resistance and provide snow removal and de-icing for your deck. You should also avoid installing your deck in areas that are prone to heavy snowfall or frost.

• Salt: Salt can also damage your deck. Salt can cause your deck to corrode, rust, or deteriorate. Salt can come from sea spray, coastal winds, or road salt. You should choose a decking material that has high salt resistance and provide rinsing and cleaning for your deck. You should also avoid installing your deck in areas that are exposed to high levels of salt, such as near the ocean, lakes, or rivers.

4. Exposure to the Elements

The exposure to the elements of your deck will also affect its longevity. The exposure to the elements refers to how much your deck is exposed to the environmental factors mentioned above, such as moisture, sunlight, heat, pollution, snow, frost, and salt. The exposure to the elements will depend on the location, design, and orientation of your deck.

The more your deck is exposed to the elements, the more likely it is to suffer from damage and deterioration. Therefore, you should try to minimize the exposure to the elements of your deck by choosing a suitable location and design for your deck that provides adequate protection and drainage.

Some of the ways you can minimize the exposure to the elements of your deck are:

• Installing your deck under a roof, pergola, awning, canopy, or umbrella that can provide shade and shelter from rain, snow, ice, and sun.
• Installing your deck on a raised platform or foundation that can provide ventilation and drainage from water and moisture.
• Installing your deck away from sources of heat, pollution, salt, or fire that can cause damage or corrosion.
• Installing your deck with a slope or a gap that can prevent water accumulation and allow water runoff.
• Installing your deck with a railing, fence, wall, or screen that can provide privacy and protection from wind, dust, or debris.

5. Use of the Deck

The use of the deck will also affect its longevity. The use of the deck refers to how much and how often you use your deck for various purposes and activities. The use of the deck will affect the wear and tear, foot traffic, load, and impact on your deck.

The more you use your deck, the more likely it is to suffer from damage and deterioration. Therefore, you should try to optimize the use of your deck by choosing a suitable decking material and maintenance practice for your deck that can withstand the usage and load.

Some of the ways you can optimize the use of your deck are:

• Choosing a decking material that has high strength, density, durability, and resistance to abrasion, scratching, denting, and staining.

• Choosing a decking material that has a suitable color, texture, and finishes that can match your style and preference and hide any imperfections or signs of aging.

• Choosing a decking material that has a suitable size, shape, and pattern that can fit your space and layout and create a smooth and seamless surface.

• Choosing a decking material that has a suitable warranty and guarantee that can cover any defects or damages that may occur during the use of your deck.

• Maintaining your deck regularly by cleaning, inspecting, repairing, and protecting it from damage and deterioration.

• Using your deck responsibly by avoiding overloading, dropping, dragging, or spilling anything on your deck that can cause damage or stains.

• Using your deck safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations for your decking material and avoiding any activities that can pose a risk of injury or fire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this article highlights the critical role that the right choice of decking material and maintenance practices plays in increasing the longevity of a deck. The article identifies several key factors that can affect the life of a deck, such as the type of material, installation, maintenance, climate, exposure to elements, and use. 

By taking these factors into account, homeowners can make informed decisions that can enhance the durability and performance of their decks, ultimately saving them money and avoiding the inconvenience of repairs and replacements. The article emphasizes the importance of investing in quality decking material and maintenance practices to ensure that a deck lasts longer, providing many years of enjoyment and satisfaction.

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