If you are planning to install trex decking then you should also be aware of trex decking problems that you might face.
It’s been a decade since this brand started producing decking and now has made a huge name in the market.
If you are planning to install a deck or replace the old one, you might be doubtful due to numerous options in the market.
Among various options, trex decking is the one that many people ask about. Hence, we decided to come up with an article that depicts the main problem you might face after installing this decking line.
Are you ready to know those problems? Let’s get started.
9 Problems With Trex Decking
In 1996, trex launched its first decking line in order to revolutionize the decking industry. Since then, it has done every possible means to expand its decking line that’s why it is quite popular today.
People prefer to choose trex decking whenever they think of installing decks at home.
Today, this brand has become the most significant manufacturer that offers a huge range of decking products to the world including more than 40 countries.
However, there are some problems that have made people doubtful regarding trex composite decking. So, if you are also thinking about installing this decking line, better go through these issues to get a clear idea.
The issues with trex decking boards include:
1. Mold and Mildew on Composite Decking
Undoubtedly, trex composite decking is straightforward to clean and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance yet the chances of mildew and mold are also high and it is the main problem that has made people doubt this decking line.
However, every problem comes with a solution, and with the right technique, you can easily get rid of this issue.
When you allow debris and dirt to stay on the decking surface for a long time it will automatically result in mold and mildew.
In order to remove them, you can use a garden hose and a soft-bristled brush. However, do not use a power washer because the brand doesn’t recommend its client to use it.
Using a low-powered washer would be okay but better avoid it as you have many other options. You can also ask the manufacturer in order to deal with mildew and mold as he can better guide you.
Hence, if you keep all these things in mind, you can save your decking from molds.
2. Footprints Are Tough To Clean
Have you ever experienced a tough time removing footprints from the decking?
It usually happens if you have installed trex decking because it makes it challenging to remove the footprints and it is another common problem you have to face.
If you have installed regular wood decking, it is still easy to remove them. If you ever face this issue, you should also be aware of the solution.
With dish soap and bleach, you can remove tough footprints in order to save your decking from big damage. Hence, you can overcome this problem as well with proper knowledge.
3. Color Fading is a Common Problem
It doesn’t matter how much the decking industry has been revolutionized, the UV rays still fade the decking color and it is another common issue that people often face.
You can buy an expensive high quality material decking yet you will face this issue once. Unfortunately, you can not predict this issue earlier unless and until the deck starts fading.
Worried about this issue? Fortunately, trex comes with 25 years of stain and fade warranty that means for 25 years you do not need to spend an additional cost.
You can cover this issue free of cost due to this warranty feature. If you were not already aware of this feature, it might have relaxed you.
4. Standing Water on Trex Decking
The list of problems didn’t stop here as there are many more issues that you have to deal with if you are planning to install trex decking in your home.
Trex decking might be water-resistant but the standing water issues on trex decking have been seen numerous times and it has made people worried about whether they should opt for this decking or not.
This issue usually happens due to improper construction. However, if you properly build the decking by giving suitable gaps between each board then you will never have to worry about the standing water issue.
Improper gaps between trex boards often lead to this issue.
Once the installation is done and you have already made this mistake then it won’t be easy for you to repair. You will keep facing this issue on rainy days.
Hence, you need to be extra careful while the installation, and if you are not a pro in it do not go for the DIY project. Trex deck spacing between boards should be appropriate.
5. Staining Issue
Leaves and wood often carry a common chemical with the name tannin can leach on the deck causing discoloration and staining.
This issue occurs when you have installed the decking on ground level. If you are also facing the same issue, do not panic because this problem also has a solution.
If you properly clean the deck with detergent and mop, it will help you get rid of all staining and mildew in no time. The best detergent would be dish soap.
Moreover, it is better to remove leaves with a leaf blower or a broom. Hence, with easy precaution, you can avoid this issue as well.
6. Tannins on Trex Decking
Tannins are natural compounds that occur inside the seeds and stems. If you do not remove leaves on time then the tennis tends to appear on the decking making it damaged.
Hence, in order to save your deck from this issue better to remove the leaves as soon as you see them.
However, if the tennis has already appeared on the decking then better use oxalic acid and a small amount of elbow grease.
It is one of the easiest ways to remove tannins or other compounds from the decking. Hence, it is another solution to your trex decking problem.
7. Damaged Trex Decking
If your trex decking has been damaged or any issue has occurred and you might be curious whether it can be fixed or not then the answer is yes. Instead of replacing it, you can easily fix this issue.
However, the process might be complicated but you can do it with care. If the scratches are light then you can opt for composite deck repair kits that many big companies manufacture.
In the kit, you will find wax-based solutions and colored pencils that will be helpful for you to sand the area that has scratches. Unfortunately, trex doesn’t have kits so it is how you can perform this task.
On the other hand, if the boards are damaged instead of scratched then you can go for a wax repair kit or epoxy. If there is a huge scratch on the board then you can not sand it. It is better to replace the board with a new one.
Hence, it is how you can overcome this trex issue that people often face.
8. Chalk Line Residue Trex Issue
Let’s talk about another common issue that you have to deal with if you are thinking of trex decking. There are many things that leave stains on the decking including ketchup, chewing gum, chalks, etc.
These stains become tough if remain untreated for a long time. So what should be done in such a case?
The chalk line is the first substance that makes the stains tough and is quite challenging to remove from the decking. If you witness light red or blue line on the deck, it usually occurs due to chalk.
If you have kids at home, you might face this issue more often. Sometimes it happens due to contractors.
They are quite hard to be removed from the decking but by using cleaning substances, the marks might become light. However, if they are already light then the chances are they might be removed fully.
For this purpose, you can also ask the manufacturer as they can better guide you on what should be done or what cleaning solution should be applied in order to get rid of this issue.
9. Static Electricity Issue
Here is the last issue that we have found people complaining about more often regarding trex composite decking.
The static buildup is a common issue that people face with any type of composite decking. While walking on the carpets, have you ever felt electric shock if you mistakenly touch metal?
This is the same issue that happens if you live in a dry area and you install composite decking. If you or your family member have ever faced this issue then you need to opt for a product named Staticide.
It is an anti-static solution that helps to remove the deck thoroughly in order to reduce the electric jolts.
It is better to overcome this problem before it is too late. Hence, You can overcome this problem as well by taking proper precautions and using this solution.
Hence, these were the commonly mentioned problems by those who have experienced this type of decking.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Now let’s move ahead and discuss those frequently asked questions regarding trex decking problems.
What Are the Problems with Composite Decking?
Trex composite decking has numerous issues that you often deal with including staining, mold, electric shock, tannis, footprints, etc.
However, whatever the problem is, you can get rid of each issue by following the right solution also mentioned in the guide.
How Long Will Trex Decking Last?
They have a lifespan of approximately 25 years. If any issue occurs, you can avail of the warranty period as well which also lasts for at least 25 to 30 years.
You need to properly take care of this decking so that it can last for a long.
Is Trex Decking Worth the Money?
Yes, if you are thinking to go for trex composite decking, it is always a wise idea to consider it. The issues that you will face can easily be dealt with.
It is available in different color options and numerous decking lines so it depends on you which one you want to consider.
What Are the Disadvantages of Composite Decking?
The list of disadvantages has been mentioned in this article fully. A few cons include staining issues, mold issues, standing water problems, scratches, etc.
You can easily get rid of these cons with the right method that is also mentioned alongside each problem.
Does Composite Deck Attract Rats?
No, they don’t attract rats but if you are facing this issue that means you need to pay special consideration towards the cleaning.
Regularly sweep and apply mop and do not let your deck be full of dirt. Moreover, remove leaves as soon as possible to avoid additional problems.
Does Trex Decking Warp?
This issue occurs when the trex surface is exposed to the sun for a long time. The surface tends to become hot and starts warping. However, this issue is not compulsory to occur.
Final Words
If you are confused regarding trex decking problems that you need to face if you plan to install them at home then don’t worry because these types of issues come with every type of decking.
With the right solution, you can easily overcome them. Composite decking enhances the aesthetics of your house and surely adds value.
Trex decking is inevitably worth the money so go for it without worrying about the issues coming your way because with the right knowledge you can easily get rid of them.
I have tried to cover every common problem that people usually face so that you get a better idea of how to deal with them.
I hope this article will accommodate you in the future and will help you get rid of each issue related to trex composite decking. Take notes and follow the guide for knowledge.
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