Hot sun and composite decking

by Homeowner

How does the sun and composite decking do? Does the composite decking get too hot in the sun? Does it get too hot to walk on with bare feet?

Comments for Hot sun and composite decking

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Jul 05, 2021
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Trex is horrible
by: Anonymous

Thought that the Trex composite lumber would be a great change to my deck. I changed my deck three times and wanted a permanent solution so I went to Lowes and purchased the Trex boards. My house deck has been great with the pressure treated lumber for the past seven years. This Trex board is horrible, forget walking on it in direct sunlight you cannot. My dogs cannot even walk on it. These boards need to come with a warning that they cannot be in direct sunlight which they do not carry. I want my money back and purchase pressure treated lumber. Shame on Trex. My recommendation is use pressure treated if it is in direct sunlight.

Feb 19, 2021
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Heat conduction causing expansion ?
by: Robelliot

IF these trex synthetic deck boards conduct a lot of heat from the sun, do you think its possible that this conducted heat is transferring to the pressure treated structure below and expanding the framing ? Curious to know whether this might be the reason for these waterproof deck systems that use compression gaskets between the boards to fail and cause them to leak.

Editor's Comments
Trex is a great product. But like many composite boards it retains heat and this is a common complaint. Moisture Shield has come out with a board that retaining at least 30% less heat. I have felt the difference. But that may not make much difference because every manufacturer recommends that composite boards be at least 12" above the grade to allow some air flow around the framing below.

Lumber can shrink so perhaps that might be a contributor to waterproof systems not staying tight together. Would have to examine that more closely. Lumber tends not to shrink much lengthwise. But it does shrink across its width. So that is a curious thing.

May 12, 2012
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Trex is a killer on the feet after being in the hot sun
by: Anonymous

Went to the Jersey Shore, Sandy Hook, spent the day on the beach, walked across the sand to get to the parking lot, saw a Trex walkway, thought, good, get off the hot sand - almost died when the Trex was 10 times hotter than the sand.

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