Synthetic Deck Materials!

Mold and Mildew on Composite Decking.

For some people synthetic decking is a brand new product, for others it is old hat. Composite decking is the original synthetic and is made with Wood and Plastic The wood is for strength and the Plastic is the filler/binder. In the manufacturing process the plastic is supposed to encapsulate the small wood pieces and therein lies the problem. The wood fibers will get exposed at the surface and that's where the mildew and mold starting getting in and destroying the product. There are 3 basic types. Starting with the oldest -
 

Capped Decking Board!

1. Original Composite Decking: Made from a combination of Plastic and Wood materials. After extensive testing we don't think it holds up all that well. You can tell it's the 1st generation product by the lighter flakes in the boards. It has below standard rating for fade resistance, and it is hard to keep clean. Grows mold and mildew that grows down into the board and is almost impossible to remove.It is the highest maintenance deck Board.

2. Capped Composite Decking: Has an exterior wear layer that covers the composite material inside. It is a little more expensive. It has wood grain pattern similar to what is on interior synthetic wood flooring.

3. PVC or Vinyl Decking: Fully Plastic Polymer Decking boards. This is the lowest maintenance product. It is also the most expensive material. Can come with an encapsulated covering or solid thru out, either way it  is fully PVC, and contains no wood material to mold or mildew. These are the longest lasting, and lowest maintenance decking products. Doesn't scratch, doesn't mold, doesn't stain.

Solid PVC Deck Boards with hidden fastener installed.

Here are some good videos, you'll enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XZq-zMaKmo&feature=context&context=G222b86bFAAAAAAAAIAA

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh67RGRPSec&feature=player_embedded#!