Premium, cost-effective composite decking is a game-changer for many Australian homes. Whether you prefer wood-plastic composite (WPC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic composite, capped composite, or mineral-based composite (MBC), this fixture closely mimics the appearance of authentic wood. It provides your outdoor living space with a modern, sleek, durable, and low-maintenance aesthetic that exceeds your expectations.
Although composite decking in Brisbane is highly durable, it isn’t indestructible. Improper installation, extreme temperatures, heavy impact, or excessive moisture can cause it to crack over time. There’s no need to worry about your decking board cracking because we’re here to help.
This blog will outline several strategies to prevent composite decking from cracking, empowering Australian homeowners with valuable home improvement knowledge and enabling them to enjoy premium, cost-effective outdoor areas.
Reasons Why Composite Decking May Develop Cracks
Composite decks can develop cracks for the following reasons:
Thermal expansion and contraction
Composite decks naturally expand and contract during extreme temperature fluctuations. Inappropriate installation, particularly the absence of expansion gaps, can compress the decking boards and lead to cracking over time.
On the other hand, cold climates can cause the decking boards to shrink and stress the fasteners or structural foundation. For this reason, we strongly recommend following the manufacturer’s guidelines and using the appropriate fasteners to facilitate normal movement.
Inferior composite materials
Many inferior composite decks, lacking protective plastic caps, crack easily. On the other hand, premium capped composite decks withstand moisture, splitting, and UV exposure, ensuring a long lifespan.
Choosing high-quality composite decks and hiring a reputable installer ensures the use of premium, durable materials, providing Australian homeowners with peace of mind.
Shifting framework or substandard supports
Weak structural support can make composite decks crack. If this issue persists, decking posts can gradually shift, settle, or weaken. Improper or substandard alignment or reinforcement can cause the decking board to flex, stress, and eventually crack over time.
Heavy impacts or overloading
Although composite decking is highly resilient, it isn’t indestructible. Dropping heavy objects or overloading can cause the composite deck to strain and crack. Thin decking material or decking boards with inferior-quality structural support are more prone to cracking than their properly-installed, durable counterparts.
Extreme climatic conditions
Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight, freezing temperatures, or moisture cycles can cause composite decking boards to weaken and crack.
Although these fixtures can withstand extreme weather conditions better than their wooden counterparts, they can succumb to persistent stress from freeze-thaw cycles. Older or inferior-quality composite decking is more susceptible to this drawback.
Warning Signs that Composite Decking has Begun to Crack
As a trusted supplier of premium composite decking in Sydney, we strongly encourage Australian homeowners to act immediately if they notice cracking on their deck’s surface, edges, or at a fastener point. Prompt action can prevent the issue from worsening over time.
Composite decking cracking signs include the following:
- Fine cracks around fasteners or along board edges.
- Severe surface cracks throughout the decking board.
- Small splinters or rough textures (less common in composite decks than wooden versions).
We recommend inspecting the entire decking area for signs of cracking, including the underlying structural framework, railing posts, and high-traffic areas.
If you notice cracks on your decking, please contact a highly trusted and experienced professional immediately. Depending on the severity, your installer may recommend any of the following interventions:
- Board replacement: Professional contractors can easily replace a single damaged board without needing to replace the entire deck.
- Fastener inspection: Installers can rectify splitting near screw holes by adjusting or replacing fasteners. These gaps are crucial as they accommodate the natural expansion and contraction of the decking boards, preventing compression and stress that can lead to cracking over time.
- Framework reinforcement: Underlying structural framework shifting may cause composite deck cracking. Your service contractor will reinforce the posts or install joists to prevent unnecessary movement and further damage.
Repairing your composite decking yourself if you’re unfamiliar with the structure or materials may exacerbate the situation. Please contact a highly skilled and qualified installer who can repair your decking, providing peace of mind and reassurance.
How to Prevent Composite Deck Cracking
You can prevent composite decking cracking by following these strategies:
Choose top-tier composite deck boards
We highly recommend choosing reputable, branded capped decking with a protective cap and a resilient core. Its premium materials minimise cracking and extend its lifespan.
Ensure correct installation
Incorrect installation can compromise the integrity of composite decking. Hiring a trusted decking installer with an extensive track record can prevent this scenario. Trusted professionals understand the nuances of spacing, fasteners, and framework requirements, as well as other intangibles to ensure proper installation and prevent splitting over time.
Install expansion gaps
Gaps between decking boards allow natural expansion and prevent stress accumulation that can lead to cracking.
Use the appropriate fasteners
Incompatible screws or nails cannot secure composite decking securely because the deck’s material behaves differently than timber. Composite decks also require sturdy manufacturer-approved fasteners and discreet clipping systems to secure them to the underlying structural framework and prevent future splitting.
Avoid heavy loading
Expansive furniture with sharp legs, planters, outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, gym equipment, and building materials can exceed the weight tolerance of your composite decking and cause it to crack. We encourage Australian homeowners to spread loads evenly or relocate heavy objects to a different location.
Sanitise your decking
Accumulated dirt or debris can trap moisture, which can damage your composite decking. Therefore, regular cleaning is imperative to preserve its structural integrity and prevent cracking.
We strongly recommend cleaning lightly used decking every six months. On the other hand, composite decking under heavy foot traffic requires cleaning every two to three months. Use a soft-bristled broom or brush, warm water, mild detergent, and a garden hose to sanitise the decking boards thoroughly.
Composite Decking Lifespan and Maintenance
Properly installed and maintained composite decks provide Australian homeowners with premium quality and long-lasting durability. Unlike conventional timber decking, the composite versions can endure staining, moisture, insect damage, and splintering. Regardless of your unique requirements, high-quality composite decking can last for decades.
To ensure the decking’s long lifespan, we encourage monitoring for frequent climate changes, regular cleaning, and hiring a trusted installer in case of structural damage.
We advise homeowners assembling a new composite deck or replacing an ageing one to consult a reputable installer, who can recommend the appropriate fixture for their unique requirements. These professionals can guide you on the best composite decking options and their long-term performance, helping to prevent cracking and ensure an aesthetically pleasing, functional outdoor space.
Conclusion
Composite decking offers Australian homeowners a cost-effective, sleek, and durable option that enhances functionality and aesthetics of their outdoor living space. Despite its durability, it can crack due to incorrect installation, extreme weather conditions, inferior-quality materials, and instability in the underlying structural framework.
Fortunately, premium decking materials, correct installation, expansion gaps, secure fasteners, and regular sanitation can prevent this scenario and allow homeowners to enjoy their composite decks for many years.
Whether you’re a new or old composite deck user, Ezy Decking can help you with your unique requirements. Contact us today to schedule an appointment, receive a personalised, upfront quotation, and enjoy premium service from Australia’s trusted decking supplier.