The popularity of the composite decks market continues to surge and will continue to grow in the years to come. Composite material decking has many advantages, so more and more professionals and homeowners are choosing this material. But a common question that arises is, can composite decking touch the ground? We’re going to explore this question and bring you the perfect solution.
Understanding Composite Decking
Composite deck board is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, which is compressed to create a durable, weather-resistant material. Composite offers many advantages over traditional wood. In addition to protection against rot, decay, and insect pests, it has excellent durability and longevity.
Can Composite Decking Touch the Ground?
Unlike traditional wood decking, most composite material doesn’t absorb moisture like natural wood. This means your deck can resist rotting, warping, cracking, and insects. While it won’t rot and break easily. We still don’t recommend composite decking touch the ground. You’ll want to make sure the underlying framing structure is chemically treated to handle moisture.
For composite decking, we recommend following the manufacturer’s installation instructions. This includes not installing the decking directly on the ground. We will cover some of the most important considerations when building an outdoor living space.
Remove any grass, plants or weeds from the area where the deck is to be installed. This will limit the amount of moisture that comes into contact with the space’s wood support structure. Additionally, removing weeds and plants will provide a level surface for your framing structure.
Make sure the installation area is level. You can lay down some landscape fabric to help prevent weeds from growing. Place place place a board on the ground and check it with a level. If any part of the mounting surface appears to be sloped, make adjustments to ensure the surface is level.
Use frames and keels to support composite decks. composite decking is non-structural and therefore should not be installed directly on the ground. To ensure that the composite deck receives proper structural support and ventilation, you will need framing or support structures that are at least 1.5 inches tall. Raising the deck helps the deck space to have more airflow, which in turn helps reduce moisture buildup.
Why can’t composite deck boards be installed on the ground?
Drainage Issues
Installing composite material directly on the ground creates a habitat for moisture buildup. Over time, excess moisture can cause damage to the deck. Although composite material has excellent properties, it is still susceptible to damage from prolonged moisture. Moisture can also harbor mold, mildew, and algae. This not only detracts from the appearance of the deck, but can also pose a health hazard.
Ventilation Issues
Proper ventilation is critical to the longevity of any decking material, including composite. If composite decks are installed directly on the ground, they may restrict airflow through the deck. This can lead to moisture problems because there is less opportunity for moisture to evaporate. Without adequate ventilation, the deck can become a breeding ground for mold and insects, which can lead to damage.
Heat Expansion and Contraction
All materials expand and contract with changes in temperature. When composite decking is installed directly on the ground, it results in an inability to expand and contract freely. This can cause the floor to warp or crack over time. This problem is exacerbated in areas that experience drastic temperature fluctuations during some seasons.
Pest Damage
Composite decks that are in direct contact with the ground are more susceptible to damage from animals and pests. Burrowing animals such as groundhogs can destabilize decks. Additionally, soil-dwelling insects may chew on the wood components of composite material.
The Solution
Multi-Level Deck Framing
One solution to the problems associated with ground-level installations is the use of elevated deck framing. Framing and keeling is an easy way to create space for air circulation and drainage. Using a frame effectively reduces the risk of moisture-related damage. You can also make it easier to inspect and clean underneath the deck.
Properly Sloped
Ensuring that the ground around your deck is properly sloped will help draw water away from the deck structure. You can do this by adding a small slope to the ground or installing gutters around the deck. A proper slope helps prevent water from pooling, which reduces the risk of deck damage.
Use a vapor barrier
Installing a vapor barrier underneath composite decks can provide additional protection against moisture-related damage. The vapor barrier helps prevent moisture from the ground from being absorbed by the decking material. It effectively reduces the risk of mold, mildew and rot.
