Is composite wood waterproof or water resistant? Many people are confused about composite wood. Read this article to get more information about composite wood.
Does water damage composite wood?
The tissues that make up wood carry water up and down a tree’s length. These fibers continue to hold water even after the tree has been felled and its trunk sawn into boards. In actuality, the proportions of a piece of cut timber are influenced by this moisture content. A dimensionally stable wood board has a moisture content of roughly 20%. When the moisture content exceeds around 30% of the weight of the board, a problem occurs.
If the water stays inside them, the water starts to separate the fibers. When water trapped between strands expands during a freeze, it can quicken this process. The conditions for the growth of fungus and other microorganisms that consume wood are then established by this free water.
How can I choose water resistant composite wood?
A material that is water-resistant vs one that is waterproof differs significantly. Materials that are water-resistant can survive water infiltration. Such material will prevent water penetration to some extent, but not completely. Similar to this, composite decking is water-resistant due to the difficulty of penetrating the decking.
If a composite decking board is positioned next to a dock or a swimming pool, water won’t easily seep through it. In contrast to waterproof material, this material won’t absorb water when fully submerged in a pool or pond. Now that the differences between the two are clear, A water-resistant substance may absorb water when fully submerged even if water cannot easily pass through it. In contrast, even when buried deeply, a waterproof material will not absorb water.
How can I make my composite wood waterproof?
The waterproofing starts at the top, with the decking planks. Composite boards made by companies like Trex don’t require extra waterproofing or sealing. Trex decking won’t rot or warp and doesn’t require painting or staining because it is constructed of 95 percent recyclable materials. It is frequently advantageous to incorporate extra protection when installing a wood deck. The most popular approaches use vinyl membranes, coatings, and sealants.
- Sealers
If you decide on wood boards, you must carefully preserve and seal the wood. By using a transparent sealer, you may lower the danger of rot by preventing water from penetrating the porous surfaces of the wood. Your deck’s water should bubble up like a waxed automobile. If not, it’s probably time to seal once again. Every one to three years, most builders advise sealing wooden deck planks. For further information, refer to the sealant’s manufacturer’s directions.
- Coatings
Some people think coating is the best way to protect the deck because deck coatings are a thick substance that are used to resurface and waterproof a deck. They can be constructed of liquid rubber polyurethane, latex, enamel, acrylic, or other materials. You need to clean the surface before you apply fresh coating. However, the preparation effort is worthwhile because the end product can be slip-resistant and offered in a broad range of colors. Coating is not everyone’s cup of tea, sometimes it is quite tricky and technical. You can use a brush, roller, or spray to apply even coating. The coating takes time to dry and adhere to the deck in addition to the time spent cleaning and putting it on.
Conclusion
Composite wood is water resistant but not waterproof. If the water exceeds the limit it can cause damage to your floor. Therefore you need to protect your composite wood from excess amounts of water.