PVC

PVC

Benefits of Using PVC for Deck Building

Benefits of Using PVC for Deck Building


When it comes to building a deck, one of the best materials you can choose is PVC. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a popular choice for deck building due to its numerous benefits.


One of the main advantages of using PVC for deck building is its durability. PVC is a strong and long-lasting material that can withstand harsh weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and UV rays. This means that your PVC deck will not warp, crack, or fade over time, unlike other materials like wood.


Another benefit of PVC decking is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood decks that need to be sanded, stained, and sealed regularly, PVC decks only require occasional cleaning with soap and water to keep them looking their best. This makes PVC decking a great option for those who want a beautiful deck without the hassle of constant upkeep.


Additionally, PVC decking is resistant to mold, mildew, and insects, making it a hygienic and safe choice for outdoor spaces. PVC decks are also eco-friendly, as they are made from recycled materials and can be recycled again at the end of their lifespan.


Overall, choosing PVC for deck building is a smart decision that will provide you with a beautiful, durable, and low-maintenance outdoor space for years to come.

Cost Comparison: PVC vs. Other Deck Building Materials


When considering building a deck, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of materials. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a popular choice for deck building due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. However, it is also important to consider how PVC compares in cost to other deck building materials.


In general, PVC tends to be more expensive than traditional wood decking materials such as pressure-treated lumber or cedar. The upfront cost of PVC decking boards is higher, but over time, the low maintenance requirements can offset this initial investment. Unlike wood, PVC does not require staining, sealing, or painting, which can save both time and money in the long run.


When comparing PVC to other synthetic decking materials such as composite or aluminum, PVC tends to be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Composite decking may have a similar upfront cost to PVC, but it may require more maintenance over time, such as periodic cleaning and sealing. Aluminum decking, while durable and low-maintenance, can be significantly more expensive than PVC.


Ultimately, the cost of building a deck with PVC will depend on the size of the deck, the quality of the materials, and any additional features or accessories. It is important to weigh the upfront cost against the long-term savings and benefits of choosing PVC for your deck building project.

Maintenance Tips for PVC Decks


When it comes to maintaining your PVC deck, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure it stays looking its best for years to come. First and foremost, regular cleaning is essential. Dirt, grime, and other debris can build up on your deck over time, so be sure to give it a good scrub with a mild detergent and water solution at least once a year.


Additionally, be mindful of using the right cleaning products. Harsh chemicals can damage the PVC material, so stick to gentle cleansers to avoid any potential harm. Its also a good idea to periodically check for any signs of damage, such as scratches or stains, and address them promptly to prevent any further deterioration.


Another important maintenance tip is to avoid placing heavy furniture or objects on your deck for extended periods of time. This can cause the PVC material to warp or sag, so be sure to rearrange your furniture occasionally to prevent any permanent damage.


Lastly, consider applying a protective sealant to your PVC deck to help prolong its lifespan and maintain its appearance. Be sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations for application and reapplication to ensure maximum effectiveness.


By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your PVC deck looking great and functioning properly for years to come. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest.

Environmental Impact of PVC Deck Building


When considering the environmental impact of PVC deck building, it is important to acknowledge both the benefits and drawbacks of this material. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a popular choice for decking due to its durability and low maintenance requirements. However, the production and disposal of PVC can have negative consequences for the environment.


The production of PVC involves the use of harmful chemicals and releases toxic emissions into the air and water. These emissions contribute to air and water pollution, which can harm ecosystems and human health. Additionally, PVC is not biodegradable, meaning that it can persist in the environment for hundreds of years after it is disposed of.


Despite these drawbacks, PVC decking does have some environmental benefits. It is long-lasting and requires minimal maintenance, reducing the need for frequent replacements and the associated resource consumption. PVC decking is also recyclable, meaning that it can be repurposed into new products instead of ending up in a landfill.


Overall, the environmental impact of PVC deck building is complex and multifaceted. While PVC decking offers durability and low maintenance, it also comes with significant environmental costs. As consumers and builders, it is important to weigh these factors and consider more sustainable alternatives when possible. By making informed choices and prioritizing environmental responsibility, we can minimize the negative impact of PVC decking on the environment.

Citations and other links

Deck may refer to:

A level or platform

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Buildings and structures

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Transportation

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  • Bus deck, referring to the number of passenger levels on a bus
  • Cockpit, also called a "flight deck"

Maritime

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Audiovisual equipment

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People

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Other uses

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See also

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A deck in the backyard of a suburban house
A high level corridor deck in the backyard of a suburban house in Australia
A high level deck in the backyard of a suburban house in Australia. The decking is selangan batu, a Malaysian timber.

In architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. The term is a generalization from the deck of a ship. A level architectural deck may be intended for use by people, e.g., what in the UK is usually called a decked patio. "Roof deck" refers to the flat layer of construction materials to which the weather impervious layers are attached to form a roof, and they may be either level (for a "flat" rooftop) or sloped.

Functions and materials

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Wood or timber decking can be used in a number of ways: as part of garden landscaping, to extend the living area of a house, and as an alternative to stone-based features such as patios. Decks are made from treated lumber, composite lumber, composite material, and aluminum. Lumber may be western red cedar, teak, mahogany, ipê, reclaimed and recycled ulin and other hardwoods. Recycled planks may be high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and PET plastic as well as mixed plastics and wood fiber (often called "composite" lumber). Artificial decking products are often called "wood-plastic composites" (WPC). WPCs have different brands like NewTechWood, Azek, Ecornboard etc.[1]

Historically, the softwoods used for decking were logged from old growth forests. These include Atlantic white cedar, redwood, and western red cedar (redcedar). Atlantic City built the first coastal boardwalk in the United States, originally constructed of the Atlantic white cedar. Soon, the commercial logging of this tree and clearing of cedar swamps in New Jersey caused a decline in the availability of decking. Atlantic City and New York City both switched to Western red cedar. By the 1960s, western red cedar from the US was declining due to over-logging. More expensive western red cedar was available from western Canada (British Columbia) but by then, pressure-treated pine had become available.

But even with chemical treatments (such as chromated copper arsenate or CCA), pine decking is not as durable as cedars in an outdoor environment. Thus, many municipalities and homeowners are turning to hardwoods. Decks are often built from pressure-treated wood. Pressure-treated wood is long lasting and holds up to wet and icy conditions. Pressure-treating chemicals are known to be toxic.[2] Both softwood and hardwood decks need to be finished after installation using either an oil or varnish to prevent weathering, wear, mould, algae and wood-boring insects.[3]

Due to environmental and durability concerns, composite decking (a mixture of two materials, typically wood pulp and recycled material such as plastic bottles or plastic bags) have appeared on the market. Proponents of composite decking tout it as a much-needed development, as it helps to curb logging of trees for new decks. However, composite decking contains harmful chemicals, cannot be refurbished, and despite claims from decking companies, some composite decking still attracts mold. However, newer more modern composites feature a cap or shell that prevents mold and staining.[4] In multi-story commercial construction, the dominant form of deck (including roof deck) construction is composite steel deck.

Generally, hardwoods used for decking come from tropical forests. Much of the logging of these woods, especially teak, mahogany and ipê, is illegal, as outlined in numerous reports by environmental organizations such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth and Rainforest Relief.[5][6][7] US tropical wood imports are rising, partly due to the demand for decking.

Construction

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The deck of a house is generally a wooden platform built above the ground and connected to the main building. It is generally enclosed by a railing for safety. Access may be from the house through doors and from the ground via a stairway. Residential decks can be constructed over steep areas or rough ground that is otherwise unusable. Decks can also be covered by a canopy or pergola to control sunlight. Deck designs can be found in numerous books, do-it-yourself magazines, and websites, and from the USDA.[8]

Typical construction is either of a post and beam architecture, or a cantilever construction. The post-and-beam construction relies on posts anchored to piers in the ground. Typically, these types of structural decks are engineered and require an experienced construction company that specializes in structural decks. Cantilever decks rely on floor joists that protrude out further than the wall of the house. While this type of construction is common, it raises significant safety issues if the decks are not properly waterproofed and flashed. There have been a growing number of deck failures resulting in death and critical injuries. Another key component of decks are code compliant railings. Railings on decks above 760 mm (30 in) are considered guard rails.[according to whom?] Guard rails have a specific building code requirement for both height and structural strength. Most U.S. commercial building codes require a 1,100 mm (42 in) guardrail on decks, and 910 or 1,070 mm (36 or 42 in) for a residential code depending on the state. Typical railing assemblies must meet structural strength requirements of 9.6 kPa (200 lbf/ft2). In short, decks are complex load-bearing structures that most often require structural engineering, plans, and permits.

Residential decks may contain spaces for cooking and seating. Cooking areas ideally should be situated near the patio door while out of the way from general foot traffic. Dining spaces will include patio tables. For a typical six-person outdoor patio table building, an area of 3.7 m × 4.9 m (12 ft × 16 ft) is ideal. If deck space is available, homeowners may choose to include for the seating, outdoor couches and benches.

Larger buildings may also have decks on the upper floors of the building which can be open to the public as observation decks or greeneries. A deck is also the surface used to construct a boardwalk over sand on barrier islands.

Laying deck or throwing deck refers to the act of placing and bolting down cold-formed steel beneath roofing and concrete floors. This is usually done by an ironworker, sometimes in conjunction with a cement mason or carpenter. It regarded as one of the most physically demanding jobs in the iron working industry.[citation needed]

In the United Kingdom the various bans on smoking in public buildings were expected to lead to an increase in the use of timber decking for outdoor spaces where smokers can gather.[9]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "How to Choose the Right Lumber for Your Deck?". 5 Nov 2023.
  2. ^ "Lumber Pressure Treated with Chromated Copper Arsenate". New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 2013.
  3. ^ "Choosing The Best Decking Oil". Blueprint Joinery. Retrieved 2019-02-08.
  4. ^ Paster, Pablo (2009). "Deck: Wood or Plastic?". Treehugger.
  5. ^ Keating, Tim (1997), Teak is Torture: Forced Labor Logging in Burma (PDF), Rainforest Relief, New York
  6. ^ Keating, Tim (1998), Deep Impact: An Estimate of Tropical Rainforest Acres Impacted for a Board Foot of Imported Ipê (PDF), Rainforest Relief, New York
  7. ^ Monbiot, George (1992), Mahogany is Murder: Mahogany Extraction from Indian Reserves in Brazil, Friends of the Earth, London, ISBN 978-1-85750-160-5
  8. ^ L.O. Anderson, T.B. Heebink, and A.E. Oviatt. (1972)."Construction guides for exposed wood decks. Agriculture handbook no. 432". Washington: USDA, Forest Service.
  9. ^ "Smoking Ban Good News For Decking", Timber Construction, 2007
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  • Media related to Decks (architecture) at Wikimedia Commons