We would always recommend that, unless you have experience and the skills to do so, the installation of Trex decking should be done by a professional decking company such as deckingsydney.net.au. This way you know that not only visit going to be installed properly but if there are any issues, that they will happily return to put them right.
Another huge advantage of using professionals is that they will have the experience to avoid making some of the fundamental errors that often occur when Trex decking is installed by DIYers. These mistakes can cause problems as simple as boards not lining up properly, to serious ones which actually make the decking dangerous to walk on.
If you are determined to install your decking, then here are some of those mistakes which you should be aiming to avoid, and thus prevent any of the problems associated with them from happening.
Poor Deck Framing
This probably causes more structural failures of decking than any other. Many people think it is because there is too much weight on the decking, but in many cases the weight is irrelevant.
What actually happens is that the ledger board, which is what is attached to the outer wall of the house to provide stability is either installed wrongly, or it, and the rest of the frame, is made from inferior materials or low-grade wood, and thus it is weaker than it needs to be.
Gaps Between The Joists Are Too Big
The standard advice with regards to decking is that the gap between joists must meet safety standards for the location you live in. The size of those joists must also be within the regulations. The specific measurements vary from country to country but what is the same, is the errors made by DIYers, with regards to setting the gaps.
If the gaps are too big, then obviously there is a risk that there will be areas of the decking which is not supported as much as it should be, with the risk that the decking will dip there, or worse, break under pressure.
Deck Footings Are Too Shallow
Another mistake that often occurs is that the concrete footings are not made deep enough, and this can compromise the stability and security of the decking. As temperatures rise and fall throughout the year, and even throughout a single day, the materials that support the decking need to be able to contract and expand.
By ensuring that the footings are laid deep enough in the ground, it means that regardless of how much expansion and contraction is taking place, it will remain securely in place.
Fascia Installation is Wrong
This another common mistake whereby the fascia is extended in order to cover the ends of the decking board. This creates an issue because it allows moisture and dirt to become trapped in the gaps that exist between the decking boards and the fascia. When this occurs, the fascia can become warped or even detached.
Using Screws To Fasten Boards
Whilst you might expect screws to be the obvious means of securing boards, they are actually undesirable. Not only can they be hard to work with when installing Trex decking, but they can also cause the overall appearance and finish to be compromised.
Modern Trex decking systems utilise advanced fastening systems, which are reliable and secure, plus they mean the finish is not negatively impacted.