Alright, let us talk about Trex. I get a lot of homeowners here in Savannah, Georgia asking me about composite decking, and specifically Trex, which is a popular choice for good reason. It is tough and it looks great and it generally makes life easier than a traditional wood deck. But there are always questions about Trex decking and I am here to give you the straight scoop, not some marketing fluff. We have built plenty of these Trex decks at Heritage Deck Solutions here in Savannah, Georgia, so I have seen it all with Trex decking.
Does Trex Really Stand Up to Savannah's Heat and Humidity?
You bet it does stand up to Savannah's heat and humidity. This is probably the number one concern I hear about Trex decking, and it is a valid one, especially with our long and hot and humid summers here in coastal Georgia. Wood decks in this Savannah climate are constantly battling mildew and rot and insect infestations. You are looking at annual sealing and also staining for a wood deck, and even then, they can degrade pretty fast here in Savannah, Georgia.
Trex composite materials are engineered to resist all that Savannah heat and humidity. They do not absorb moisture like wood, so rot and also warping are not issues for your Trex deck in Savannah. Plus, they have got UV inhibitors built right in to fight off the intense sun exposure that can fade and also crack natural wood. You will find your Trex deck maintaining its color and its structural integrity for decades, way longer than a wood deck in Savannah, Georgia.
Will My Trex Deck Get Too Hot to Walk On Barefoot?
This is another big question about Trex decking, and it is true that any dark surface in direct sunlight is going to get hot. However, Trex has made some serious strides here. While composite decking can retain more warmth than lighter natural woods, they have introduced modern solutions for this issue.
They have lines with what they call 'SunComfortable' technology, and this is specifically designed to reflect solar energy and reduce heat absorption. These Trex boards can be significantly cooler than their older, original boards. If heat is a major concern for you and your Savannah home, especially if you have got kids or pets running around, I always recommend going with lighter colors for your Trex deck. They reflect more sunlight and naturally stay cooler. Also, consider adding some shade like a pergola or strategically placed umbrellas for your Trex deck. It makes a huge difference for your Savannah deck.
How Long Does a Trex Deck Actually Last?
You are investing good money in your Savannah deck, so you want it to last, right? Trex decks are built for the long haul. Most of their products come with a 25-year limited residential warranty against material defects and also fading and also staining. Some of their higher-end Trex lines even extend that to a 50-year warranty for your Savannah deck.
Compare that to wood, which often starts showing significant wear after 10-15 years, even with diligent maintenance here in Savannah. With Trex, you are looking at a deck that will likely outlast your time in the house, or at least look fantastic for a generation or more for your Savannah home.
What's the Deal with Trex's Warranty? What Does it Cover?
The Trex warranty is pretty complete for residential applications here in Savannah. It covers material defects in workmanship and also materials, and it makes sure the product will not split or splinter or rot, or suffer structural damage from termites or fungal decay. That is a big deal in Savannah, Georgia, where termites and also rot are constant threats to wood decks.
They also offer a fade and stain warranty, typically 25 years, for their high-performance Trex decking lines. Now, it is important to know that no material is 100% fade-proof over decades of sun exposure, but Trex's warranty covers significant color change. The warranty can also be transferred one time within five years if you sell your Savannah home. Just make sure your Trex deck is installed according to Trex's guidelines, because improper installation can void the warranty.
Is Trex Decking Environmentally Friendly?
This is a question I appreciate, because it shows you are thinking beyond just your backyard here in Savannah. And the answer is yes, Trex is very eco-friendly. They make their decking from 95% recycled materials, including reclaimed wood fibers and also recycled plastic film.
Think about it: they are diverting literally billions of pounds of plastic waste from landfills every year. That means less deforestation and a smaller carbon footprint. They even use closed-loop water recirculation systems in their manufacturing. So, you can feel good about choosing Trex for your Savannah home; it is a responsible choice for your home and also for the planet.
Can I Install Trex Decking Over My Existing Deck Frame?
In many cases, yes, you can install Trex decking over your existing deck frame. It is a smart way to upgrade your deck in Savannah without starting completely from scratch, which can save you some money and also time. However, there is a big 'but' here: the existing substructure has to be sound and also meet current building codes for your Savannah deck.
We always do a thorough inspection of your existing frame here at Heritage Deck Solutions in Savannah. We are looking for any signs of rot or pest damage or structural issues. The joist spacing needs to be correct for composite decking, too; Trex typically requires 16 inches on center for perpendicular installation and 12 inches for diagonal. If it is not up to snuff, we will need to reinforce or replace parts of it for your Savannah deck. You do not want to put a brand new and durable Trex surface on a shaky foundation. That is just asking for trouble down the road for your Savannah home.
How Do I Clean My Trex Deck? Is it Really Low Maintenance?
It is definitely low maintenance, especially compared to wood decks here in Savannah. You will not be sanding or staining or sealing your Trex deck. For routine cleaning, all you really need is warm and soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. I tell folks here in Savannah to clean their Trex deck at least twice a year, usually in the spring and also in the fall, to get rid of pollen and dirt and any mildew that might try to sneak in on your Savannah deck.
You can use a pressure washer, but be careful with it. Keep it to a low-pressure setting (no more than 3100 PSI) and use a fan tip, holding it at least 8 inches from the surface of your Trex deck. Do not use harsh chemicals or bleach or steel wool, as those can damage the surface and also void your warranty. Just sweep regularly to keep debris off your Trex deck, and a quick rinse with a hose usually handles the rest. It is about enjoying your deck in Savannah, not working on it, and Trex makes that a reality for Savannah homeowners.