Many homeowners are willing to choose composite decks because of their excellent durability and lower maintenance needs. However, one concern for some homeowners is whether pests can damage composite decking. Termites are the worst nightmare of traditional construction. Due to termite damage and infestation, you have to demolish the house or deck. Therefore the deck trim material you choose is very important. A strong and durable decking material will extend the life and durability of your outdoor space.
Indeed, comparing wood decks and composite decking is not just about aesthetics and price. You also need to consider their resistance to pests. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the effects of pests on composite decking and explore ways to prevent and mitigate potential damage.
Understanding composite material decking
Composite deck boards are made from a combination of wood fibers, plastic, and adhesives. This material offers several advantages over traditional wood deck boards. It has excellent resistance to rot, mold, and warping. Composite decks are also extremely durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for outdoor spaces.
Common Pests That Threaten Deck Materials
From harsh weather to creepy pests, composite decks face many challenges in outdoor living. When it comes to pests, however, the main pests that threaten your deck, porch, or patio include:
Termites: Termites are known for their ability to prey on wood and cellulose materials. Although composite deck trim is not made entirely of wood, termites can still cause damage to the organic components of the material.
Carpenter Ants: Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but will dig into it to build their nests. They can cut tunnels and galleries in composite decking, destroying their structural integrity.
Mold: Technically, mold is not a pest. However, mold can thrive on composite decking in humid conditions. Mold growth can discolor a deck and affect its appearance and performance.
Do termites eat composite materials?
No, termites do not eat composite decking because it is a man-made material. Although composite decking looks a lot like traditional wood, it is made from a mixture of plastic and wood fibers. Therefore composite material decking is generally not eaten by termites.
Termites usually feed on soft or rotting wood and tend to favor moist areas. Composite deck boards, on the other hand, in addition to minimizing stains, do not create an environment that termites prefer to live in.
The only common problem people encounter when taking care of composite decks is a mold problem. Mold not only affects the appearance of composite decks, but it also has the potential to cause damage to the internal structure of the deck.
The effects of pests that may composite decks
While composite decks can withstand many types of damage, pests can still pose a threat to their integrity.
Structural Damage
Termites and carpenter ants can burrow into a composite material, weakening the decking material and causing overall structural instability.
Aesthetic Damage
Mold and some pests can leave stains, discoloration, and visible damage on the surface of the deck. This can seriously affect the aesthetics of the deck and make your outdoor space look very unsightly.
Safety Hazards
If left unchecked, damage to a composite deck from an infestation can create safety hazards. For example, causing rotting of the deck’s surface and bottom framing, leading to serious damage to the overall framing.
Why composite decking is so pest-resistant
The key to composite decking’s resistance to pests lies in its manufacturing process. Most manufacturers use recycled materials (plastics and wood fibers) mixed with adhesives to create it. As a man-made product, this decking is inedible to insects and pests. This makes composite decks not only pest-resistant but also has some other advantages. Here is a comparison of composite decks and traditional wood.
Composite decking
- Pests don’t eat plastic
- Simple and easy to install
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Multiple colors and designs for endless design possibilities
- Can be used for a variety of outdoor uses, including decorating and designing patios, backyard decks, and recreational spaces
- Higher initial purchase price, but easier to install with lower labor and ongoing maintenance costs
- Environmentally friendly and made from recycled materials that don’t pollute the environment
Wood decking
- Termites and other pests feed on wood, and decks rot easily
- Typically less expensive to purchase and install, but more costly in terms of time and ongoing maintenance
- Can cause pollution and a negative impact on the environment
- Prone to damage, cracking, and warping
- Fires occur compared to non-flammable composite material
How to prevent pest damage to composite decking
To protect composite decks from pests and minimize the risk of damage, homeowners can take the following precautions.
Inspect the deck regularly
Perform routine inspections of the deck for signs of infestation such as wood chips, gnawing, or insect activity.
Keep the environment clean
Make sure the area around composite decks is free of standing water, debris, and vegetation, all of which are ideal environments for pests to thrive.
Seal cracks or replace the deck
Seal any cracks or gaps in the deck to prevent pests from getting inside the material. If the deck shows serious damage, repair or replace the entire deck promptly.
Apply an Insect Repellent Treatment
Consider using an insect-repellent treatment or coating on the surface of your composite deck to prevent pests from causing damage.
