Moisture Content Of Composite Decking

ghhartmann

I have a customer in Ocean City MD with a composite deck. It appears the decking boards are swelling with moisture.

I know this composite is around 50% wood fiber. I am sure it can absorb moisture but this seems like a lot.

Has anyone tried to use a moisture content meter on composites?

This is a waterfront home very close to the water and the deck is close to the ground with very little ventilation. Has anyone ever seen any standards or rules for ventilation under a deck?

Thanks for your input.

Greg

BuiltByMAC

The specific brand and line of decking in question?

Mac

John Hyatt

It would be intersting to know what kind of composite. Cross Ventlation is very important to any decking project, air in, air out. This is a vastley overlooked detail. J.

deckman22

Probably voided any warranty with not enough ground clearance. Little to no ventilation will cause some composites to swell.

If you can't excavate then install some vents. Maybe some stain/sealer too.

__________________
Deckman
www.alscustomdecks.com

MartyCD

We have specific ventilation instructions for CorrectPorch, and I know Timbertech Floorizon does too.
I have never tried a moisture meter - not sure what it would do.