Replies

1. 
   DougU | Aug 23, 2006 07:12am | #1

   How old is that stuff?

1. 
   fossil | Aug 23, 2006 07:51am | #2

   Maybe three years old

1. 
   DougU | Aug 23, 2006 08:20am | #3

   I dont know much about the stuff but hopefully others will see this and take a look.

   Looks like a warrenty issue to me though.

   Doug

1. 
   MikeSmith | Aug 23, 2006 01:33pm | #4

   mebbe yes, mebbe no.. looks bad, but it also looks like it's stressed by improper gapping

   do you have the end gaps & side gaps that Trex wants ?.. if so, get a mfr's rep out to look at it

   if you didn't install it according to their directions you will probably not get any satisfactionMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   VTNorm | Aug 23, 2006 01:50pm | #5

   In addition to the gaping issue Mike mentioned, it appears to be flaking and cracking? Did someone try pressure washing it? What kind of cleaner has been used on it? It looks like the Trex is breaking down.

   -Norm

2. 
   fossil | Aug 23, 2006 06:18pm | #7

   I did not install the deck, but had a crazy frenchman Serge build it. This guy built decks for a living, but may have not considered the gapping per spec if there is any spec. The planter box next to the problem area is on every corner of the deck.We initially stained the bare cedar boxes with cabots clear, but it didn't last, so we had a painting contracter apply Sikkens after acid stripping it I guess.I thought the acid maybe the issue, but its not deterioating near all the boxes.Old school treated was used, and I've pressure washed once because green mold was covering most of the deck.The deck is near a large cedar tree that dumps all that pollen and such on it.

3. 
   VTNorm | Aug 24, 2006 12:41am | #8

   All you'd ever want to know about the gaping requirements, care and cleaning is at the following link.

   http://trex.com/Products/installation/default.asp

   Proper gaping is a big issue do to the amount of movement from heat. Installation instructions are very specific on how much is needed board-to-board, butt-to-butt, butt-to-edge, etc. A Trex rep WILL check this spacing.

   Since Trex is basically glues, polymers and sawdust the type of cleaning and chemicals it's exposed to is very important. Pressure washing is no-no.

   I'd get a Trex rep from your local supplier to take a look but be prepared to absorb some (or all) of the repsonsibility for its condition.

   Good luck, -Norm

4. 
   fossil | Aug 24, 2006 09:03am | #9

   Thanks for the info. I actually wasn't trying to get a warranty claim, I was trying to post a picture and the person helping me needed a subject.I did want peoples opinions though.Regarding the pressure washing, I had no idea about that. Typical HO ignorance.There's no way that mold was coming off any other way. It was probably growing on the wood chips.I'll give the lumber yard a call and see if someone can look at it. Thanks

5. 
   john7g | Aug 24, 2006 01:01pm | #10

   There's no way that mold was coming off any other way.

   Ever try 1/2 gal bleech, 1/2 pint vinegar, shot of dish soap, & 1 gallon of water?  Works good for me but never tried on composite decking.

6. 
   fossil | Aug 25, 2006 04:33am | #13

   Sounds like old ship grunt work. No I haven't tryed that, but if I get wild hair maybe o'll give it a go. Thanks

7. 
   EricPaulson | Aug 24, 2006 01:56pm | #11

   Trex has a fairly well known issue with mold, especially in damp and/or shady locations.[email protected]

    

    

   It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been

    

    

    

8. 
   VTNorm | Aug 25, 2006 04:13am | #12

   There's typical builder ignorance too, ya know.

   I did a nice size Trex dek last summer - about 500sq ft. I hire a guy with a whole lotta years in the trade to give me a hand for a few days (he's a lead guy for one of the best builders around). He's laying out the Trex and putting a couple of screws in each board to hold them and we'll screw them all off at one time.

   I head off to grab some supplies. When I get back he's got all the decking laid out and has snapped nice red chaulk lines along every joist (12" apart) across the entire width of the deck. Great!

   The only problem is that Trex says not to use any other chaulk color but white. Red will stain the Trex.

   We stayed real late that night screwing down the deck and then the whole next day on our hands and knees with the citrus/orange cleaner Trex recommends scrub brushing out the red chaulk before it stained.

   -Norm

    

    

2. 
   marklaura | Aug 23, 2006 05:04pm | #6

   Fossil,

    I just installed trex at my house, on my deck. I have a 25 year warranty as you most likely do. I would definitely call Trex or who ever and have them take a look. It looks like its delaminating or something. I mean if spacing is a problem, why is the center coming apart? It would have to be buckled if there was that much pressure on it....right?

   Mark

3. 
   rez | Aug 25, 2006 04:55am | #14

    View Image

   AN HONEST MANS PILLOW IS HIS PIECE OF MIND.
   -Laumonster '06    

   
4. 
   ProDek | Aug 29, 2006 03:51am | #15

   Looks like someone tried to clean it with muratic acid. As Jim mentioned the spacing is not to spec. encouraging the product to hold moisture. 

   I'm guessing that there is ground contact causing mold and a hefty need for cleaning.

   I've never seen Trex do this in all the years I've been installing it. I'm curious if this isn't the first generation Trex? Before Origins? They had a big problem with the first run of Trex because it was soft and too porous, but that stuff would probably be out of warranty.

    

    

   "Rather be a hammer than a nail"

   Bob

1. 
   fossil | Aug 29, 2006 08:34am | #16

   Regarding the spacing, are you talking between the boards or the butt end contact? In the photo the trex passes underneath the cedar verticals.If Cabots was used first and the painting contractor used an acid wash to prep for Sikkens, would Muriatic have been used?My wife called Trex today, they claimed they had a bad batch. The Trex was laid 3 years ago in August.There are several planter boxes on the deck with same layout of Trex passing underneath cedar verticals with no flaking present.Tar paper was lined inside the boxes and some sort of water proof osb/plywood with holes and screen on the bottom.So I don't think the ends of the trex are touching soil , but likely touching tarpaper.