|
|
Re: Rubberized Decking material vs. other materialsFrom: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Decks
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 18 Jun 2002
Time: 01:32 AM
CommentsSpantex, by Tex Enterprises (http://www.spantex-usa.com is made from Dupont's Hypalon, a synthetic rubber, elastomeric coating. According to the manufacturer, "it is used where a tough, waterproof, skid resistant coating is needed. Hypalon is an exotic coating and failure to follow the instructions which are printed on every label and brochure will usually result in an unsatisfactory job, i.e., it should not be applied over any moisture, grease, wax, paint, pitch or other coatings, nothing else should be used to fill seams, etc. However, if the instructions are followed, the result will be an attractive, waterproof, skid resistant surface." The manufacturer further states that, "Spantex mechanically adheres to the surface being coated and forms a complete moisture barrier. Spantex remains flexible indefinitely and expands and contracts with temperature variances. The rubber granules that give Spantex its skid resistent texture are pliable and will not wear through the coating. The system of filling plywood joints with Spantex rather than using tape, insures against cracking by forming a "rubber hinge" in these areas. Spantex is very resistant to the detrimental effects of the ultrviolet rays of the sun." You should note that Spantex is best used over an exterior-grade plywood decking. It should not be used over pressure-treated lumber. Generally, it is applied in a multi-coat process, including filling, base coat(s) and final color coat(s). The problem with applied coatings, is that they require on-going upkeep. Spantex should be reapplied every 3-5 years, and only after a thorough cleaning. Compared to synthetic lumber, such as Trex (which contains wood sawdust, wood byproducts and plastics), and EON, by CPI Plastics, which is 100% extruded plastic, Spantex is a coating. Synthetic lumber, howeever, requires no surface treatment and virtually no maintenance, other than periodic cleaning. Trex carries a 10-year warranty, whereas EON carries a limited lifetime warranty. Synthetic lumber is more subject to expansion due to extreme heat, and this must be factored into the installation by maintaining proper spacing between adjacent boards. The decision to use a product such as Spantex vs. synthetic lumber, is more a question of aesthetic appearance, on-going maintenance and skill of the installer. Assuming all things equal, we generally have a preference for low lifecycle maintenance costs. Therefore, a closer look at some of the synthetic lumber products that you mention is certainly warranted. An alternative to Trex is a product called ChoiceDek. This product is made from a combination of recycled plastics and cedar, giving it an aromatic smell. Both products are comparably priced to quality cedar or redwood, and about twice the price of pressure treated lumber. ChoiceDek is available from AERT (Advanced Engineering Recycling Technologies) and is distributed by Weyerhaeuser. See http://www.choicedek.com/ and http://www.trex.com/ for more information on synthetic lumber. Builders Websource.
|
|
