Composite decking: problem with cupping

[NYBo]

We had a new deck put on a couple of years ago, and many of the composite floor boards are cupping badly. I have a feeling this may be because the contractor butted the boards right up against each other. Short of replacing the boards, anyone have any ideas how to fix this (or at least make it better than it is)?

 

[Guest]

Re: Composite decking: problem with cupping

Yes that is part of the problem NYBo also with composit boards (wood and plastic mixed) they expand and contract a lot with heat and cold there always has to be approx. 1/4" + - between boards for this reason also to let any moisture threw to ventilate the PT wood under structure as well. If they were reputable contractors they should come back out to rectify the problem at NO cost to you. They should know better then to butt them that close together. Good luck in getting them to come back (for free)to fix this STUPID mistake on their part.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Composite decking: problem with cupping

Flip the boards over. They need better support though.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Composite decking: problem with cupping

Some one will have to cut the required gap at the butted ends.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Composite decking: problem with cupping

Some one will have to cut the required gap at the butted ends.

The boards are all full length with no joints. The problem is that there are no gaps between the boards.

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Composite decking: problem with cupping

Sorry!!!!That's a bad one. Start over. Cutting gaps between full length boards is out of the question. Can try prying the screws up from the joists. Some will give, some will not. Gonna be a heartbreaker.