How to Fix Cracked Composite Decking

Composite decking is a long-lasting outdoor flooring material that can resist the elements of weather. When you install it outdoors, it will not crack easily as a result of heat. That is one reason decking owners are increasingly using composite plastic decking. Composite decking is crack resistant but not crack proof. This means that agents of weather cannot easily split or crack your decking. But if you drag heavy objects on your plastic wood composite, it can crack the decking. This is because plastic composite decking is not scratch proof. Your decking may crack for this reason; how do you fix a cracked composite decking?

Composite Decking Is Crack-Resistant, not Crack-Proof

You might have heard decking owners saying that their composite decking crack after they installed it. True, makers of composite decking are advertising their material as crack resistant. What crack-resistant means is that plastic composite will resist the elements of weather better than timber decking. It will not crack or break as a result of the expansion.

Also, the fluctuating temperature will not make your plastic wood decking expand. But at times, plastic wood composite boards can crack. Thinks as a result of not following best practice when installing the decking. If the decking owners don’t leave the right amount of space when installing the boards, it will crack. That is why composite decking is not crack-proof, although it is crack resistant. 

If you drop heavy objects on the plastic wood boards, it can crack the surface and make it less attractive. Another reason for cracking in composite decking is not installing a solid foundation. If the posts or the joists that you use to build your composite decking is not strong, it can cave in under its weight. This can result in cracking in your plastic composite decking.

Luckily, composite decking makers make it possible for you to fix a cracked plastic wood decking. But if you can’t fix the board, you might have to change it for one that is not cracked. 

Fixing a Cracked Composite Decking

If your plastic wood composite is cracked, you should follow the steps explained in the section to fix it. 

Step One

If you can reach or see underneath the cracked composite board or boards, you should check it. The reason is to determine the extent o the damage. If the boards are cracked on the top and not at the bottom, you can simply turn it over. You should unscrew the board from the joists and turn the top to the bottom. After, you should screw the plastic composite board back to its place.

Step Two

If you check the bottom on the board and notice that you cannot reverse it, take steps to repair it. You should use an air nozzle or compressor to blow or send air into the crack. This will enable you to remove any debris like twig, chips, and dust that hide in the crack. 

Step Three

After removing all the hidden debris from the crack, you can use a cloth you have soaked in mineral spirits to clean the crack. You are preparing the crack for the material that you will use to seal it, so be diligent about it.

Step Four

You need masking tape for this part. Ensure that you get a good tape for the best results. Place strips of the tape on both sides of the crack on your composite decking board. Ensure that the tape doesn’t cover the crack but is large enough to protect the other part of your decking.

Step Five

You will need a composite filler for this task. It is the composite filler that you will put in the crack on your plastic wood decking board. Use a shape object to cut the filler’s end at an angle that is convenient for you. Then, you should place the tip on the composite filler tube at one end of the crack. 

After, squeeze the content of the composite filler tube into the crack and make it spread evenly. You can make use of a knife to push the filler deep into the crack. Then you should let the composite filler dry in the crack overnight. And you should remove the tape when it is dry. You will have a smooth composite decking surface.

Conclusion

You can fix your cracked composite decking by turning the board or using composite fillers to cover the crack.