1. Why does wood crack?
Decks are subject to many different elements in a season such as moisture, sun, wind, snow, hail, etc. Moisture absorbs into the wood and evaporates leaving cracks and splits. 2. What is the best natural wood that resists this rot, cracking and splitting?
Cedar is one of the world's most rot resistant woods. It also has excellent warp and crack resistance, making it a perfect wood for decks and fences. 3. Why does pressure treated wood warp, crack and split far more than cedar does?
Pressure treated wood is an inexpensive alternative to cedar. It is made from either pine, spruce or fir wood that has been treated with a green coloured chemical called Alkaline Copper Quat. This species of wood has the rot resistance of cedar (due to the chemical treatment) but lacks the crack, warp and split resistance. It also lacks the beautiful natural colour and smell. | |
4. If my wood cracks or splits, is it covered under warranty?
Because natural wood is just that - "natural" - and it is not controlled by ingredients of manufacturing, there is no warranty on wood cracking, splitting, warping or rotting. 5. Are there any materials that are completely maintenance-free and totally rot resistant?
Yes! St. Clair continually researches the market offers only the the best available maintenance-free decking and PVC railing systems that are completely maintenance-free as well as aesthetically pleasing. 6. Do maintenance-free or plastic decks have to look like "LEGO"?
Being the deck leaders, we craft our maintenance-free decks with the same styles and features as our premier wood decks, so you get a beautiful maintenance-free deck without having the cheap look of plastic. We also offer many choices of decking that look like finely-stained cedar! 7. Do PVC Vinyl railings and decking turn yellow and fade like cheap lawn furniture?
Be careful when choosing PVC products for your deck because there are many different qualities of PVC Vinyl that determine the performance. St. Clair only offers the best available, offering lifetime warranties on all PVC products. They may not be the most inexpensive but they definitely are the best. 8. What is involved in the maintenance of wood decks?
Like any other outdoor investment, wood should be cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. To maintain the natural colour of your new wood, and to reduce the cracking, splintering and splitting, it is recommended that a UV resistant stain is applied typically once a year. St. Clair stocks only the highest rated stains and preservers in the industry: Sikkens, Superdeck, Cabot and Wolman. |
