Composite Decking (WPC) – How to make the right choice!

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In the world of outdoor flooring, composite decking materials are becoming bigger and bigger. That’s why we all got to be very careful about falling in love with fashion advertised by sales people without the proper technical knowledge. How many times you’ve been told ZERO MAINTENANCE, EASY INSTALLATION, LASTS FOREVER! That’s absolutely wrong… or at least, these claims need further analysis.

WPC/BPC Composite – What does that really mean?

Standard WPC composite decking boards are made of recycled polymers such are PE or HDPE, which are no more and no less than recycled plastic bottles, bags etc. Though this represents a potentially effective green products, those polymers cannot be recycled infinitely! Therefore, any decking boards made out of those polymers are subject to bigger movements and torsions if compared to the not recycled PVC (which can be recycled, is more valuable and doesn’t move as much!).

This is what you need to know when contemplating buying a composite product, especially if you’re willing to install it… are you going to be dealing with a material which moves a lot? If so, it really should be left to a professional or you could be setting yourself up for a number of problems.

In the compound/mixture of the standard WPC decking boards there is even a percentage of natural product, the most common is SAWDUST! So again, you must be prepared for dimensional changes according to the percentage of sawdust inside… this again it’s not a that bad thing if you know it before you get it installed (to do it the right way).

What does it happen when you build your deck with a standard wpc composite decking? Look below:

compositepavimento composito  pavimento ecofriendly

What you just seen can happen sooner or later, according to the quality of decking boards you purchase.

Composite Decking: Solid or Hollow?

wpc pieno o alveolare

A myth to be addressed: solid = better, hollow = worse !

This ONLY depends by the quality of the material the boards are made of. In a standard WPC, in fact, a solid board it’s preferable because these kind of composite deckings have a soft structure, and in this case a hollow board could be more fragile if the material is the same. But there a back side to take in consideration, the more mass you have, the more the board will move! It would be much better opting for an innovative material made of PVC… in this case is much better a PVC hollow board than a PE or HDPE solid one! Because it has a stronger, more resistant structure!

Duro Composite, the new generation of decking composites!

This new generation of decking composites has been designed specifically to address the limits linked to WPC/BPC composites. Developed by the Italian team at iDecking Revolution, this innovative new decking board offers an outstanding alternative to the major problems associated with traditional composites.

Its name is DUROExcellence, the new material made of RICE HUSK (skin of the rice grain) and PVC (not recycled). Yes, you got it right… RICE HUSK, a by product that would be otherwise burnt and create CO2 is given a much more noble second life into decking boards with incredible structural performances. It has to be compared to a noble wood other than common composites. Rice grows into water, and the skin of the rice protects the grain till the moment it’s ready to blossom! NATURAL HYDRO REPELLENCY, in fact it is the only micro surface to absorb.

The perfect alternative to sawdust!

Guest Blog – https://idecking-uk.com/blog/671-composite-decking-wpc-how-to-make-the-right-choice

 

How To Install Decking Quickly and Easily!

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Many people are put off from adding decking to their home because of concerns about the time and work involved in installing it. However, thanks to the iDecking Revolution, who have developed a modular system which has been designed to last and will perform just as well as any other system out there, decking can now be installed up to 5 times quicker than any other current system.

This prefabricated system has been developed to prevent and fix all the main issues linked to both composite and wood decking and saves time, money and reduces waste.

What is this System Called?

EasyClick is the innovative system which allows you to install iDecking Revolution boards simply using your feet. No need to use any nails, screws, close up mini mega with iDeck easyClick boarddrills, spacers or “obsolete” clips. The EasyClick system helps ensure a quick and simple trouble free installation.

EasyClick is essentially comprised of an understructure “rail system” which comes with pre-installed and pre-spaced patented EasyClick nylon clips. Our patented grooved decking boards are then simply pressed and locked in place.

Fast Installation

One of the most frustrating aspects of the installation of modular decking systems is the fact that installation often required hundreds or sometimes thousands of screws to complete.

In fact the installing systems patented by iDeck ensure that you decking can be added without the need for any screws, screwdrivers, glues, spacers, IMG_0228alignment lines or any of the other traditional ways that compromises both aesthetic and technical results.

This modular decking system can be installed directly onto almost any existing surface. Simply construct the pre-fabricated frames, fit the supports and adjust heights to match uneven surfaces. Then insert the pre-fabricated deck panels. Use a concrete paver when positioning over soft surfaces.

Other Benefits

  • Boards require Zero screws, nails or other fasteners
  • Drastic reduction of installation errors
  • “Effortless” installation
  • Doesn’t cause water stagnation
  • Increased structural integrity and strength
  • Self blocking and Self aligning system

For a closer look at the installation process, please take a moment to check out the video below:

More information is available via the dedicated area on our site. Please click here for access.

The Decking Boards For Tomorrow, Today!

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Having a deck is amazing, especially when you are spending time in the sun in the summer. It is a great spot for children to play and to entertain guests. However, most decks are made from wood. This means that you have to power wash and cover it with a water sealant every one or two years. There is also the chance of splinters from wooden decks. There is however now an effective method of combating this – composite decking

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is an eco-friendly option for decking. Even though its formula is kept as a secret, as we stated earlier, the iDecking composite decking boards, known as DUROExcellence, has duro-coloursa main ingredient is Rice Husk; a by-product in the processing of rice. This husk, when blended together with virgin polymers, makes this an incredibly versatile, strong and durable material.

Our composite decking comes in a number of beautiful earth-tones and wood colours that allow it to look like real wood.

Composite decking comes in a board form ensuring that both the boards and tiles click together quickly, and can be switched out easily. Composite decking also has the option for you to use either anti-slip grooved surfaces or flat surfaces. This makes it great for both front and back decks.

For an idea of the quality of a this composite decking, please take a moment to view the images below which highlight a recent installation:

What are the Benefits of Composite Decking?

While not getting splinters can be a huge benefit, it is not the only reason that composite decking is becoming very popular. For many people, the need for less maintenance is the biggest benefit. Composite decking only needs a good scrub to keep it clean and free from mould. Since the compositing decking is made from rice husk, it does not rot like plain wood, which makes it last a very long time.

Depending on the company that you get the composite decking from will determine if it is fully made of recycled materials. Many brands use the plastics that come from items like shopping bags, and bottles. Most of the time, the wood is recycled from old pallets and wood mill waste. Many times, these objects would end up in the dump. However, as composite decking becomes more popular, less waste is heading to the dump.

If you are looking to repair an old deck or planning to replace your whole deck, composite decking is a great option. The lower amount of maintenance is a huge benefit for many home owners. Composite decking is also great for option for children, as it can have anti-slip grooves, and there is no chance of getting a painful splinter. If you are looking for an easy way to use decking material, composite decking is the answer.

For more on this amazing new addition to the Wallbarn product range, please visit the following page – https://idecking-uk.com/products/materials/duro-excellence

 

How To Build a Green Roof

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Green roofs are far from a new concept but their popularity is certainly at an all time high. Offering a huge variety of benefits, green roofs can range from roof gardens with raised beds and pots, to rolled-out green carpets, to shed roofs containing planting cells that are filled with soil or compost and planted up with low growing perennials and grasses.

Green roofs and living walls are a great way of providing an attractive, useful, environmentally friendly open space on otherwise ‘lost’ flat roofs and podium decks.

Introducing the M-TRAY® Modular Green Roof System

The good news is that if you are wondering how to build a green roof, it has never been easier than right now. Wallbarn has developed a new, improved design for the M-TRAY® modular green roof system for 2016. This pre-grown sedum green roof product is supplied in easy-to-handle plastic tray units.

A fully established, mature green roof can be installed quickly and easily on difficult-to-access roofs by hand without the mess and disruption associated with traditional extensive green roof systems. M-Tray® is available as a pre-established, mature sedum product or with a native wildflower mix.

Because the M-TRAY® comes as a complete kit, this recent installation came together with the absolute minimum of fuss because all the measuring and propagating has already been carried out by Wallbarn.

For more information about this innovative new system, including additional tips on how to build a green roof, please visit the dedicated area on our website by clicking here.

How To Build a Green Roof

Some of the benefits of installing a green roof include:

  • Reducing problems of water run-off and better storm water management
  • Building insulation
  • Aesthetic benefits
  • Providing habitats for birds and insects
  • Contributing to improvement of urban air quality
  • Cooling the urban environment
  • Contributing to reduced noise pollution
  • Reducing risk of fire spread between buildings

Another key benefit of adding a green roof to any type of building including sheds, garages and storage areas is the ability to reclaim the space they take up, as well as improving air quality and encouraging wildlife into the garden.

Tips For Installing a Green Roof

The video below offers invaluable insight

Currently Browsing: How To Build a Green Roof

Why Choose a Sedum Green Roof System?

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With continuing research and development, a sedum green roof system is now more attractive, durable and cost-effective than ever.

Why Choose a Sedum Green Roof System?

Our sedum green roof systems provide an environmentally friendly, sustainable living wall system for design and construction professionals.  Our high quality team of Sedum Green Roof Systemtechnicians can achieve environmentally friendly, sustainable solutions guaranteed to deliver cost effective benefits.

Not only do these systems offer design solutions for awkward urban spaces, they add beautiful flora and fauna, colour and biodiversity to buildings and city centres.

Our systems combine great design scope with key ecological and performance benefits:

  • Creates habitat for birds and insects, increasing biodiversity
  • Acts as a effective sound proofing barrier
  • Helps regulate the building temperature
  • Air purification – plants are efficient filters of pollution
  • Easy installation
  • Ideal for retrofitting or refurbishment projects.
  • Delivers instant greening of a roof with sedums and other species able to flourish in our climate.
  • Cost effective solution.

Huge Range of Options

The horticultural options are vast. Sedum, exotic grasses, ferns, ivy and herbs are the most common plants used. We aim to get a fair mixture of vegetation to ensure a diverse mix of textures, colours and flowers across the year.

We design the planting so that shade loving plants are respected, nothing gets overrun by aggressive species, those requiring higher or lower amounts of water and additional feed are planted in the correct place, and an overall pattern is attractive both close up and from a wider viewpoint.

Introducing the M-TRAY® Modular Extensive Green Roofing System

M-TRAY® is a ready-grown, fully established sedum, sedum-and-wildflower or wildflower-only green roof loaded into a portable tray, for easier installation of green roofs.

For an example of a recently completed installation, please check out the gallery below:

Further Information

If you would like to speak to someone directly or would like some further information regarding our range of services, please don’t hesitate to contact us on either Tel. No. 0208 916 2222 or visit our Facebook page and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.