I agree that this test doesn't really indicate actual performance on installed decking, but it was interesting to watch. I would note the TruNorth sample has much more surface area for water to contact, due to all the holes running through the core. It is also absorbing water through the walls of those the core holes, which I assume are not coated. It would be interesting to see if there was any dimensional changes due to swelling. Good luck with your channel.
The Tru North composite has the holes through it in which the water can easily sit in after being submerged in a bucket of water. The holes are meant to keep the boards cooler in hot conditions than solid composites which hold more heat. Realistically, any deck that’s submerged in water is likely in a severe flood and your deck will be the last thing on your mind. The only thing that should concern anyone using the Tru North composite is to make sure your deck frame is built correctly and as rigid as possible to support the heavier weight of their product.
I definitely agree that none of the composite decking products are meant to be completely submerged for extended periods of time. We just wanted to do a test and see which brands would be prone to taking on more moisture
I agree that this test doesn't really indicate actual performance on installed decking, but it was interesting to watch. I would note the TruNorth sample has much more surface area for water to contact, due to all the holes running through the core. It is also absorbing water through the walls of those the core holes, which I assume are not coated.
It would be interesting to see if there was any dimensional changes due to swelling.
Good luck with your channel.
Thanks for watching!
Because the decking samples are not the same size. The larger samples will have more surface to absorb compared to the smaller samples
Thats why we broke it down into the percentage of weight gain to compensate for the difference in size
The Tru North composite has the holes through it in which the water can easily sit in after being submerged in a bucket of water. The holes are meant to keep the boards cooler in hot conditions than solid composites which hold more heat. Realistically, any deck that’s submerged in water is likely in a severe flood and your deck will be the last thing on your mind. The only thing that should concern anyone using the Tru North composite is to make sure your deck frame is built correctly and as rigid as possible to support the heavier weight of their product.
I definitely agree that none of the composite decking products are meant to be completely submerged for extended periods of time. We just wanted to do a test and see which brands would be prone to taking on more moisture