Your day is looking sunny with a chance of finding out which deck materials truly thrive no matter the weather.
All you have to do is keep reading this blog to grab that chance.
Whether you’re looking to finally give your outdoor that deck you’ve always dreamed of or are upgrading your current deck to brand new materials, this question is bound to have crossed your mind “How do different deck materials perform in Calgary’s weather?”
From rapid temperature fluctuations and UV exposure to snow, ice, and potential moisture problems, deck materials have to withstand a wide range of conditions in this city.
As the leading Calgary deck builder with over 20 years of experience, you can trust Mountain View Sun Decks to know a thing or two about how different deck materials fare in the city’s unpredictable weather.
Let’s put vinyl, PVC, pressure-treated wood, cedar, and composite decking under a microscope, shall we? It’s time to assess how well these decking materials perform in Calgary’s climate.
Table of Contents | How Do Different Deck Materials Perform in Calgary’s Weather?
Here’s our first deck material in question: vinyl.
Vinyl decking is made from a mixture of synthetic materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and offers excellent weather resistance. It’s well-known to be quite durable and resistant to the elements.
If you’re looking for a material that won’t warp, crack, or splinter even amidst Calgary’s harsh conditions and extreme temperatures, then vinyl will do the trick. Its resistance to moisture makes it less susceptible to mould or mildew, which is an important factor to consider after the snow melts and during the wetter seasons.
However, it’s important to take note that this decking material can become quite slippery when wet or icy. Another consideration is that darker vinyl decking can get quite hot underfoot during the warm Calgary summers. So if you’re thinking about going full-on “walking on sunshine” mode, be sure to put on footwear.
Let’s take a closer look at vinyl decking’s performance through the seasons:
Summer: Vinyl decking stays relatively cool compared to other synthetics and can handle direct sunlight without fading. However, in extreme heat, darker colours may get quite hot. If it matches your home’s aesthetics, you might want to opt for lighter colours instead.
Autumn: Vinyl decking is easy to clean, so fallen leaves or debris can be swept or rinsed off quickly. It’s also resistant to the dampness that often comes with autumn weather. Who doesn’t want easier maintenance routines?
Winter: So, is vinyl actually “slippery when wet”? Vinyl is generally slip-resistant if it has more of a textured surface that provides traction. It’s typically those with smooth finishes that can get slippery when icy. Accumulated debris like dirt, pollen, or leaves can also make it slippery.
On the other hand, it withstands the weight of snow well and doesn’t suffer from freeze-thaw cycles. Ensure that snow removal is done carefully to avoid scratching the surface and catching the seams, which may cause the vinyl to lift.
Spring: Vinyl holds up well against spring showers, as it’s resistant to water damage. So even if Calgary’s climate tries to rain on its parade, you can rest assured that vinyl will be just fine.
Convinced that this material is perfect for your home?
Count on Mountain View Sun Decks’ experts to dream up a vinyl deck that’ll give your home’s aesthetics a stunning boost. We carry the highest quality line of products on the market today: Tuf Dek, Econo Dek, and Deck Rite.
Learn more about our vinyl decking in Calgary.
PVC decking is made from 100% plastic. It doesn’t contain any wood fibres, which contributes to its excellent resistance to moisture, rot, decay, and insect infestation. Similar to vinyl, it’s a low-maintenance type of decking material and doesn’t require staining or painting.
It looks super swell, and yet it won’t swell or contract significantly with temperature changes, making it an excellent option for Calgary’s fluctuating weather. On top of that, it’s also a popular material of choice for pool areas as it’s resistant to fading from chlorine.
However, while PVC is visually stunning, one downside here is that it may not have the natural look and feel of wood, which some homeowners prefer. PVC is also typically more expensive than vinyl, pressure-treated wood, cedar, and composite decking.
Let’s take a look at how PVC holds up amidst Calgary’s different seasons:
Summer: PVC decking doesn’t absorb much heat, but like vinyl, darker colours can become warm underfoot. It resists sun damage and won’t fade or splinter from UV exposure.
Autumn: This decking type remains relatively maintenance-free in autumn, and fallen leaves won’t cause staining or damage to the PVC material. So go ahead and watch those autumn leaves fall beautifully on your deck—you can clean it up later without worrying about it ruining the material.
Winter: PVC is also resistant to the cold and won’t crack or split. Snow can be removed without worrying too much about damage, but as with vinyl, the surface can be slippery.
Spring: Moisture from spring rain won’t penetrate PVC decking—so mould and mildew won’t be able to flourish.
Our PVC decks are built with the leading brand of PVC -“Azek” and a hidden fastener system. This product is maintenance-free, scratch-resistant, durable, and environmentally friendly.
Learn more about our PVC decking products.
Pressure-treated decks are a popular option that provides a natural-looking finish—and it’s the most economical one compared to vinyl, PVC, composite, and cedar.
This material is treated with chemicals to resist rot, decay, and termites, which is essential for durability in Calgary’s climate.
However, thе сhеmісаl preservatives uѕеd іn the process hаvе tоxіс рrореrtіеѕ, which is why your deck company will recommend painting it tо рrеvеnt thе dіrесt contact оf the сhеmісаlѕ wіth humаnѕ аnd animals. Despite these preservatives, it’s still susceptible to the elements and requires regular maintenance, such as staining and sealing, to prevent moisture penetration & weathering. Pressure-treated wood can crack and warp as a result of Calgary’s varying temperatures.
As such, it’s generally not as long-lasting as other options and requires diligent upkeep.
Summer: In order to survive the summer heat, you’ll need to slather SPF on pressure-treated wood as it needs protection from UV rays to prevent fading and drying out. And that SPF comes in the form of regular sealing to maintain its appearance and durability.
Autumn: When it comes to pressure-treated wood, you can’t really sit back, relax, and watch the autumn leaves fall. That’s because leaves and debris should be promptly removed to prevent moisture retention and potential rot. The deck will need extra cleaning if mildew begins to form in damp conditions.
Winter: The freeze-thaw cycle can also be tough on pressure-treated wood, potentially causing cracks and splits. Use caution when removing snow to avoid damaging the wood with shovels or other tools.
Spring: Moisture and changing temperatures during spring can lead to warping or other types of water-related damage. So make sure to spring into action quickly and clean up the area regularly.
Leaning toward the economicality of this material? Find the most durable options right here at Mountain View Sun Decks.
Discover more about pressure-treated decks from the leading deck builders in Calgary.
Let’s meet the type of material that provides the best of both worlds: composite decking.
Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibres and plastic, combining the look of wood with an impressive twist: increased durability. It’s a good choice for Calgary’s weather since it’s designed to resist fading, staining, and scratching. It doesn’t require painting, staining, or sealing, which means less maintenance over time and more unwinding on your deck instead.
However, it can still suffer from some expansion and contraction with temperature changes. While it is more resistant to moisture than wood, it’s not entirely immune to the wrath of mildew and mould if not properly maintained.
Summer: Composite decking handles the summer heat well and is resistant to fading from UV exposure. However, some composite materials can get hot, especially those in darker colours. Deck company experts may recommend opting for lighter shades instead.
Autumn: Composite materials resist the decay that can be brought on by wet leaves and other autumnal debris. Give it a simple sweep or wash, and it’s good to go.
Winter: Composite decking performs well in cold weather, but like other materials, it can become slippery when icy. Snow can be shovelled off, but be careful not to scratch the deck surface.
At the same time, you may notice some expansion and contraction as a result of the extreme temperatures.
Spring: This type of decking is impervious to spring showers, and any residual debris from winter should be easy to clean off. However, since it still has wood components, be sure to check for any mould or mildew growth from lingering moisture and address immediately it as part of your spring cleaning routine.
Our composite decks are built with Trex, TimberTech, or Fiberon capped composite, with increased durability, you’ll enjoy the beauty of a real wood deck and the convenience of a low maintenance deck.
View more information on composite decking from the leading deck builders in Calgary.
There’s just something about the classics that simply can’t be replicated, don’t you agree?
And that’s why cedar is still one of the most sought-after deck materials.
Cеdаr decking bоаrdѕ are taken frоm the hеаrt оf the cedar trее. As a species of wood that’s naturally durable and moisture resistant, it generally won’t crack аnd twіѕt like оthеr types оf wооd do. If you ask professional deck buіldеrѕ in Calgary, they’ll tell you that сеdаr іѕ thе bеѕt lоw maintenance wooden product to uѕе for decks.
Did you know that it contains natural oils that resist rot, decay, and insect infestation?
Nonetheless, it still requires regular maintenance, including staining and sealing, to protect its surface from moisture and UV rays. Without maintenance, cedar can fade to a grayish tone and may become prone to splintering and cracking, especially with the dry Calgary air and intense sun.
Here’s how cedar decking performs in Calgary weather:
Summer: Cedar’s natural oils provide some protection against the summer sun, but without regular sealing, it can still fade and crack. The good news is that it’s known to stay cooler underfoot compared to synthetics.
Autumn: It’s important to keep cedar clear of leaves and debris to prevent moisture retention, which can lead to wood decay.
Winter: Cedar is somewhat resistant to the cold, but the wood can become brittle and might be damaged by heavy snow loads or aggressive snow removal.
Spring: The wet conditions of spring can be challenging for cedar, as the wood can absorb moisture, leading to potential warping or rot. Prompt maintenance in the spring can help to support its natural durability and prolong its beauty & functionality.
Have cedar decks successfully captured your attention?
Find out more about our cedar deck services.
In summary, your choice of decking material in Calgary should balance aesthetics, budget, and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to commit to.
Still looking for more expert advice on what the best choice is for your home? Count on Mountain View Sun Decks—the leading Calgary deck builder—to guide you through it.
Contact us today to start building the perfect custom deck for your home.
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