Trex Deck Boards Bowing: A Common Issue or a Health Hazard?

As an engineer, I've always been fascinated by the intricacies of construction materials and how they perform over time. Recently, my family and I moved into a rental property with a Trex deck that's been experiencing some concerning issues. The boards are flaking, swelling, and warping, which has led me to investigate whether these problems pose any health hazards.

At first glance, it might seem like the flaking issue could be a significant concern for our health. After all, inhaling dust can be harmful. However, upon further research, I didn't come across any reports linking this type of problem to health issues. In fact, natural wood products also produce dust when they degrade, and we don't typically associate that with health risks.

The type of plastic used in Trex decking is another factor that might affect its safety. Unfortunately, the manufacturing process remains a trade secret, making it difficult to determine whether certain materials are more hazardous than others. As an engineer, I'm inclined to believe that there's more to the story than meets the eye.

My theory is that the capstock material used in Trex decking absorbs moisture through the ends of the boards, causing them to swell. This swelling can lead to warping and bowing over time. The problem seems to be progressive, spreading to more boards and appearing farther away from the board ends.

To give you a better idea of what we're dealing with, our deck has shown significant downward bowing near the butt joints within just two weeks of installation. This phenomenon is not unique to Trex decking; my neighbor's TimberTech 'Earthwoods Evolution' deck, which is only a year old, is already exhibiting similar issues.

So, should you be concerned about using a flaking Trex deck? As an engineer and homeowner, I believe that while these problems are certainly inconvenient, they don't pose a significant health hazard. However, it's essential to take precautions when using composite decking products, such as avoiding excessive exposure to the dust produced by degradation.

If you're renting a property with a Trex deck, it's worth discussing your concerns with your landlord and exploring possible solutions. As for my family and me, we'll continue to monitor the situation and weigh our options carefully.

Trex deck boards bowing