As a homeowner in Raleigh, North Carolina, understanding how the local climate impacts your deck material choice is crucial for ensuring longevity, durability, and overall satisfaction with your outdoor living space.
Raleigh’s unique climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters, presents specific challenges that must be considered when selecting the ideal decking material.
This guide breaks down how Raleigh’s climate impacts popular decking options, helping you select materials that balance strength, upkeep, and aesthetic appeal.
Whether building new or renovating, discover the best decking solutions for Raleigh’s unique conditions.
Raleigh’s Climate: A Unique Challenge for Decks
Raleigh experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Like for example, the Arden Forest area experiences relatively moderate temperatures compared to other parts of Raleigh.
This neighborhood along Dogwoodlot falls into Heat Zone 1, with less than 1 day per year exceeding 86°F. The average high temperature in July, the hottest month, is 89°F, with temperatures occasionally reaching the mid-90s.
Winters are generally mild and wet, with average highs ranging from 47-53°F and lows around or just below freezing. The city sees high humidity levels throughout the year and receives an average of 46.58 inches of annual precipitation.
Rainfall is particularly frequent during spring and summer, with July and September being the wettest months, averaging 5.1 inches of precipitation each.
Raleigh enjoys abundant sunshine, with an average of 213 sunny days per year. However, the city also experiences about 6 inches of snow in winter, adding another dimension to the climate challenges for deck materials.
Raleigh’s climate impacts deck materials in many ways. Temperature changes cause expansion and contraction, while high humidity and rain can lead to warping, rot, and mold. Abundant sunshine may cause fading and material damage, requiring more maintenance to keep decks in good condition.
Due to the harsh North Carolina weather patterns, even the best grade of treated wood struggles to maintain integrity in uncovered decks. Local experts strongly recommend composite decking materials, such as TimberTech/Azek, for decks, porches, and railings in the Raleigh area.
Popular Deck Materials for Raleigh Homes
1. Composite Decking
Composite decking has become increasingly popular among Raleigh homeowners due to its excellent performance in the local climate.
This material offers several advantages, including high resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew, minimal expansion and contraction in fluctuating temperatures, and UV resistance that reduces fading and color loss.
Composite decks require low maintenance and boast a long lifespan, often lasting 25-30 years or more. Some composite decking even comes with a 50-year limited fade and stain warranty.
However, composite decking does have some considerations. It typically has a higher upfront cost compared to traditional wood and can become hot to the touch in direct sunlight. Despite this, composite decking is often made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly option.
2. Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated pine remains a popular choice due to its affordability and traditional appearance. It offers several advantages, including being a cost-effective option with a natural wood appearance and resistance to rot and insect damage. Additionally, pressure-treated wood is stronger than other types of wood and can withstand more force.
However, pressure-treated wood requires regular maintenance, including staining and sealing, and is more prone to warping, cracking, and splintering in Raleigh’s climate. It also has a shorter lifespan compared to composite materials.
The average lifespan of pressure-treated wood in outdoor settings is typically 20 to 40 years, but this can vary depending on maintenance and environmental factors.
Pressure-treated wood contains toxic chemicals that can be harmful when cut or burned. While it’s an option, even high-grade wood struggles with North Carolina’s tough weather. Combined with EPA restrictions on deck stains, maintaining a wood deck often requires yearly upkeep.
3. Cedar and Redwood
Cedar and redwood provide natural resistance to decay and insects due to their inherent oils and tannins. They boast an attractive appearance with rich colors that can add warmth to any outdoor space.
These woods generally perform better in humid conditions compared to pressure-treated pine, making them suitable for Raleigh’s climate.
However, cedar and redwood come at a higher cost than pressure-treated wood, which may impact budget-conscious homeowners. They require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance and performance, including periodic sealing or staining.
While cedar and redwood are more resistant to moisture than some other woods, they still have low protection from UV rays and may require repairs as the lower fiber strength boards decay, bend, and split over time. And cedar decks can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance and environment.
4. PVC Decking
PVC decking is highly resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew. It does not absorb water, which helps prevent expansion and contraction issues common in wood decks.
PVC is also UV-resistant, helping to maintain its color and integrity over time. One of its most appealing features is that it requires very low maintenance, saving homeowners time and effort.
PVC decking is particularly suitable for areas prone to moisture, like poolsides or coastal regions, due to its complete water resistance. This characteristic makes it a strong contender for Raleigh homes, especially those with pools or near-water features.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. PVC decking comes with a higher upfront cost compared to traditional wood options. While modern PVC decking comes in a variety of colors and patterns, some homeowners feel it may lack the natural appearance and feel of wood.
It’s also worth noting that PVC decks can become quite hot underfoot in direct sunlight, which could be a concern during warm summers.
Despite these considerations, PVC decking offers significant long-term benefits. It’s completely resistant to mold and mildew, making it an excellent option for humid climates. PVC decking requires minimal maintenance and retains its color and shape well over time.
For those considering this durable material for their next project, consulting with a professional deck builder can provide valuable insights into its advantages and installation.
What Should You Always Consider When Choosing Deck Materials?
Moisture Resistance
Given Raleigh’s high humidity and frequent rainfall, moisture resistance is a critical factor in deck material selection. Composite and PVC decking excel in this area, as they do not absorb water and are highly resistant to mold and mildew growth.
These materials significantly outperform wood in Raleigh’s damp conditions, reducing the risk of rot, warping, and structural damage.
UV Protection
With Raleigh enjoying 213 sunny days per year on average, UV protection is essential for maintaining your deck’s appearance and structural integrity. Composite decking often comes with built-in UV inhibitors, helping to prevent fading and color loss over time.
If opting for wood, regular application of UV-resistant sealers is crucial to protect against sun damage and premature aging.
Temperature Fluctuations
While Raleigh’s winters are generally mild, the region does experience temperature fluctuations that can cause expansion and contraction in decking materials.
Composite and PVC materials are engineered to better withstand these changes, maintaining their shape and structural integrity over time.
Wood decks, particularly those made from pressure-treated pine, are more susceptible to warping and cracking due to these temperature variations.
Maintenance Requirements
The hot, humid climate of Raleigh necessitates regular maintenance for wood decks to prevent moisture damage, mold growth, and UV degradation. This involves annual cleaning, staining, and sealing.
Composite and PVC decking, on the other hand, require significantly less maintenance, typically needing only periodic cleaning to maintain their appearance and performance.
Additionally, it’s important to note that Raleigh can be affected by hurricanes or their remnants, particularly between late summer and early fall.
While the city is far enough inland to avoid direct hits, the remnants of hurricanes can still impact outdoor structures like decks. This makes choosing durable, weather-resistant materials even more crucial for Raleigh homeowners.
Installation and Maintenance Tips for Raleigh Decks
Regardless of the material chosen, proper installation and maintenance are crucial for maximizing your deck’s lifespan in Raleigh’s climate:
1. Ensure proper drainage to prevent water pooling on the deck surface.
2. Use corrosion-resistant fasteners to prevent rust stains and structural weakening.
3. Apply UV-resistant sealers or stains to wood decks annually to protect against sun damage.
4. Clean the deck regularly to remove mold, mildew, and debris that can trap moisture.
5. Inspect the deck annually for signs of wear, damage, or loose boards, addressing issues promptly.
For wood decks, it’s important to time the staining or sealing process correctly. Ideally, this should be done in dry weather with mild temperatures (between 45-85°F, with 60-80°F being the ideal range.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do composite materials compare to wood in extremely cold weather?
In extremely cold weather, composite materials generally outperform wood. Composite decking is resistant to freeze-thaw cycles, which can cause wood to crack, warp, or splinter. It also doesn't absorb moisture, preventing ice damage. Wood, while naturally insulating, can be more prone to damage from extreme temperature fluctuations. However, some hardwoods like cedar can still perform well in cold climates if properly maintained.
Are there any deck materials that are particularly good for windy climates?
For windy climates, aluminum decking is particularly good due to its strength and durability. It's lightweight yet sturdy, making it resistant to high winds. Composite decking is also a solid choice for windy areas as it's heavier than wood and less likely to warp or lift. Both materials offer excellent stability in windy conditions.
What are the pros and cons of using tropical hardwoods for decking?
Tropical hardwoods like Ipe offer excellent durability and natural resistance to rot, insects, and moisture. They're strong, beautiful, and can last for decades. However, they come with significant drawbacks. Tropical hardwoods are expensive, can be challenging to install due to their density, and often raise environmental concerns due to deforestation. They also require regular maintenance to maintain their appearance and may not be suitable for those seeking a low-maintenance option.
How does the color of composite decking affect its performance in hot climates?
The color of composite decking significantly affects its performance in hot climates. Lighter colors reflect more sunlight and heat, keeping the deck cooler to walk on barefoot. Darker colors absorb more heat, potentially making the deck uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight. Some manufacturers offer special technologies that can reduce heat absorption by up to 35% compared to standard composites. When choosing composite decking for hot climates, opt for lighter shades or look for products with heat-resistant technologies.
