If you want to improve your home and give yourself some extra space, a deck is a great addition.
A deck can not only boost your home’s value, but it can also give you a reason to use the backyard. Because of this, a deck offers one of the best returns on your investment of any home addition.
With the prevalence of composite decking, many people are choosing to go with Trex as a deck material.
Trex is a fantastic material that can last for many years and won’t rot away like traditional wood. It also comes in many different colors and textures, making it a great choice for decorating enthusiasts.
However, one of the issues with Trex decking is that it can be very sensitive to sunlight and heat.
Due to the molecular makeup of the material, Trex decking can warp if it is allowed to be in the sun. A little bit of sunlight won’t be a problem, but in very hot areas, it can cause problems.
Warping is a big issue with Trex decking, especially on the thinner fascia pieces that surround the perimeter.
In this article, we have laid out how to fix warping Trex fascia. The steps for this job include:
- Identify where the board is warped
- Cut lengthwise through the warped section
- Replace the warped section
- Take steps to make sure the board doesn’t warp
By following these steps, you can fix the areas of your deck that are warped and get it back to normal. After making this repair, you can enjoy your Trex deck for many years to come.
Why Does Trex Fascia Warp?
Deck fascia is a series of planks that cover the edges of your deck. These planks are specifically designed to keep dirt and debris out of your joists.
Deck fascia also creates a seamless, clean look for your deck that is highly desirable.
The reason that Trex fascia warps is twofold. The first reason is that it is slightly thinner than the planks used on the deck surface.
Because of the width of these boards, they are going to be more susceptible to the cold and heat. When the temperature changes and the weather goes back and forth, this area of the deck will warp.
The other reason Trex fascia warps is its placement.
The deck fascia is usually facing directly out and into the yard. This means that it is more exposed to the sun, wind, and rain.
This combination of factors means that you may see warping in your Trex fascia after a couple of years. Fortunately, this can be fixed fairly easily.
Identify the Warp
The first thing you should do before anything else is identify where the Trex decking is warped.
Odds are, the fascia won’t be warped all the way around the deck. Because of this, you can most likely narrow down the area that is the most damaged.
Look for the line where the fascia stops being warped and goes back to being straight. Make a mark here with a pencil and continue looking for any other warped sections.
Once you have found all the warped sections, you can move on to the next step.
Cut Through the Warped Board
After finding the warped section of the fascia boards, you will have to cut it out.
Use a circular saw and set it to the depth of the boards you have to cut.
Whenever you use a circular saw, you should take all the necessary safety precautions. Always wear eye protection and never take your focus away from what you are cutting.
Using the circular saw, cut the line you drew perpendicular to the length of the board. This will separate that section away from the fascia that is still good.
Then, cut the section that you are going to replace lengthwise. This will make it much easier to pull it away from the deck.
Using a pry bar, pull the fascia board off the deck.
Take care not to split the joists or the deck planks themselves as you do this. It is always best to move slowly and pull the fascia away gently.
Replace the Board
Once you have removed the section of the fascia board, you can then replace it with a new one.
One of the nice things about Trex decking is that it is easy to get replacement pieces.
If you installed your deck yourself, you should know the product number of your deck type. Get an exact copy of your fascia boards to replace the section you cut away.
Cut the new section of the fascia board to fit where you pulled away the warped piece. Then, using a nail gun or your preferred type of fastener, attach it to the edge of your deck.
Ensure the Board Won’t Warp in the Future
The best thing you can do for your deck is to make sure it doesn’t warp in that area again.
Consider planting some shrubs or plants in that area to keep the sun away from it. This will help you make sure that you won’t be replacing that same section in a few years.
You can also take the time to secure that specific section.
Use more fasteners and anchor the board in more places. This will keep that area secure and prevent more warping as the seasons change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Trex be bent?
Trex decking can be bent if you need it to be. Using a heat gun or other high heat source, you can shape Trex decking however you want.
While this can be very convenient, it is also why Trex decking can warp easily.
How long does a Trex deck last?
A Trex deck should last between 25 and 30 years. However, this is only if it is properly cared for and maintained.
If you live in an area with a lot of extreme weather, it may not last as long.
Can you use a power washer on Trex decking?
It is not recommended that you use a power washer on Trex decking. The combination of heat and pressure could cause the finish to chip off.
A pressure washer could also cause the fascia to warp.
Conclusion
If your Trex fascia is warping, it can be very distressing. Luckily, it is fairly easy to cut the warped section out and replace it.
By following the above steps, you can get your deck back to its original glory.
