Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT), based in Arkansas, is the manufacturer of the MoistureShield line of building products. They have recently opened a new plastic recycling plant in Watts, Oklahoma. The plant itself is engineered to qualify for LEED green building certification.
Why Does Composite Wood Save Money?
The thrift factor is focused on the long run, not instant gratification. For example, log-homes.thefuntimesguide.com found that MoistureShield composite decking runs about $4 per square foot. On the other hand, traditional hardwood decking materials may a bit less or more expensive.
Imported ipe hardwood will set you back about $5.48 while mahogany can be found for as low as $3.45. And of course cedar fence pickets can be found for around $2 for a 1” X 6” X 6', substantially less than their composite cousins.
So where are the savings? Durability and consistency are two main factors. Composite deck planks don't need to be cleaned, stained, sealed, or refinished periodically, although periodic deck cleaning is recommended simply to keep it looking new.
MoistureShield fence pickets don't have to be replaced every five years or so, unlike cedar. Also, they don't have the knots, cracks, and warping. Using MoistureShield is also recognized as green construction for LEED certification.
Why is MoistureShield Sustainable and Environmentally Responsible?
This green building material is made from recycled plastics and large particles of reclaimed wood fibers, not sawdust and wood “flour” that some manufacturers use. There are two eco-friendly factors to consider. First, new resources are not tapped (along with the resource-eating processing). Secondly, the wood and plastic is re-purposed and thereby saved from the land fills.
How much waste is saved from the landfills? AERT claims 271,808,511 pounds per year. And if you think all that rejected plastic would have decomposed in your lifetime, don't hold your breath.
A central point of the manufacturing work flow is a patented process called “total encapsulation”. This simply means that the individual wood fibers are properly aligned and the completely encapsulated in the plastic. The end result is that the fibers aren't exposed to the elements and pest insects like termites.
The product carries a 20-year warranty and boasts of not having a product recall or a single instance of rot, delamination, or decay.
Composite Decking Installation Tips
Installing composite and wood decking isn't rocket science but there are a few things to consider to make sure your work will last and be safe.
- Use stainless steel screws, carriage bolts, and other fasteners.
- Only use blue chalk with your chalk line; red will permanently stain planks.
- Joists should be 16” on center with a perpendicular decking pattern; 12” on center for an angled or herringbone pattern.
- The maximum distance between railing posts is 72”; the recommended distance between balusters is 3.5”.
- Always check local building codes.
Sources:
- www.moistureshield.com/
- www.log-homes.thefuntimesguide.com/2007/09/choiocedek_vs_timbertech.php
- www.plasticstoday.com/articles/recycling-decking-new-facility-aert
- www.suite101.com/content/trex-and-hardwood-decking-materials-a78651
Kelly Smith - Kelly has over 30 years experience as a journeyman carpenter and 20 as a freelance writer and photographer.
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