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Is composite cheaper than wood in 2022?

The price difference between wood and composites has decreased, however, with the recent increases in wood prices. Despite the higher upfront cost of composite decking materials, the long-term cost of composite may actually be less since it offers lower maintenance and better guarantees.

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When you add a deck to your outdoor space, you have options in terms of the building material that you use. By far, the two most common options are composite decking and wood. Wood decking has long been, and still is, the more economical option, at least upfront. The price difference between wood and composites has decreased, however, with the recent increases in wood prices. Despite the higher upfront cost of composite decking materials, the long-term cost of composite may actually be less since it offers lower maintenance and better guarantees. Because of these long-term advantages, many of our customers choose to pay a little more upfront for a nicer, low maintenance deck that will last for many years. At Hickory Dickory Decks, we are always more than happy to show our clients a quick cost comparison of their deck design constructed with wood vs. composite decking.

Cost vs. Benefit

Many homeowners choose composite boards because of the benefits that they receive over wood. The benefits of composite decking include longevity – composites can be expected to last many years longer than wood – and low maintenance. A composite deck should stay looking like new for many years with just the occasional cleaning. This is especially important to those with busy households who simply don’t have the time to continually re-stain or re-paint their deck.

Maintenance Cost Considerations

Wood decks require ongoing (often yearly) maintenance, including sanding, staining, and sealing to keep the wood looking its best. In colder climates, the maintenance on wood decks may have to be even more frequent to keep your deck in good condition. Yearly maintenance on a wood deck can cost several hundred dollars each year for labour and materials. Composite decks, on the other hand, require virtually no maintenance – other than the occasional wash with water and mild soap to keep them clean.

Conclusion

If you love the look and feel of wood and have the time and resources to keep your deck properly maintained, then wood might be a good choice for you. If you can afford to pay a little more upfront and don’t want all the maintenance that wood decks require, a composite deck is likely the way to go.

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Can I use uPVC for hot water?

The primary PVC CPVC difference lies in its resistance to temperatures. While CPVC can withstand up to 93 Deg C temperature which makes it suitable for both hot and cold water, PVC can withstand only up to 60 Deg C and as such is suitable for cold water applications only.

Difference between PVC & CPVC

Temperature resistance

The primary PVC CPVC difference lies in its resistance to temperatures. While CPVC can withstand up to 93 Deg C temperature which makes it suitable for both hot and cold water, PVC can withstand only up to 60 Deg C and as such is suitable for cold water applications only.

Fire Retardance

PVC LOI (limiting oxygen index) is 45. Hence it is self-extinguishing. Only chars due to fire. CPVC has a better LOI than PVC (i.e. 60) hence it is also self- extinguishing. This gives CPVC much better fire retardant properties and makes it ideal for use in the fire-sprinkler application.

Installation

PVC plumbing systems are very easy to install using PVC solvent cement. No special tools & hardly any skills required. Most plumbers are already aware. CPVC plumbing system is as easy to install as PVC. It requires only CPVC solvent cement and also does not need any special tools & hardly any skills.

Joint Quality

PVC joints are very good, strong & homogeneous. Joined with the help of PVC Solvent cement and the process called the Cold welding process. CPVC joints are also very good, strong & homogeneous. It is joined with the help of CPVC Solvent cement and the process called the Cold welding process has over 50yrs history. When compared to PVC, the design of CPVC based on the standard is such that the pipes are relatively more flexible making jointing easier and more foolproof than PVC.

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