FAQ

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1
MOISTURE CONCERN REPORT
Will wooden decking retain excess moisture if
covered with Deck-Top?
As long as Deck-Top is installed properly, your wooden deck or dock should not retain excess
moisture because wood experiences respiration on a cellular level through capillary action. For
a more in-depth explanation regarding certain wood scenarios, please continue reading.
Existing decks that have or have not been sealed are not considered a concern as they have been
weathered and have longitudinal curing gaps, splits, and cracks allowing for moisture wick
exchange. Moisture wick migration will occur at exposed surfaces and exchange via respiration
below and on the sides of the plank. Additionally, a respectable percentage of moisture wick
migration from the top of the board through capillary action will exchange out the sides as well.
The degree of migration is variable and is dependent on the age of the wood with older, cured
lumber having the highest respiration exchange. Despite the age of the wood, this condition is
not a concern since Deck-Top’s side lip design is nominal with the moisture retention coefficient
also being nominal.
In the case of replacement wood boards typically required for deck soundness and integrity, the
replacement lumber is fresh and has a much higher moisture content. To assist and accelerate
the capillary moisture wicking process, the lumber needs additional pathways to accelerate,
cure, and prevent mold formation to the underside of the Deck-Top PVC plank. Despite pressure-
treated, copper-based lumber's characteristics inhibiting deep colony impregnation of mold,
3/16" pilot holes are recommended to be pre-drilled in a grid pattern to further assure air
exchange and capillary action. The higher the moisture, the more pre-drills are recommended.