Alright, Clovis homeowners, we need to talk about decks. We are going to talk about composite decks. Clovis Deck & Porch sees many people around here, especially in those newer developments north of Herndon, putting in composite decks. This is for good reason. Our Central Valley climate is not easy on outdoor structures. Composite decking handles it much better than traditional wood decks.
Even with a composite deck, timing is important. This is true for installation as well as for keeping your investment solid year-round. You would not plant a delicate rose bush in July. The same idea applies to your deck project.
Clovis Climate and Your Composite Deck
Our weather here in Clovis is very distinct. We have long, scorching hot summers as well as mild, wet winters. This is the main thing you need to keep in mind for your composite deck.
Summer's Scorching Sun
Those triple-digit summer days we get are serious. July and August regularly see temperatures hitting 97-99°F. Sometimes temperatures even push past 105°F. This intense sun means a lot of UV exposure for your composite deck. Composite decking is built with UV inhibitors to resist fading. It is still a factor to consider. The heat also causes materials to expand. Composite boards, like most materials, will expand when it is hot and contract when it is cold.
Winter's Wet & Mild Side
Then there is our winter. It is mild, with average highs around 55-60°F in December and January. Temperatures rarely dip below freezing. It is also our wet season. We get most of our rain between November and April. February is often the wettest month. Composite decking does not absorb moisture like wood. This prevents rot and mold. The wet conditions can still affect the substructure if it is not installed properly.
When to Schedule Your Composite Deck Project
So, when is the best time to get that new composite deck built? You might think summer. You would be surprised to learn the best time.
Fall and Winter: The Secret Sweet Spot
Clovis Deck & Porch will tell you straight: fall and winter are often ideal for composite deck installation here in Clovis. We get asked why this is the case.
- Less Expansion & Contraction: Composite boards are at their most contracted state in colder temperatures. Installing them when it is cooler allows us to set the gaps correctly. This accounts for the expansion that will happen when summer rolls around. This means a more stable, better-fitted deck in the long run. It also reduces the risk of buckling.
- Stable Conditions: Our mild winters mean less extreme temperature swings during the day compared to summer. This stability helps materials cure as well as settle properly.
- Fewer Rain Delays: Winter is our wet season. Prolonged heavy rains are not an everyday occurrence. Fall, especially, tends to be drier than spring. Clovis Deck & Porch can usually find good stretches of dry weather to get the work done.
- Contractor Availability: Everyone wants a new deck in spring or early summer. Scheduling your composite deck project in the off-season often means better availability for quality contractors like Clovis Deck & Porch. This can sometimes mean faster project completion.
Spring: A Good Option, But Plan Ahead
Spring is also a solid choice for composite deck installation in Clovis. It has moderate temperatures that are great for installation. The ground has thawed. Things are generally comfortable. The main thing is to plan way ahead for your Clovis deck project. Our calendar fills up fast once the weather starts warming up.
Summer: Proceed with Caution
You can install a composite deck in summer. However, it comes with more challenges. The extreme heat makes working conditions tougher for the crew. More importantly, composite boards will be expanded in the heat. Precise gapping becomes even more important to prevent issues later. Clovis Deck & Porch would typically recommend early morning or late evening work to avoid the worst of the heat.
Weather Conditions That Affect the Work
Beyond just the season, here is what Clovis Deck & Porch looks at when we are on the job.
- Temperature: Composite expands and contracts with temperature. We always follow manufacturer guidelines for gapping. This is based on the temperature at installation. If it is really cold, we might pre-drill to prevent cracking.
- Rain: Composite itself is not bothered by rain. A wet job site can slow things down as well as make conditions unsafe. Clovis Deck & Porch avoids working in heavy rain. This is especially true during the framing and foundation stages.
- Wind: Strong winds can be a safety concern. This is especially true during those spring storms. We are careful when working with large sections of decking or framing.
Protecting Your Composite Deck Year-Round
The beauty of composite decking is its low maintenance. This is especially true compared to wood. "Low" does not mean "no" when it comes to maintenance. Here is how to protect your composite deck investment in Clovis.
Regular Cleaning
Our dusty Clovis environment means your deck will get dirty. A simple annual or bi-annual cleaning with soap and water is usually all it takes. This removes dirt, pollen, and any mildew that might try to grow in shaded, damp spots. Use a soft brush or a pressure washer on a low setting for your composite deck.
Mind the UV
Our intense Clovis sun is powerful. This is true even with UV inhibitors in the composite decking. Consider adding shade structures like pergolas or awnings over parts of your deck. This protects your deck. It also makes it much more comfortable for you to use during those hot summer afternoons.
Snow and Ice (Rare, But Be Ready)
Snow is rare here in Clovis. We do get freezing temperatures occasionally. Composite decking is resistant to freeze-thaw cycles. You do not have to worry about it cracking like concrete might. Just be careful with ice melt products. Make sure they are safe for composite materials.
Proper Drainage
Proper drainage starts with good installation. This makes sure water drains off the deck as well as away from your home's foundation. You should keep an eye on it. Clear any debris that might block drainage channels. This is especially important after our winter rains. Standing water is not good for any outdoor surface.
A composite deck is a great investment for a Clovis home. It holds up beautifully to our climate with minimal fuss. This lets you spend more time enjoying your outdoor space. It also means you spend less time maintaining it. Just make sure you are thinking about the seasons when you plan your composite deck project. Also, give it a little love throughout the year.