Deteriorating composite decking

Hello, back in about 2008 we added a 20x20 composite deck on to the back of our house using evergrain composite decking thinking this would be a permanent solution to our family entertainment needs. Unfortunately we have recently learned that evergrain had a "bad batch" of composite decking that same time and the boards would, and are deteriorating. We have contacted the warranty department of Tamko, the maker of evergrain, and filed a claim but still need to replace the deteriorating boards. My issue is how do we replace the boards with new composite without it being so noticeable that new boards were used? Of course after 10 years in the sun the bad composite has faded and the warranty money is nowhere near the replacement cost and labor of a new deck. Anyone have any advice as to how I can fade or blend new composite deck boards into my 10 year old deck? Of the 40+ 20' boards originally used we definitely need to replace about 10-15 boards minimum and am wondering my best course of action to blend the new with the old, if possible. I'll take any tips or secrets! Just my luck!

 

That's a tall order. It's really hard to match something new with a 10 year old product. Normally, I wouldn't recommend flipping the old boards unless stainless steel screws were used but if you want to take a chance, try one or two of them.

 

Get your homeowners insurance involved. They may cover "loss to property due to faulty construction materials" (or they may speifically exclude that) and in the same vein, most states have laws that protect homeowners from such a thing, where companies are required to replace ALL- not just some- in the event that the replacement product does not match,

 

Over the years this is probably the only negative post I have seen about composite deck which I'm a HUGE fan of.

Baring no solution to the insurance question, as mentioned flipping the boards is an option depending on the fastening used but even that may introduce stains where the boards sat on the joists that may not come clean after 10 years.

Only other option is to isolate new from old if there is a natural break in the deck of possibly alternating new and old but that may not look so great.

Keep up up to date this is a rare situation!

 

Thank you guys for the responses. Unfortunately I can't flip the boards. We went with evergrain decking which has the wood grain look to it but doesn't carry through to the bottom of the boards. I'll look into the homeowner idea tho, didn't think that was an option after tamko paid us about 30% of the deck cost through the warranty claim. I've heard since that it was a bad batch and I agree I've never heard anything negative about composite which is why we went that route originally. This is our forever home so wanted a maintence free deck. There is a break actually, there's a step down at 12'. Maybe I can replace the 8' lower level with new boards. Thanks for the advice.

 

I'd be amazed if any insurance would cover this!
There's been may composite decking company's that have had recalls.
There just is no way to make old and new decking blend in.
Only way to do this right is to replace all of it.
Google "Evergrain recall" for dozens of sites with info.

 

Having worked a bit with composite decking I have to agree, it will be almost impossible to match the colour. If you're not already finished the job the only suggestion I could offer if you have to utilize some of the original boards is to try and come up with some kind of a picture box or herringbone pattern whereby the old and new boards would look like a planned contrast