MoistureShield® vs. the Competition
Designed to Stand Up to Virtually Any Environment — Better and Stronger than the Rest
Our products are the only decking board protected by the power of The Solid Core Difference. That means that you can install MoistureShield on the ground, in the ground or underwater without structural issues from moisture absorption or insect infestation. Other boards simply can’t compete with our solid core strength.
MoistureShield® is the only wood plastic composite product that has stood up to the elements for more than 30 years with no structural field failures. That means beautiful outdoor living spaces that stand the test of time with less issues.
MoistureShield® vs. Traditional Decks
A composite deck can last 30 years and even longer with proper installation and brand. Pressure treated deck boards last an average of 9 years, and American Hardwood decking can last up to 20. While wooden decks are susceptible to rot and insect damage and require frequent maintenance that becomes costly over time - MoistureShield decking featuring the Solid Core Difference is not. On top of the superior durability of composites, we offer a 50-year structural warranty for all of our decking lines to ensure longevity. Learn more by watching the video below.
MoistureShield® vs. PVC and Vinyl Decking
The terms PVC decking and vinyl decking are often used interchangeably; however, PVC decking and vinyl decking are technically different products. PVC decking is made from a cellular high-strength plastic and vinyl decking is a hollow extrusion.
Composite decking and PVC decking are both available in many different colors and do not require painting, staining or sealing, as wood decking does. However, composite decking tends to have a richer color range and is perceived by some to have a more realistic/natural wood look vs. PVC. MoistureShield offers multiple colors and textures of composite decking to fit any design aesthetic.
Both standard composite decking and PVC decking absorb heat and can get hot under the summer sun. While PVC decking in light colors tends to cool more quickly than standard composite decking when shaded, it will get hot again quickly when exposed to the sun. MoistureShield composite decking with CoolDeck Technology consistently delivers a cooler and more comfortable environment on your deck, whether it’s shaded or not. Both light and dark colors of MoistureShield composite decking with CoolDeck Technology reduce heat absorption up to 35% compared to standard wood-plastic composites in similar colors. Dark colors of composite decking with CoolDeck Technology remain cooler than similar dark colors in PVC.
While PVC decking can be installed on water and the ground, MoistureShield takes installation options even further. MoistureShield composite decking can be installed on water and the ground and is rated for full water immersion and in-ground applications.
Some PVC decking manufacturers suggest reducing joist spacing to 12” to achieve a more solid feeling deck. There’s no need to do this when installing MoistureShield composite decking, saving labor and framing costs.
MoistureShield® vs. Other Composites
| MoistureShield® | Other Wood Plastic Composites | Non-Wood Composite | PVC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Performance | Industry Leader with no Structural Failures | Structural Failures | Unknown | Unknown |
| Core Strength | Professional Grade Encapsulation** | Standard*** | N/A | N/A |
| Structural Warranty | 50-year (Transferable) | Varies (25-30 Years) | Varies (25 - Lifetime) | Limited Lifetime |
| Fade & Stain Warranty | Varies (0-50 Years)* | Varies (25-30 Years) | Varies (0-25 Years) | Varies (0-50 Years) |
| Environmentally Friendly | 95% Recycled Content | 95% Recycled Content | Varies (51%–74%) | Varies (15%-50%) |
| Water Application | Can be installed with water contact | No | Some | Some |
| Ground Application | Can be installed on or in the ground | No | Some | Some |
| CoolDeck® Technology^ | Yes | No | No | No |
* Vision line – 50 Year Fade & Stain Warranty
* Meridian line – 40 Year Fade & Stain Warranty
* Elevate line – 30 Year Fade & Stain Warranty
* Vantage line – No Fade & Stain Warranty. Colors weather like wood without the headaches of real wood (warping, rotting, splintering).
** Encapsulation of every individual wood fiber delivering 360° protection 365 days a year.
*** Vulnerable core protected by a 3- or 4-sided cap.
† Reduces heat absorption by up to 35% compared to standard capped composites in a similar color.
Constantly Innovating
MoistureShield composite decking excels through innovation with outstanding benefits that help create more comfortable outdoor environments with less upkeep.
CoolDeck® Technology
All colors of MoistureShield composite decking with CoolDeck Technology reduce heat absorption up to 35%* compared to standard wood-plastic composites in similar colors.
The Solid Core Difference
Whereas other standard composite decking boards have a vulnerable core, protected by a 3 or 4-sided cap, MoistureShield’s solid core manufacturing process encapsulates every individual wood fiber in the board, delivering 360-degree protection, 365 days a year. This allows MoistureShield composite decking to be used for unique installation applications where other standard composite decking boards can’t be used – installations on the ground, in the ground, or underwater.
DiamondDefense™ Coating
MoistureShield creates the strongest composite cap in the industry to resist damage from scratches, stains and fading.
* Compared to conventional capped composites. Tested against a standard cap (MoistureShield Refine) in a similar color.
Increased Slip Resistance Helps Create Safer Environments
Compared to the rest, MoistureShield wood composite decking has more slip resistant surfaces even when wet.