WPC OR COMPOSITE WOOD: INTRODUCTION
Among the materials used for external flooring there is also wood, also called WPC (Wood Plastic Composites).
For this type of flooring, called decking, we try to use wood essences with characteristics suitable for resisting atmospheric agents.
However, the fragility of the material remains, subject to deterioration over time, if used outdoors.
However, scientific and technological research has managed to develop the so-called composite wood, precisely to remedy these problems.
Composite wood is a mixture made up of chopped or finely shredded wood and mixed with a special type of resin.
By combining these two materials, planks or tiles are obtained for external flooring. These tiles are completely similar to natural wood but with the characteristics of resistance over time typical of a plastic resin.
Its use is therefore particularly suitable for outdoor applications in areas subject to extreme conditions, such as:
- proximity to water and perhaps saltiness, such as at the edges of swimming pools;
- external areas subject to particularly harsh climates and therefore to frosts, as occurs in mountain areas;
- edges of lawns subjected to pest control treatments, and therefore to the aggression of chemicals.
This material is now used in various construction and furnishing fields.
Furthermore, the fact that it significantly reduces the amount of wood needed for its applications also makes it an environmentally friendly and recyclable product.
The use is also economically more advantageous than that of natural wood, because the production and storage costs are lower.
STRUCTURE
WPC panels, also known as Wood Plastic Composite or composite wood, is an artificial material created by hot extrusion by binding natural pulverized wood fibres to a special resin made of polymers and additives. With this particular composition, panels and planks are obtained completely aesthetically similar to natural wood, but resistant as if they were plastic resins.
WPC is produced using 60% wood and 40% plastic.
Composite wood is a material that has been enjoying considerable success in recent years. It is a much appreciated solution for external floors and walls as it allows for results with a considerable aesthetic impact and long life.
WHERE TO USE IT?
Given its characteristics, it is clear that WPC is a solution suitable for environments in direct contact with water and all types of climates.
In addition, this material, being an extruded material, can be presented in different shapes suitable for various applications and colors.
WPC lends itself to installations where the conditions of use are more severe due to wear and tear and mechanical stress.
It can also be used to cover facades, perimeter walls or to make fences.
WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) combines the natural beauty of wood with the advantages of sophisticated plastic materials.
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES
Numerous are the advantages of the WPC compared to natural wood.
ADVANTAGES
If Wpc finds its greatest use in outdoor flooring there is a very good reason besides eco-sustainability.
Its features are many and all aimed at bringing benefits to users.
First of all, the wpc from which the famous decking is obtained, withstands any adverse weather conditions, unlike other materials that could easily crack or be damaged by sunlight or night frost.
Its non-slip property makes it ideal to be placed on the edges of swimming pools where you are used to walking barefoot and wet.
In addition, wpc does not absorb liquids that inadvertently fall on the ground and this condition makes it suitable to be placed near lawns that undergo disinfectant or fungicide treatments.
If a substance should fall on the floor, a common delicate detergent used for daily cleaning and a vigorous brushing with a broom will be enough to return the staves to their original splendor.
Unlike real wood, WPC is resistant to lichens, mould, micro-organisms and various parasites.
It is draining, does not turn grey despite the intense sunlight and never splinters, a quality of basic importance for those who wish to place it on the edges of swimming pools where people walk barefoot.
DISADVANTAGES
There are no particular disadvantages to choosing this material. In fact, its wide use is precisely due to its functionality and extreme efficiency. In addition, the PWC allows you to enjoy the beauty of wood, but without having to take into account all the disadvantages associated with its proximity to liquid surfaces, such as swimming pools for example.
COLORS OF WPC
The range of colors available is very wide.
In fact, it varies from traditional shades such as brown, dark brown, anthracite to more vibrant and modern shades such as cream white, lemon yellow.
PRICE
This material is certainly cheaper than a traditional natural wood floor, both at the time of purchase and for practically non-existent maintenance.
The cost is given by the materials that make it up. Overall, it represents an economically advantageous solution.
Finally, the PWC certainly does not belong to the category of low-cost outdoor floors, but in 4-5 years, the absence of maintenance will make the investment less burdensome.
HOW THE WPC IS CLEANED
The PWC is an easy-to-clean material with a brush or pressure washer, checking the maximum pressure to be used and the distance of the lance on the manufacturer’s sheet.
To counteract the presence of stains, it is appropriate to use specific detergents or, in the absence, non-aggressive detergents.
Furthermore, its maintenance is also simple, for which few operations are sufficient.
In fact, the WPC is a material that is difficult to attack by mold but, if it does form, it will first need to be removed with a broom and then treated with a pressure washer.
This type of wood can be repainted, but it is preferable to use light-colored and non-aggressive paints.
CONCLUSIONS
Ultimately, the WPC is certainly a trendy choice that knows how to bring together both lovers of classic style and those of modern furniture.
It is in fact extremely versatile and successfully adaptable to a wide variety of styles and environments.
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