Whether to Weather Wood

We’re about to begin a renovation on our East Oahu home, where constant rain and humidity are causing our natural wood to rot. Which durable wood alternatives should we consider? — Homeowner, Maunawili

Some of the primary challenges Hawaii homeowners face when it comes to natural wood are termites and wood rot due to our humid environment. Moisture can wreak havoc on exterior wood applications in areas like East Oahu that receive heavy rain; this requires frequent, extensive maintenance like sanding and refinishing. The high maintenance and short life span of real wood makes it a less-ideal option for most exterior home applications. However, our high-performance alternatives are resistant to water, mold and insects, and require no maintenance at all.

At Rinell Wood Systems Inc., our siding and decking alternatives are not as susceptible to Hawaii’s harsh climate and still provide the same elegance and aesthetic of natural wood. Some of our most durable wood alternatives are Longboard aluminum cladding and Sagiper vinyl cladding. These siding and soffit cladding options provide beautiful, protective coverings for exterior home walls that can withstand the elements and will not rot, warp, peel or fade.

When it comes to decking, Azek by TimberTech advanced PVC deck boards offer unmatched moisture resistance. Some composite deck boards struggle with moisture and rot due to their organic materials, but solid PVC decking provides an eco-friendly, superior-quality option for high-moisture environments. PVC deck boards are not as rigid as wood, so proper deck framing is essential. We recommend a maximum of 16 inches on-center for residential applications and 12 inches on-center for commercial applications. Some of our customers even prefer to frame high use residential decks at 12 inches for additional safety.

For high-traffic outdoor areas where direct sunlight is ample — like lanai and pool decks where families gather often — we recommend products that are built to withstand heavy moisture and UV exposure. Some options include Sagiper vinyl siding, Longboard aluminum siding, and Azek by TimberTech advanced PVC decking. PVC deck boards are even rated for use on floating docks and poolside. All of our PVC decking options have 50-year stain and fade warranties and lifetime performance warranties, which speak to the life span of the products and their long-term durability.

For additional information on these exceptional wood alternatives and more, contact Rinell Wood Systems Inc. at (808) 834-1344 or visit rwshawaii.com.

“It is best to consult our team during your design process to help you make an informed decision in selecting your building materials. We can provide multiple quotes to help determine which products will work best not just with your design, but within your budget as well.” — Jason Crimmins

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.