Why TimberTech Composite Decking Outperforms Wood in Iowa

Traditional wood decks require constant maintenance—annual staining, sealing, and inevitable board replacement as moisture causes warping, splitting, and rot. For Iowa homeowners, where humidity, rain, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles punish exterior wood, this maintenance burden never ends. Composite decking technology has evolved to offer a superior alternative that maintains its beauty and structural integrity with minimal maintenance.

TimberTech, one of the industry's leading composite manufacturers, has engineered products specifically to withstand extreme weather conditions. Their capped composite technology creates a protective shell around the core material, preventing moisture absorption, fading, staining, and mold growth. At Element Siding and Windows, we're certified TimberTech partners because we've seen firsthand how these materials perform over decades, not just years.

But even premium materials fail without proper installation. The construction techniques matter as much as the materials themselves. Our in-house crews understand how to account for thermal expansion, proper fastener placement, and structural support that prevents the sagging and squeaking common in rushed deck builds. This same commitment to craftsmanship applies whether we're working on siding installation or window replacement—every project receives the same meticulous attention.

The North American Deck and Railing Association provides extensive resources on proper deck construction. Ready to explore what's possible for your outdoor living space? Schedule a discovery call to discuss your vision, or visit our homepage to see completed projects that showcase our custom design approach.

Custom Deck Design:

Beyond the Standard Rectangle

Most contractors approach deck projects with a template mindset: standard rectangular platforms with basic railing systems. This production-line approach might be efficient for the contractor, but it rarely creates outdoor spaces that truly enhance how homeowners live. Your deck should be designed around your specific lifestyle—how you entertain, where the sun hits during your preferred hours, how you move between indoor and outdoor spaces, and what views you want to emphasize or screen.

At Element Siding and Windows, our design process starts with understanding your daily life. Do you host large gatherings or prefer intimate family dinners? Do you need built-in seating or prefer flexibility? Should stairs descend to a garden, pool area, or open lawn? These decisions shape the deck's footprint, elevation changes, and custom features. We then bring these designs to life with techniques like custom bends, mitered corners, and integrated lighting—details that transform a basic deck into a true outdoor living space.

The TimberTech design gallery showcases the creative possibilities available with modern composite materials. Our craftsmanship extends beyond decks—the same designer expertise we apply to creating stunning exteriors informs our deck designs. And because we handle everything in-house, you're not coordinating between multiple contractors when you want to combine projects like deck construction with window upgrades.

According to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report, quality deck additions consistently rank among the top home improvements for return on investment. Ready to create an outdoor space you'll actually use and enjoy? Contact us to start the conversation, or explore our full range of services on our homepage.