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What does the term “Art Color” mean?

Art Color is a term used to describe the varied streaking on COOWIN composite decking and cladding. By adding different colors at precise moments during the manufacturing process, we are able to create a more nuanced color palette, or maybe variegated color, on a monotonous board, to create the rich, natural color variation found in real wood such as cedar, redwood, and ipe.

What is Wood Plastic Composite?

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is a type of eco-friendly material made of reclaimed wood fiber and polymers. COOWIN WPC Decking and Cladding, manufactured with our patented formula and by an innovative dual-screw extrusion process, combine superior performance with naturalistic looks and textures of real wood. COOWIN is the first that has adopted Color Streaking and 3D Wood Grain Technology for uncapped WPC products in the industry. Compared with LDPE, HDPE-based composites are stronger and stiffer.

Can your composite decking be exposed to the elements?

COOWIN products are designed for outdoor use so they are able to withstand the elements.COOWIN composite products won’t rot, or collect mildew or mold which may affect the durability of the deck and put both you and your children in danger. COOWIN composite decking will not splinter, 100% safe when you walk on the surface.

Is your composite decking in any way harmful for children?

No. COOWIN composite products are non-toxic and don’t contain any harmful substances. Besides, they are child-friendly thanks to their features of non-splintering, stain resistance, slip-resistance, and weather-resistance. Nothing is more important than your children’s safety. You want to do all that you can to protect them, even if they are more accident-prone at their young ages.

COOWIN composite decking won’t rot, or collect mildew or mold which may affect the durability of the deck and put both you and your children in danger. COOWIN composite decking will not splinter, 100% safe when you walk on the surface.

With COOWIN composite decking, your puddles will not lead to slips, falls, and subsequent injuries, especially if your young ones like to chase after one another. COOWIN composite material comes with grooves or simulated wood grain to reduce the chances of losing your footing. While kids should still follow the no-running rule, they won’t be so much at risk with any deck.

Can your WPC products be used in salty environments, for example near the ocean?

Yes, Salt does not damage COOWIN composite decking under normal circumstances. In fact, we suggest our customers use rock salt to melt ice on the decking. The salt has little drying effect on the decking. This makes composite decking especially convenient if you live near saltwater. While composite decking is susceptible to abrasive substances, salt, which can often serve as a scouring powder, is not coarse enough to damage composite decking. Regardless, don’t rub or press salt into composite decking.

Does your composite decking expand?

As temperatures fluctuate, composite deck boards will naturally experience thermal expansion and contraction. That’s why the board ends should never be installed tight against one another. There should always be a slight gap. How much of a gap? That will depend upon air temperature at the time of installation (Read this to learn more). For areas that are subject to significant temperature swings, we recommend installing your deck boards using surface fasteners. First, ensure that the deck boards are aligned properly. Then, install a fastener in the middle of each board length to prevent shifting during thermal expansion and contraction.

Do your composites perform well in a harsh heat/cold environment?

Yes! COOWIN composite decking and cladding are engineered to hold up under various weather conditions almost anywhere on Earth. In fact, we have COOWIN deck boards and wall cladding installed around the world from warm or hot climates including East Asia, the American southeast and southwest, Latin America, the Middle East, and Hawaii as well as cold climates from North America (including the northern US, Alaska, and Canada), northern Asia, and throughout Europe, including Scandinavia.

What are the advantages of using HDPE to make decking?

High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) provides superior physical and mechanical performance as compared to mixed or low-density resins(LDPE or LLDPE). HDPE resins are typically found in more rigid products like drinking cups and food packaging. The use of HDPE results in a decking board that is stiffer, more durable, and much harder than other decks made with inferior grades of plastic.

Are your WPC decking slippery when wet?

COOWIN decking products have undergone the Pendulum Slip Resistance Test by the standard of BS 7976-2. COOWIN 3D Wood Grain decking has better slip resistance by virtue of the embossed pattern. The decking with the grooved pattern, likewise, is also highly resistant to slip, thanks to its grooves on the surface. Any surface can be slippery when wet. There is currently no building code requirement for minimum slip resistance.

Slip-resistance tests that are correctly performed under different consensus standards may produce different results. Variables that affect slip resistance include shoe tread, stride, speed of stride, debris on the surface, amount of moisture present, and weight. COOWIN’s polyethylene coating can be slippery when wet, just like wood, so caution is advised.

Will your decking get mold on it?

COOWIN decking is engineered to be highly resistant to mold and other damage from moisture. In rare cases and depending on environmental conditions (temperature, moisture in the air, etc.), mold and mildew could appear on any outdoor surface. If mold occurs on the surface, it can be easily removed with a 1-to-4 mixture of bleach and water.

Are your WPC products environmentally friendly?

Yes, we’re committed to offering sustainable products and doing the right thing for the environment. COOWIN WPC products are made from reclaimed wood flours and recycled plastics, what’s more, they do not require frequent application of environmentally harmful paint, sealers, or stains.

Is your decking scratch-resistant?

COOWIN composite decking is engineered to be scratch-resistant when properly used and maintained. However, it is not scratch-proof. It may be scratched by dragging furniture or other items across the deck surface or by dropping items with sharp edges (like tools, etc.) onto the deck. We recommend using furniture protectors under the legs of furniture placed on the decking. Nylon furniture pads or glides are recommended for tables, chairs, or other items that may be moved or re-positioned frequently on your deck.

Will your composite product warp?

No. COOWIN composite product will not warp provided it is used and fixed in accordance with our installation instructions.

Is your product fire resistant?

COOWIN composite product has a better fire resistance than traditional timber. However, they are not fireproof. Our decking retains a Class B fire rating.

How heavy is your decking?

COOWIN WPC decking is engineered to be denser with a specific gravity of about 1.3 to give superior durability and resistance to moisture and termites, and it is 50-70% heavier than comparable lumber.

Does your WPC product fade or change color?

COOWIN composite decks provide enhanced fade, stain, and mold resistance thanks to the added anti-UV additives. However, any exterior material will fade naturally to some degree over time while exposed to sunshine or lights, a weathered consistent color shall be achieved after 12-16 weeks since its installation.

Can your WPC decking be used indoors?

Yes. The durability and versatility of COOWIN WPC decking make it one of the few outdoor materials that can be used indoors. However, a solid base is still needed for it to sit on, which is often harder to achieve indoors than it is outdoors.

Does your product get hot or burnt under the sun?

COOWIN composite has a similar surface temperature to timber of similar colors and finishes. On a hot day with a blazing sun, nearly any surface will get uncomfortably hot or burnt to the touch, such as concrete, pressure-treated wood, or beach sand. On such days individuals are encouraged to cool surfaces with water or wear appropriate footwear.

If your product is made from recycled materials, why is it more expensive than wood?

While most of the raw materials used in making COOWIN composite are recycled, it is more expensive to manufacture as these materials need to be carefully processed, so as to perform better than wood through lesser maintenance. Over time, however, the maintenance, repair, and/or replacement costs associated with wood will end up outweighing your initial payment for COOWIN composite products.

Why are your products better than wood?

While wood may be cheaper when you purchase, it could end up costing you far more. COOWIN composite means quality, beauty, and minimal maintenance, saving you time and money. Plus, COOWIN composite combines the look of wood with the durability of plastic and offers superior performance that you can’t get from wood. COOWIN composite resists termites, won’t rot, warp, crack, or splinter. Unlike wood which requires regular maintenance, there is no need to apply weather protectants or water seal products, and stain or paint WPC products.

Is your WPC material waterproof?

COOWIN WPC has excellent moisture resistance, however, it should be noted that COOWIN WPC is not designed to “live in moisture”, this will eventually cause swelling and affect physical properties.

Is your product less harmful to human health than a comparable conventional product?

Yes. COOWIN composite contains no added arsenic or other preservatives that are likely to be toxic under normal exposure conditions. Conventional wood treating processes impregnate the wood substrate with toxic chemicals to prevent rot and decay.COOWIN composite is naturally resistant to rot and decay without toxic additives.