Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Azek problems

I found this forum (see link) in doing research at "This Old House". A number of people are all complaining about Azek. Pretty scary, and I am now feeling I should back out of using this. The posts are pretty recent. I think I'd rather have mahogany and stain it if needed every year or two.

Procell composit decking - TOH Discussions (http://advice.thisoldhouse.com/showthread.php?t=6824)

All of the decks being discussed in that forum were installed about 3 years ago -- when it was Pro Cell, and before Katrina wiped out Pro Cells plant in Mississippi. I had problems with a couple of the Pro cell decks that I did in about that time period. BOTH of those were in full sun exposure, and the problems occured right up against a wall or fence where there was a lot of reflected light, in addition to the direct sunlight.

I have never seen a problem with any of the decks that are installed under a cover of some sort.

Since Azek took over about 1-1/2 years ago, I haven't seen any problems with any of THEIR decking that I've installed, regardless of whether it's covered or not.

FYI -- Redding is one of the toughest enviorments in the US for a deck to exist in. Lots of sun, and lots of heat. We also manage to get about 50" of rain a year -- about what Seattle does.

I guess what is making me a bit nervous is that the Azek website advertises that "AZEK has proprietary Procell® technology ". And Azek purchased Pro Cell less than 2 years ago - is that enough time to know if Azek has a better product than Pro Cell? However, as they bought Pro Cell, to get the technology, I'd assume they made no technology changes?

Yes, Azek purchased Pro Cell a little less than 2 years ago. However, keep in mind that Azek has been using this same technology to mfgr. trim boards for about 10 years. It appears as though they have tweaked the formulas ever so slightly, probably to get a bit more UV inhibitors into the product.

Your application is under cover, and that makes a HUGE difference!! You'll be fine with it.

The ONLY drawback that I see to using Azek Porch is that it only comes in 2 colors -- Brownstone and Slate. I have a lot of fun getting creative with Azek Deck because I have SEVEN colors to choose from!! But, I do decks, and you are doing a porch, and the T&G feature of Porch to get water to run off of the porch (rather than collect under it) is more important in your application.

Thanks, again. I appreciate it. It is a lot of money, so worry sets in easily. I do like both the brown and gray, and chose the brown.

Oh yeah, it's certainly a large investment. And Azek Porch is more expensive than Azek Deck. I understand perfectly why you are concerned, especially after finding some negative info on customers who went that way and now aren't happy campers. I'ld be having sencond thoughts too.

But I still think that you'll be OK, and that you will be happy with the choice, for all of the reasons mentioned in my earlier posts.

Post pictures when it's done.