New PT deck railing warp
I agree with Bill's answer but would like to add: Depending on your area, which you did not indicate, Pressure Treated wood(s) will react differently to weather/environment. The most likely scenario IMO is this: The wood used for your top railing boards was of a pine/spruce/fir variety which is an open grained wood. The PT process is composed of injecting chemicals which resist damage from the elements and insects. This injection process is done by putting the wood into a large sealed container and the chemicals are put in under high pressure. MOST of the PT wood(s) found here in S. GA. is still wet from this process at the lumber supply centers as there is such a quick turn-around of this wood. Your top rails were likely this way, wet when installed, and now have dried out which is normal. The chemical(s) are still in there. With the wood drying out, there is shrinkage and warping. IMO--your contractor faulted by not telling you there was a high probability of this happening. I build decks, trellis', Pergola's, etc. and see this often. One option you may have would be to use one of the newer synthetic woods, Trex for example, only for the top rails. Almost all of these synthetic woods have unique problems but will not shrink. Good Luck, David
|
Linear Mode
