Beat the Heat: Why Composite Decks Are Built for Illinois Heat Waves

IC Build
Jun 23
2 min read

Illinois is currently experiencing one of the most intense heat waves in recent memory, with temperatures soaring above 95°F for several consecutive days and humidity pushing the heat index well over 100°F. For homeowners with decks—or those planning to build one—this kind of extreme weather poses serious challenges.

The Problem With Heat + Decks

Traditional wood decks can suffer during extreme temperatures. Excessive sun exposure can:

Warp or crack natural wood boards
Cause nails and screws to loosen
Fade stained finishes
Make surfaces dangerously hot to walk on

Beyond the inconvenience, this damage reduces your deck’s lifespan and increases maintenance costs.

Composite Decking: Designed for Heat Resistance

Unlike wood, composite decking is engineered to withstand high temperatures and humidity. Leading brands like Trex and TimberTech incorporate UV-resistant technology and cool-to-the-touch features designed for comfort—even during peak summer.

Key Benefits of Composite in a Heat Wave:

Fade-Resistant: Built-in UV inhibitors protect your deck’s color.
Won’t Warp or Crack: Materials don’t expand like traditional wood.
Low Surface Temperature: Lighter colors reflect more sunlight.
Slip Resistance: Moisture doesn’t make boards as slick as sealed wood.

According to Trex, their composite boards can maintain structural integrity up to 140°F and surface temperatures as much as 35% cooler than comparable products in direct sunlight (Trex, 2024).

Real Example: Our Clients in Downers Grove

During last July’s heat spike, one of our clients in Downers Grove replaced their aging cedar deck with Trex Transcend in Spiced Rum. They reported:

“Even at 96°F, we could still step out barefoot. Zero warping or weird creaks like we had before.”

That’s the composite difference.

Tips to Protect Your Deck in This Heat:

Clean off debris: Leaves can trap moisture and stain surfaces.
Use a pergola or deck shade to reduce direct UV exposure.
Inspect fasteners: Heat can loosen screws in older frames.
Choose light colors: Toasted Sand, Rocky Harbor, and Carmel stay cooler.

Build or Upgrade With Heat in Mind

Now is the best time to plan your deck upgrade—especially if your current structure is suffering from sun exposure, warping, or hot surfaces.

At IC Build, we install heat-resistant, long-lasting composite decks designed for Illinois’ unpredictable weather, from snow to heat waves.

🔹 Serving Naperville, Woodridge, Plainfield, Downers Grove, and nearby areas.

Call Today for a Free Estimate

Let us help you design a deck that stays cool and looks great all year round.

👉 Call Now or Contact Us Online to Get Started.

Trex Company. (2024). Trex Transcend Decking Features. https://www.trex.com

TimberTech. (2024). Decking That Stays Cooler Under the Sun. https://www.timbertech.com