Debunking the Vinyl Decking 'Rip Test'

You may encounter some competing vinyl manufacturers performing some demonstrative parlor tricks intended to lead you to believe that one vinyl product is better than another, but we encourage you to see past the flim-flam and look at what is actually important in evaluating a deck vinyl.

Vinyl decking is FULLY adhered to a solid surface, so to be able to take a loose piece off of your deck and tear it is just not realistic at all.

Would that mean it makes sense to show that the thin layers of wood veneer that make up plywood can be torn in half independently, and then claim that makes plywood a product that does not pass the ‘rip test’?

Or does a fabric bandage that can be torn before being applied mean that it does not pass the ‘rip test’ and therefore not suitable to cover a paper cut?

What about latex paint? If you’ve ever had an old can of unused latex paint, you know that when it goes unused and dries to a plasticy, rubbery solid, it can be ripped. Does that mean you have to be worried that when the paint is on your wall, you should be concerned about it ripping?

Of course not. That is ridiculous.

If you are comparing pros and cons on a product, look at factors of its actual use that has some pertinence.



Elasticity is a far more relevant and realistic requirement to address environmental expansion and contraction.

We recommend you look at the Actual test requirements for these products from various building code testing agencies (such as meeting roofing membrane and pedestrian surface requirements), not evaluating based on theatrical demonstrations.

To view the testing results of Duradek for its actual use, visit www.duradek.com/testing-approvals/.

Originally posted at https://www.duradek.com/vinyl-deck-product-choice-myths-2/