I've been wondering about this too, especially since I'm planning to redo some ductwork soon. Do you think the issue with plastic straps is more about the material itself or how they're installed? Like, would spacing them closer together or using wider straps help prevent sagging and moisture buildup, or is metal really the only reliable option here? Just trying to get a clear picture before I commit to buying materials...
- From my experience, plastic straps tend to be okay initially but degrade quicker than metal, especially in areas prone to temp fluctuations or humidity.
- Wider straps and closer spacing might help a bit, but honestly, it's more about durability long-term. Plastic just doesn't hold up as well over time, at least from what I've seen.
- When I moved into my place, the previous owner had used plastic straps everywhere—looked fine at first glance, but after a couple years they started sagging noticeably. Ended up redoing the whole thing with metal anyway.
- Curious though... are there specific types of plastics or composites out there now that claim to resist moisture better? Maybe they've improved the materials lately. Anyone looked into this?
"Curious though... are there specific types of plastics or composites out there now that claim to resist moisture better?"
Yeah, I've seen some newer composite materials marketed as moisture-resistant, but honestly, I'm still skeptical. A neighbor tried some supposedly "advanced" plastic straps a couple years back—claimed they'd handle humidity better. Fast forward to now, they're already sagging and looking rough. Metal might cost a bit more upfront, but I'd rather spend once than redo the whole thing later. Just my two cents...
I've run into similar issues myself. A few years back, we tried some composite decking boards that were supposed to be "moisture-proof" and "maintenance-free." Well, after a couple of wet winters, they started warping and discoloring anyway. Makes me wonder if these claims are more marketing hype than reality...
That said, I've heard good things about HDPE (high-density polyethylene) materials lately. Supposedly they're more stable and resistant to moisture absorption compared to older composites. Has anyone here actually used HDPE-based products long-term? I'd be curious if they genuinely hold up better or if it's just another round of wishful thinking.
Either way, I agree—sometimes spending a bit more upfront on metal or proven materials saves headaches down the road.
We switched to HDPE decking on a couple of properties about four years ago, and honestly, it's held up surprisingly well. No noticeable warping or fading yet, even after some pretty harsh winters. That said, proper ventilation underneath is key—without good airflow, even the best materials can struggle. I'd still lean toward aluminum or steel framing underneath if budget allows, just to be safe.
