Deck replacement core material

[Restoration man]

As you might have read previously I’m fixing the soft / damp spots on my front deck ,doing the job from inside, I’ve removed all the rotten balsa , only the forward half of the front deck was affected so I’ve only removed. What’s Necessary leaving the sound balsa core, I’ve also checked the deck with my Tramex moisture meter and can confirm all remaining balsa in front deck is dry , I’ve now got decide what to replace the balsa with , all the videos I’ve watched on YouTube they seem to use divinycell but can’t find a uk stockiest for this product I’ve called east coast fiberglass and they say to use product called armacell pet foam , I’ve done a bit of research and it seems it’s potentially a superior product to divinycell, just wondering if anyone has used this product ? Or does anyone know of another more Suitable foam? , I could also use end-grain balsa as that’s what it’s originally made of , but that always got the potential to rot again, it shouldn’t because I’m going to have an epoxy plug in all the bolt holes on the front deck so even if something comes loose or the seal goes between the deck fittings water should never be able to get back in ?
Thanks Nick

 

[geem]

My deck is Airex. No idea if you can get that in UK. I would go with the Armacell

 

[CrikeyChris]

Easycomposites.co.uk sell a PVC foam (as divinycell is) which is very similar to Airex PVC foam - in fact I believe it is rebranded Airex.
Gurit makes a wide variety of foams - see GURIT PVC80.
You probably noticed that structural foam is expensive and it makes balsa look reasonably priced. If your foredeck has a slight curve to it think about how you will hold it in place whilst the bedding compound cures.
I have some 10 mm Armacell foam from ECF and it seems fine - cannot remember what project I used it in.

 

[coopec]

My deck is Divinycell but the hull is Airex. (Airex doesn't appreciate high temperatures)

You must be able to get Divinycell in the UK! Have you contacted Diab?

Contact us - Diab

Core materials - Discover core materials products from Diab

 

[coopec]

My deck is Airex. No idea if you can get that in UK. I would go with the Armacell

Have you contacted these crowds?

UK Distributor of the AIREX® and BALTEK® Range - Composite Core Materials - Trident Foams
Buy PVC Foam - East Coast Fibreglass Supplies
PVC Foam Airex c.70/75 core 5mm

 

[Keith-i]

I went through this exact dilemma when fixing my decks. Eventually I opted to stick with balsa on the basis it had lasted 30 plus years until it got wet and it was a known quantity for bonding etc. As you say, keep it dry and it will be fine.

 

[geem]

I went through this exact dilemma when fixing my decks. Eventually I opted to stick with balsa on the basis it had lasted 30 plus years until it got wet and it was a known quantity for bonding etc. As you say, keep it dry and it will be fine.

My Airex deck is 42 years old. Bone dry. If it gets wet, it doesn't rot. The advantage of foam over wood

 

[jav301]

I've just replaced a section of rotten balsa core with 3D core from Easycomposites. Conforms to gentle curves, seems very good and inexpensive. Early days yet but I can't see any downsides. Most impressed with Easycomposites service, advice (they answer the phone!) and prices.

 

[Restoration man]

Have you contacted these crowds?

Thanks for that I will contact them,

 

[Restoration man]

Hi thanks to everyone that have replied ,I’ve been doing some research and it seems that divinycell also make a pet foam , im steering towards some type of pet foam whether it be divinycell or armacell it appears to out perform pvc and balsa , if anyone is interested I’ve added some links below first one is web page that’s worth a read second one is a link to a YouTube video explaining pet foam,

PET Foam Core: A Better Alternative to PVC Foam Core - USEON