Installation Guide

Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any
exterior building surface, regardless of the material.
If the conditions are right, they will spawn on wood,
plastic, concrete, metal and other surfaces. Mold
formation is most prevalent in consistently wet,
shaded areas. Spores from the natural environment
are carried by the wind and commonly land on
deck surfaces. It is important to note that the
appearance of mold/mildew is a function of
nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any
of the material on which it grows.
Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
Cleaning
Periodic washing with soap/detergent and water
will help remove surface dirt. This will also help
prevent the buildup of pollen, debris and spores
that can cause and accelerate mold/mildew
growth.
CAUTION: A pressure washer should not be used
to “blast” mold/mildew or soils from a deck surface.
The abrasive nature of the water stream can
potentially damage the material by driving the
spores into the material, which may create a more
challenging problem to remediate. A pressure
washer with a fan-tipped nozzle should be used
only to lightly wet or rinse wood or composite
deck surfaces.
There are many deck wash and exterior cleaning
products available at retail stores. It is important
to make sure you use a cleaner specifically
intended for your application. After selecting
Install one Stowaway fastener at each joist location
along the length of the board. For installations
where deck boards are butted end-to-end at
the joist, we recommend adding an 8” block
and using a Stowaway hidden fastener clip at
the end of each board (fig. 7 and fig. 8). Be sure
to gap the boards as previously described.
Repeat the process for each board until the
outside edge of the final board is fastened with
screws. Use fascia to conceal the board profile
and inhibit board movement over time. Please
refer to the fascia installation instructions for the
approved fastening methods for fascia boards.
If no fascia is being used, the entire perimeter of
the deck should be fastened to the rim joist with
screws. Use two screws per joist on the perimeter
board. These screws will be inconspicuous once
the railing is installed. Decking should be fastened
with screws when being used as stair treads.
fig. 7
fig. 6
fig. 8
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