Installation Guide

Page 3
Installing TimberTech
®
Decking
Extreme Heat Warning
Be aware of excessive heat on the surface of TimberTech
products from external sources, such as but not limited to,
fire or reflection of sunlight from energy-efficient window
products. Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass can potentially harm
TimberTech products. Low-E glass is designed to prevent
passive heat gain within a structure and can cause unusual
heat build-up on exterior surfaces. This extreme elevation
of surface temperatures, which exceeds that of normal
exposure, can possibly cause TimberTech products to melt,
sag, warp, discolor, increase expansion/contraction, and
accelerate weathering. Current or potential TimberTech
customers that have concerns about possible damage by
Low-E glass should contact the manufacturer of the product
which contains Low-E glass for a solution to reduce or
eliminate the effects of reflected sunlight.
Color and Temperature
Although TimberTech products are cooler to the touch than
many other deck board products in similar colors, all decking
products will get hot in the sun. Additionally, the darker the
decking color, the hotter it will feel.
Excessive Construction Debris
It is important during construction, that the deck’s surface
stay clear from excessive build-up of dirt, sand, and dust
from tile, concrete, landscape blocks, or any other masonry
products. If these materials are not removed immediately,
the deck surface will become difficult to clean and can
potentially damage the deck’s surface finish. TimberTech
Decking should not be used as a work surface. If a
build-up does occur please refer to the Care and Cleaning
section in TimberTech’s installation guide or website,
www.TimberTech.com.
Calculating Material Requirements
To determine how much TimberTech decking material you
will need, start by calculating the square footage of your
deck surface by multiplying length by width. Once you know
this number, divide it by the numbers provided below for 12’
boards, 16’ boards and 20’ boards.
Once you know the square footage number, divide it by 5.5 for
12’ boards, 7.3 for 16’ boards and 9.1 for 20’ boards.
When calculating the amount of decking you will need, it is
recommended that you add roughly 10% to the total for a
scrap factor.
Example: Length x Width = Total Square Footage
Square Footage ÷ by 5.5 (12’), 7.3 (16’) or 9.1 (20’) = Boards
Needed (Round the number up)
Boards Needed + 10% (Scrap Factor) = Final Number of
Boards Needed (Round the number up)
Butt Joint Gapping Requirements
32° F and below 33° F to 74° F 75° F and above
3/16" gap 1/8" gap 1/32" gap
Working With TimberTech Boards
Gapping Requirements For All TimberTech Boards
• Side-to-side board gapping must be minimum 1/8” to
maximum 3/16”.
• Allow 3/16” minimum gap where the boarding meets any
adjoining structure or post.
• Follow these butt joint gapping guidelines for all
TimberTech boards: a
Expansion and Contraction
TimberTech deck boards will experience expansion and
contraction with changes in temperature. Expansion and
contraction are most significant where extreme temperature
changes occur. Fastening the deck boards according to
the gapping requirements noted in the following table
accommodates for this movement.
Changes in length are most significant during the installation
process, and should be accounted for if working in extreme
temperatures. A good example would be cutting your boards
during a hot afternoon, letting them sit outside overnight
in the cool air and then installing them the next morning.
Chances are, you will notice a certain amount of contraction.
The best way to minimize this problem is to fasten your
boards as soon after cutting as possible.
For a Wildlife Urban Interface compliant installation per SFM
12-7A-4A, the following products should be used with the
side-to-side gapping below:
• TimberTech EDGE Premier Square Shouldered Decking
installed with edge to edge gap spacing of 1/8”.
• TimberTech PRO Reserve-FR Grooved Decking installed
with edge to edge gap spacing of a maximum 3/16”
(minimum 1/8”).
• TimberTech PRO Reserve-FR Square Shouldered
Decking installed with edge to edge gap spacing of 1/8”.