Slotted Decking Installation Guide

THE DIAGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BROCHURE ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY CONSTRUCTION OR USE
OF THE PRODUCT MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL ZONING AND/OR BUILDING CODES. THE CONSUMER ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION
OR USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THE CONSUMER OR CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, WEARING THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY, THE WARRANTOR DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY OTHER WARRANTY,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
©2018 Universal Forest Products. All rights reserved.
1801 E. Lessard St. Prairie du Chein, WI 53821
7758 8/18
Mold Inhibitors
Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
Color Variation
Cleaning
Most composites will have color variations from piece to piece. This is due to naturally
occurring variations in wood fibers and polymers. Purchasing all required decking
material at one time is recommended, as manufacturing runs can produce slightly
different colors. Do not install if color variation is not acceptable. Composite Decking
will lighten over time, and color variation is not covered by the warranty. This color-
tone shift is dependent upon exposure to sunlight and other environmental factors,
and is generally completed in 60 to 90 days. Gray products may turn a light brown
before changing to lighter gray.
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 decks 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.
Periodic washing with soap/mild 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 cause damage by driving the spores
deeper into the material, which may create a more challenging problem to remedy.
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. It is important to make sure you use a cleaner
specifically intended for your application. After selecting a product, be certain to
read, understand and follow all instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Some
cleaning products and inhibitors may be more effective than others, depending on
the environmental conditions your deck is subjected to. Additionally, it is always a
good idea to test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area prior to applying it to
the entire deck.
As with deck washes, there are several mold-
inhibitor products available from paint stores,
hardware stores, online outlets and home
centers to help prevent long-term mold/mildew
growth. For any product selected, be certain
to read, understand and follow all instructions
provided by the manufacturer. Depending upon
the environmental factors affecting your deck,
some preventive cleaning products may be
more effective than others. It may be necessary
to try more than one product. For ongoing
preventive maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s
adding an 8” block and using a hidden fastener clip at the end of each board
(figures 7 and 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. If no fascia is being used, the entire perimeter of the deck should be
fastened to the rim joist with screws. Use two fasteners at the end of each board.
These screws will be inconspicuous once the railing is installed. Apply these same
principles when installing stair treads.
fig. 5
fig. 6
fig. 8
fig. 7
recommendation. Note: Decking is not suitable for structural use. It should not be used for primary load-bearing members such as posts,
joists, beams or stringers. Common-sense precautions should be taken when handling wood or other building materials. Dust masks and eye
protection devices are recommended to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and chips. Gloves will help protect hands. Hands should be
washed after construction work.
fig. 4
Warning.eps
Fig.2.eps
Fig.1.eps
Fig.4.eps
Fig. 7.eps
Fig. 5.eps