Installation Guide

ManualsBrandsFiberon ManualsComposite Decking BoardsHorizon 1 in. x 5-1/4 in. x 20 ft. Castle Gray Grooved Edge Capped Composite Decking Board (56-Pack)

The most recent installation instructions can be found on our website. Please visit berondecking.com or call Consumer and Technical Support at 800-573-8841.

Cortex hidden face fastener instructions

- square edge surface fastening system

The Fiberon Cortex

hidden face fastening system is the fastest, easiest way to hide deck screw heads on stairs, perimeter boards or when

replacing a deck board. The Cortex plugs come in a variety of colors that are complementary to Fiberon decking boards.

Note: The use of non-Cortex screw or non-Cortex plug will nullify the warranty. For a full written warranty, additional information or technical

assistance, please contact Fiberon, at 800-573-8841 or visit berondecking.com.

The Fiberon Cortex hidden face fastening system is designed for traditional elevated deck surfaces.

The following applications require a different fastening method or further instructions and will nullify the warranty:

• Sleeper systems: Framing rests directly on the ground or roof deck

• Over solid wood surfaces (i.e. fascia boards, handrails, benches).

• Docks or decks with framing members in constant contact with water

• Restricted airspace when there is less than 12 in. of clearance on three sides of the deck

• “Tear-offs” that utilize old framing as support for new decking.

• Deck materials other than 1 in. standard thickness

Locate all fastener holes at least 1 1/2 in.

from board ends and 1 in. from board sides.

For best results, pre-drill all holes with a

5/32 in. drill bit perpendicular to the deck

surface to create the proper pilot hole and

remove excess material to prevent cracking

at fastener locations.

Note: Pre-drilling is required at board ends

and where temperatures are below 40° F or

above 80° F.

Note: Double joists are required at end-to-

end seams.

Note: Use a high torque drill with a ½ in.

chuck either corded or battery powered

of at least 18 volts for best results. Do not

use any speed higher than 1800 rpm. Turn

any torque setting to the innite setting. An

impact driver may also be used with PVC

decking only.

Using the Cortex setting tool, drive the

fastener to the preset level below the

deck surface in one continuous motion

perpendicular to the deck surface. Install

two fasteners at every joist and/or stair

stringer. Overtightening will induce cracking

at fastener locations.

Note: Periodically change a worn driver bit

for a fresh bit at least every 125 screws.

Note: If damage occurs to the screw while

being driven, do not continue to drive the

screw in. Follow the instructions on how to

remove damaged screws.

Ensure the cored hole is free of debris or

moisture. Place the Cortex plug into the

cored hole and gently tap with a smooth

hammer head until it is ush with the deck

surface.

Removing damaged plugs or screws

Always be careful not to damage the

decking surface by masking off around the

screw or plug being removed. clean off any

debris left behind immediately after the work

is completed.

Existing plugs can be removed by tapping

into the plug center with a trim screw (#7

or smaller) until it reaches the screw head

below the plug. Using a standard #1 driver

bit (not the Cortex setting tool), engage

driver bit deep into screw recess prior to

backing out, then slowly reverse fastener

out, centering weight over the drill. An 18V

impact drill can offer best results when

removing a fastener.

To replace a damaged screw if the head is

above the deck surface, remove the driver

bit from your drill and open the chuck wide

enough to capture the head of the screw.

Tighten the chuck rmly around the head

and set the drill in reverse and, on low

speed, slowly draw the fastener out of the

deck.

Note: If you prefer to use Vise-Grips, grasp

the screw head but be sure to protect the

deck surface from tool marks by providing

enough clearance between the tool and the

deck surface.

If the head of the damaged screw is at

or slightly below the deck surface use an

impact driver with a new standard #1 square

drive. Set the tool on reverse, centering

weight over the drill and slowly remove the

screw. Use a #2 square drive bit and drive

the bit into the head of the screw with a

few rm hits of a hammer. Using a sleeve or

extension preinstalled on the drill, carefully

slide the open end onto the #2 bit and on

low speed reverse out the screw.