Use and Care Manual

Care and Maintenance
For Fiberon Manufactured Capped Composite Decking and Railing Products
For the most up-to-date instructions, visit fiberondecking.com.
FIB-0207-LIT REV I 915
needed, at least twice each year. Climate conditions vary in
different regions of the country and may necessitate more
periodic cleaning. Removal of leaves, debris, and other organic
materials that provide a food source for mold development is
important. If mold is present on your deck, there are many
commercial products available for cleaning mold. We
recommend the following commercial cleaners. For best
results, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and
use cleaners within their stated shelf life. Do not mix
recommended cleaning products together as harmful chemical
reactions could occur. Never mix bleach and acids.
Collier Manufacturing 30-Seconds® Outdoor Cleaner and 30-
Seconds® Spray & Walk Away are heavy duty, mildly alkaline
chlorinated mold and mildew removers/cleaners that are
biodegradable once rinsed into the soil. Both have been tested
and perform very well in removing mold and mildew and
retarding its return.
For more information on cleaning mold and mildew, see
Fiberon Technical Bulletin # 13 at this link,
fiberondecking.com/resources/literature.
Salt and Calcium Chloride
Buildup of salt and calcium chloride from snow and ice removal
is easily removed with enough water and perhaps a light scrub.
Use a garden hose or sprayer. If using a pressure washer, use
at low pressures under 3,000 psi (20684.3 kPa) and at safe
distances, 10 inches (25 cm) above deck, to avoid damaging
your deck. Never use metal shovels or sharp-edged tools to
remove snow and ice on the surface of any Fiberon decking
product.
Static
Dry or windy environments may create a temporary condition
of static electricity, which will vary depending on climate and
site conditions. Heat pumps and dryer vents that are close to,
or pointed toward the decking material, can also generate
static electricity on the deck.
Rubber Mats
Welcome mats or grill mats with a rubber, vinyl or latex backing
can mark your deck. The marks can be removed, but to avoid
them, use high quality polypropylene or colorfast woven rugs
only.
Important Ladder Usage Safety Instructions
When using a ladder, place the ladder on a piece of ¾ inch
plywood firmly secured to the deck surface to disperse the load
of the ladder’s feet to nearby underlying joists. Drill fasteners
downward through the top of the plywood sheet, into the deck
board gaps and into the joists to keep the plywood from
slipping. This avoids leaving holes in your decking once the
plywood sheet is removed. Be sure to follow the ladder
manufacturer’s instructions and safety tips.
Fire and Unusual Heat Sources
Composite decking will retain heat when exposed to direct or
reflective sunlight. Exercise caution if walking barefoot as
footwear may be required. Fire and unusual sources of heat
and heat build-up can possibly damage Fiberon decking
surfaces. Examples would include fire, reflected light from
different types of glass (ex. low-e glass), fire features and
under-deck waterproofing installations that do not provide the
1.5 inches (4 cm) of unobstructed net free ventilation.
•Low-E Glass/Reflected Heat
Low-emissivity glass is designed to prevent heat gain inside
the house by reflecting sunlight outward. This reflective
property can result in excessive heat build-up on the surface
of Fiberon decking. The properties that Low-E glass employs
to prevent passive heat gain within a structure can result in
unusual heat build-up on exterior surfaces.
When sunlight is reflected and concentrated, it can harm a
range of building materials that include doors, windows,
siding, trim and decking. Damage caused to these products
can include melting, sagging, warping, discoloration,
increased expansion and contraction, and accelerated
weathering.
If you have questions on how to reduce this risk, contact the
manufacturer of the product which contains the Low-E glass
for suggestions on how to reduce or eliminate the reflected
heat.
• Under-deck waterproofing systems
Under-deck waterproofing systems, properly installed, can
provide additional living or storage space. Improper
installations are those that restrict air flow and result in build-
up of heat and/or humidity which can result in unwanted
consequences. Contact the manufacturer of the specific
under-deck waterproofing system for installation instructions
to ensure the required 1.5 inches (4 cm) of unobstructed
ventilation is achieved for Fiberon decking. If already
installed, seek methods to achieve the ventilation
requirement.
• Fire Features/Fire Pits
Fire features and fire pits are increasingly popular in outdoor
living environments. Fire can damage many building
products, including Fiberon decking. Improperly installed fire
features and fire pits can cause damage to the surface of
Fiberon decking via direct exposure to the flame or
excessive radiated heat. Proper caution should be taken
when designing, installing and using these features to
ensure damage does not result.
Fiberon Paramount Decking
Recommended cleaners include Simple Green and Krud Kutter
Cleaner Degreaser. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and
test in an inconspicuous area to make sure cleaner does not
harm the decking surface. Avoid the use of rubber, vinyl or
polypropylene products on Paramount Decking as a reaction
could occur resulting in discoloration under the product. Use
colorfast woven rugs only. Certain chemical ingredients in
products such as insect repellent and sunblock could cause a
reaction and result in a stain on the decking surface.