INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE www.FortressDeck.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE CONTENTS 1. INFINITY CO-EXTRUDED COMPOSITE DECKING 1.1 An Introduction to Bamboo-Plastic Composite 1.2 What is Infinity Decking and What Are the Benefits? 1.3 Benefits of Infinity vs. Wood 3 3 3 4 2. TRANSPORTING FORTRESS INFINITY DECK BOARDS 2.1 Stacking 2.2 On-Site 5 5 5 3 BASIC COMPONENTS OF A DECK 6 4 TOOLS & MATERIALS 4.1 Tools 4.2 Materials 7 7 7 5 JOIST SPACING 5.1 Joist Spacing Table 5.2 Installing Deck Boards At An Angle 5.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 1. INFINITY CO-EXTRUDED COMPOSITE DECKING 1.1 An Introduction to Bamboo-Plastic Composite Wood-Plastic Composites (WPC) are composite materials made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastic(s). WPC are produced by thoroughly mixing ground wood particles and heated thermoplastic resin. WPC may be produced from either virgin or recycled thermoplastics including HDPE, LDPE, PVC, PP, ABS, PS, and PLA.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE Designed and formulated in the harsh environments of South Africa, Infinity is superior in quality and performance and has become a trusted outdoor building product. The proven global performance allows Fortress Deck to have an industry leading warranty coverage on all Infinity products. Infinity offers the latest in innovation and design and is a superior, eco-friendly, hassle-free alternative to traditional wood products, exotic hardwoods or wood-plastic composites. 1.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 2. TRANSPORTING FORTRESS INFINITY DECK BOARDS 2.1 Stacking The best method of stacking is the pyramid method or brick layers method. By shifting the layers of boards halfway across a board’s length, the chances of the boards sliding apart are lower and therefore safer. Though the pyramid method is safer for storage purposes, it is not always the most practical. If it is necessary to stack boards, be sure not to stack them too high.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE Thank you for choosing Infinity Decking. You can be assured that you are using and installing a product that is one of the most durable, highest performing and long lasting in its class. This guide was developed to help installers limit installation faults and workmanship, increase productivity and complete installations that last and conform to warranty specifications.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 4. TOOLS & MATERIALS 4.1 Tools Infinity Decking require the same tools as those used for the installation of traditional wood decks.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 5. JOIST SPACING Please consult the chart below to ensure sufficient material and proper spacing of substructure joists for your deck before beginning installation. 5.1 Joist Spacing Table Joist Spacing For Grooved & Square Boards At An Angle 90° 60° 45° 30° 16” 14” 12” 8” 5.2 Installing Deck Boards At An Angle Installing decking at an angle can help delineate different areas of the deck, and add variety to your deck designs.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 6. GENERAL TIPS & BEST PRACTICES 1. Please follow the instructions when installing Infinity Decking, paying close attention to gapping, spacing and fastener requirements. 2. Before beginning construction, check all areas local building codes and regulations. 3. Infinity products require proper ventilation and drainage to ensure longevity. Adequate drainage is needed to prevent water from pooling under the deck. 4. The more ventilation provided underneath the deck, the better.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 7. BEFORE INSTALLATION: TIPS FOR PLANNING AHEAD Important! Please make sure that before you begin construction, you are aware of building requirements, codes and restrictions. The installation of any Fortress Deck product is a big investment and should be viewed as a serious building project. Installation plays a huge role in the longevity and lifetime of the product and will have a direct influence on performance as well as warranty.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 9.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE Clip Screw For Wood Hidden Clip 500 units per box 500 units per box - M 4.2 x 40mm stainless steel, nano coated clip screw - M 4.2 x 40mm black, nano coated clip screw 304 stainless steel, coated Designed for Infinity Grooved Boards as well as many other grooved boards on the market. Torpedo clip screws are specially designed for quick and easy installation into wood. Clip Screw for Steel Fastening bits 500 units per box * Every HULK box contains a fastening bit. - M 4.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 11. INSTALLATION Important! Please make sure that before you begin construction, you consult building requirements, codes and restrictions regarding spacing and load requirements for rails. All supporting structures and framing must comply with applicable building codes. All local building codes will supercede any recommendations, measurements or techniques in the following installation instructions.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 11.2 HULK Hidden Clip Installation 1¼” 1¼” First Board Info@FortressDeck.com www.FortressDeck.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 11.3 Installation: Laying The Deck ● Lay boards perpendicular to joists or at a preferred angle. ● Pre-load clips with HULK screw. ● Attach subsequent boards to joists with Hulk Hidden Clips. ● Tighten clip, do not over tighten as this may deform the clip. (Impact driver drill recommended) ● Move the next profile into position and tap into place with a rubber mallet, then sufficiently tighten clips. ● Continue to next board.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 11.3 Installation: Laying The Deck Cont. ● Hulk Hidden clips fit easily, into the board grooves, do not force them in the groove (for expansion & contraction reasons). ● Use a clip and screw on every joist. Boards must not ever share clips or joist! Screw clip into joist, ensuring that the screw goes down straight and into the center of the joist. ● Screws must go in at 90 degrees so as not to damage the next board.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 11.4 Installation: Post ● Fortress Infinity Post Sleeves are manufactured to work with treated 4”x4” post. (Actual dimention 3.5” x 3.5”) ● CONSULT LOCAL BUILDING CODES REGARDING PROPER POST INSTALLATION PRACTICES AND MINIMUM RAILING HEIGHTS IN YOUR AREA. ● Cut Fortress Infinity Post Sleeves to the desired height. ● Slide post sleeves over treated 4”x4” posts down to the decking surface. ● Posts should be square and plumb in both directions.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 11.5C ● If needed, attach I-support or crush block to the bottom of the bottom rail. Use one support at the center of a 6’ rail section and 2 supports at ⅓ and ⅔ of an 8’ rail section. (11.5C) Info@FortressDeck.com www.FortressDeck.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 11.6 Installation: Modern Rail Stair ● Building codes are very specific on the allowable angles and widths of openings between posts for stair applications. Always consult your local building codes prior to installation. ● Posts should be installed prior to installing the Infinity Modern Rails. 11.6A 11.6B ● Place the Infinity Modern Rails on the stairs between the two posts, spanning a minimum of three stairs to determine the desired angle. (11.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 11.8 Installation: Stair Tread 8” Fascia/Riser Stair Tread (1.18” x 12.8”) 12” Fascia 2” x 12” Stringers 1½” minimum 1½” minimum 1½” minimum 1½” from board edge ● Take measurement of the width of the stairs. ● Cut Stair Tread board to the desired lengths. ● Use a minimum of three fasteners at every stringer, no more than 1½” from the edge of the board. See diagram above for fastener spacing.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 12. BEST PRACTICES: JOISTS ● Rim joists - mark spacing and lay out your joists with rim joist in mind. For complex designs you may need to curve the rim joist. ● You will always need perimeter joists (rim joists) for installing fascia. ● Always remember to leave 1” - 1¼” gaps between the double joists to allow debris to fall through the gap. 13. BEST PRACTICES: DECK BOARDS ● If you are working between set lines, check that they are parallel.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 14. BEST PRACTICES: FASCIA 14.1 Fascia Installation: Fasteners 12” Fascia Board 8” Fascia Board ● Fascia boards should be screwed to the frame (end joist or rim joist) and not to the decking boards. ● 8” Fascia: Use two screws fixed rigidly every 12” along the profile, and no more than 1½” from the start/finish edge. ● 12” Fascia: Use two screws fixed rigidly every 16” along the profile, and no more than 1½” from the start/finish edge.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 14.2 Fascia Installation: Joint Connections Cut angle 30° - 45° at joints FRONT VIEW TOP VIEW Continuous joint Corner joint (45°) 15. AFTER INSTALLATION ● Dispose leftover composite material per local regulations. ● Minor spills and stains on your deck can be dealt with by cleaning. ● Please familiarize yourself with the Infinity Cleaning & Care Instructions available at the end of this guide and separately, insist your client does too.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE 17. EXAMPLES OF DECKING INSTALLED INCORRECTLY No double joist and no double clip at the butt joint. Counter sink is too deep and too big for the size of the screw. Slopping away, either the earth has dropped or the frame has dropped. There is also insufficient drainage. Screws are too close to the edge of the board, minimum distance from the side of the board should be 1¼”. Info@FortressDeck.com www.FortressDeck.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE Deck is not sloping away, this deck is sloping to the center. Deck is not sloping correctly. Water is collecting in the center of the boards. No double joist and no double clip. Missing piece of decking. Fascia not cut correctly. Info@FortressDeck.com www.FortressDeck.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE Unfinished cutting left. Nobody checked the deck after completion. Poorly planned installation. Improper blocking. No support under the decking. Tree has grown more than allowable cut out. Leave sufficient gaps for the plants and trees to grow. Info@FortressDeck.com www.FortressDeck.
INFINITY TECHNICAL GUIDE The railing post is only supported by the decking. Proper blocking should be installed to support the railing post. Improper fascia installation. Cracked deck board installed. Cracked deck board installed. Deck sloping away, frame is giving in. Info@FortressDeck.com www.FortressDeck.
