DECK INSTALLATION GUIDELINES www.FortressBP.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 1. Introduction page 3 2. Pre-Installation page 4 3. Deck profile specifications page 5 4. 5. Fascia and batten profile specifications page 5 Expansion and contraction page 6-7 6. Cutting page 8 7. Spans and supports page 8 8. Ventilation page 9 9. Fasteners page 10-11 10. Deck installation page 11-12 11. Installation diagram page 12 12. Disclaimers and Copyright www.FortressBP.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 1. Introduction Thank you for choosing Fortress® decking. In these guidelines we aim to assist you in successfully completing an installation that will last as long as the Fortress decking products themselves. • The purpose of this guide is to help you adhere to all Fortress warranty specifications and create a durable, long-lasting installation. • Please note the limitations of this guide: o This guided intended only for Fortress single level square decks.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 2. Pre-installation STANDARDS Legislation may differ between jurisdictions. Before installing any Fortress Building Products, ensure that the application complies with the local building codes. Wherever necessary, consult a suitably qualified professional. Be sure to comply with material manufacturer specifications. Where manufacturers and building codes differ, revert to the building code requirements.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 3. Deck profile specification The ApexTM range was developed to provide a lightweight alternative to the Fortress Deck cellulose-polymer range. The foamed mineral-polymer core has improved water absorption and fire resistance behavior. The innovative double layer polymer coat provides a unique texture and aesthetic characteristic as well as improved slip resistance.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 5. Expansion and contraction The extrusion process Fortress Deck employs utilizes incredibly high pressures but low rates, resulting in products that are generally more dense than wood. The PVC component of the material make-up is susceptible to slightly greater expansion and contraction than traditional wood. This is partially mitigated by the intersection of bamboo fibers and mineral particles present throughout a product’s profile.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines Breaker or Border boards (boards laid at 90° to the rest of the deck) can be used to create a border around the deck and this will aid in controlling expansion resulting in better. Blocking will need to be used to support the breaker board. The breaker board will need to be top fixed or surface mounted to the Blocking.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 6. Cutting • Use a fine toothed, carbide tipped blade to cut Apex™ material. • Use an 80-tooth, 10-12" diameter cross-cut, or finer, blade. • Do not rip boards thinner than 2½". Use a minimum of two fasteners per joist, evenly spaced and a minimum of 1¼" from any board edge. • Measure twice Cut once Boards can be mitered. Use two fasteners, evenly spaced and a minimum of 1¼" from any edge, per mitered board. • Sharp blade Do not router Apex™ boards. 1.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 8. Ventilation diagram In order to avoid structural problems as a result of rot or corrosion. Attention should be paid to the ventilation of the deck. Deck board gaps, gaps between fascia boards, and ground clearance is vital to ensuring that your deck can breath and last for years to come. • Leave a minimum ground clearance of 12". • Ground clearance over concrete of 1½".
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 9. Fasteners Fortress Deck has developed a range of fasteners that are specially designed to securely fasten the deck boards to a substructure. The coating employed for our HULKTM fasteners ensure the fixing system supports your deck through out its lifespan.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines FASTENING · · · · · · · · · · · Do not use nails to fasten Apex™ boards. Use high quality fasteners suitable for the life span of the deck and the atmospheric conditions of the site. Stainless steel 316 fasteners should be used in environments classified as C5 or higher. A drill with adjustable torque settings is recommended. Cap subsidence Void collapse Apex™ boards require two fasteners points per joist. Fasten 1¼" from any edge of a board.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines Top view Hidden fastener Top fixed Joist Joist Joist Minimum of 1¼" to any edge. Maximum overhang of 1". Note: Pre-drilling may be required when top fixing.
ApexTM Deck Installation Guidelines 12. Disclaimers and Copyright The provided information is offered in good faith as accurate, but without guarantee, Fortress Deck makes no warranties or representations of any kind (express or implied) about the accuracy, adequacy, currency or completeness of the information, or that it is suitable for the intended use.Compliance with this document does not guarantee immunity from breach of any statutory requirements, building codes or relevant standards.
