Installation Guide

For the most up-to-date instructions, visit verandadeck.com.
Hidden Fastener Installation
The ArmorGuard Hidden Fastener is a deck fastening
system designed specically for grooved (GV) deck boards,
and is a fast and simple way to create a smooth deck
surface, uninterrupted by visible screws or nails.
CAUTION: Contains parts with sharp edges. Use proper
care. Use of gloves is recommended.
Initial Installation of Deck Boards
1. Refer to gure 6 - typical joist spacing is 16" (41 cm)
o.c.. Diagonal installations typically require 12" (30 cm)
o.c.. 1/4" (6 mm) spacing from any permanent structure
(wall or post) is required. Side board spacing: 3/16" (5
mm); between board and any permanent structure or
post 1/4" (6 mm). Between board ends: at temperatures
up to 30°F (-1C°) space 1/4" (6 mm); at 50°F (10°C)
space 3/16" (5 mm); at 70°F (21°C) space 1/8" (3 mm);
at 90°F (32°C) space 1/16" (2 mm); at temps over
110°F (43°C) space 1/32" (1 mm). ArmorGuard Hidden
Fasteners are not to be used on stair treads. (Stair
treads require the use of Fiberon square-edge boards
and must be surface fastened/screwed).
5. Secure the rst deck board by face-fastening with a
stainless steel or high quality composite decking screw
in each pre-drilled hole. Do not over-tighten screws.
6. On opposite side of rst deck board, insert a
ArmorGuard Hidden Fastener into the side groove of the
board at every support joist (single tab rst). The single
tab should engage the deck board by a minimum of
5/16" (1 cm) (8-10). Center the screw hole on the joist.
To secure the ends of two boards use the Butt Joint
fastener as shown below. (7B)
7. Install a screw (provided with the fasteners) through the
hole in the ArmorGuard Hidden Fastener into the center
of each support joist. Angle the fastener toward the rst
deck board (8). Do not over-tighten screws.
8. Position the next deck board against the fastener tabs
and slide the board onto the tabs. If necessary, slightly
lift the outer edge of the board to ease the assembly of
the board onto the fastener tabs (8-9). When installed
properly, the fastener will ensure a 3/16" (5 mm) gap
(10).
9. Repeat steps 6 - 8 for each deck board.
10. Position the nal deck board onto the last set of
ArmorGuard Hidden Fasteners. For face fastening, to
ensure a consistent gap between boards, predrill the
nal deck board with a 1/8" (3 mm) drill bit along the
outside edge of the board at every support joist. The
holes at the end of the board should be a minimum
of 11/2" (4 cm) from the board end. The holes along
the grooved edge of the board should be a minimum
of 1" (3 cm) from the board side. See ArmorGuard for
installing hidden fastener end clips around the perimeter
of the deck for a fastener-free surface.
11. Secure the nal deck board by fastening a minimum
#8 x 2 1/2" (6 cm minimum) long stainless steel or
composite deck screw in each pre-drilled hole. Do not
over-tighten screws.
VER-0042-LIT 4/14
Preparation
First Board
Typical residential joist
spacing is 16" (41 cm) o.c..
For diagonal applications 12"
(31 cm) o.c.. Always check
local building codes before
construction.
Rim Joist
Ledger Board
Permanent Structure
Structural Joist
Structural Joist
16" O.C.*
Deck
Board
Rim Joist
Permanent Structure
Fastener
6
7
Line Fastener Installation
8
9 10
B
A
2. Requires 6" (15 cm)
of unobstructed
airow. See
deck ventillation
information page 9.
3. Position the rst
deck board on the
support joists. Leave
a 1/4" (6 mm) gap
from any permanent
structure (7).
4. Pre-drill the rst deck
board with a 1/8" (3
mm) drill bit along
the outside edge of
the board at every
support joist. To
prevent cracking of
the board, the holes
at the end of the
board should be a
minimum of 11/2" (4
cm) from the board
end. The holes along
the grooved edge of
the board should be
a minimum of 1" (3
cm) from the board
side.
6