Don't make the 7 common installation mistakes!
USE THE FOLLOWING TIPS & YOUR DECKING WILL LOOK GREAT FOR YEARS.
These quick tips are not a substitute for our installation, handling & maintenance guide.
Composite decking is installed differently to traditional timber decking.
ECO-DECKING like all composites expands in warmer weather and contracts
in cooler weather. With correct installation you will achieve great looking
results. Failure to install products as specified will void warranty!
1) Let the boards acclimatize before before cutting and laying
Boards stacked in a pack can be a very different temperature than the ambient
air temperature. Open the pack and lay boards out to allow them to settle to
the ambient air temperature.
2) Allow the required gaps for expansion and contraction
Refer to the chart below to learn what gaps to use. Gaps are required at ends
of ALL boards and also require a 12mm gap from another structure such as the
house, retaining wall, pool coping etc.
Installation Temperature
There is a rule of thumb for expansion and contraction but your required gap
depends on what your extreme temperatures you experience in your area.
For example: If you experience temperature ranges from -5 > 35 degrees,
boards will expand and contract more than temperature variation is 5>30 degrees.
The less temperature variation = the less expansion and contraction
These gap calculations are based on temperature variation from 0-30 degrees.
In more extreme temperatures, continue the calculation.
Installation temperature Gap required
Cold = 0-10 5-6mm at the end of boards
Warm = 10-20 3-4mm at the end of boards
Hot = 20-30 2-3mm at the end of boards
3) Ensure the deck has adequate ventilation
ECO-DECKING is very resistant to moisture, however prolonged exposure to
moisture will effect the substructure, decking boards and promote mould growth
on your deck. Decking boards require a 12mm gap from another structure such
as the house, retaining wall, pool coping etc, to avoid capillary action and for water
to drain away. Decking boards must never be in contact with the ground or another
surface except for the substructure. Use ventilation grates if necessary to allow
airflow for decks very low to the ground or membrane call us now.
4) Use the correct clip
Any deck 400mm or less from the ground must use the plastic clips. Any deck
that has inadequate ventilation must use plastic clips. For example: A deck 1.5m
off ground with sides of deck enclosed by retaining walls or similar.
5) Use the clips correctly
Ensure boards are fastened using 1x clip per joist except for butt joins or breaker
boards. Use correct installation method for butt joins.
6) Pre drill oversized holes
Ensure pre drilled holes for trim board screws are drilled oversize at 5mm diameter.
Use pan head screws, not counter sunk screws. This allows the trim board to
expand and contract.
7) Pin the boards to ensure even expansion and contraction
Refer to the installation guide on instructions to pin boards to ensure even
expansion and contraction.
Refer to supplied installation guide for full instructions.
Failure to install products as specified will void warranty.
CALL NOW IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
Do it right and do it once!
Download the ECO-DECKING Tips and tricks PDF here.