Archive for the ‘Consumer How-to’ Category

Deck Safety Month – Is your deck safe? Check Your Deck®

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013
Collapsed Deck

Photo Courtesy of NADRA member Simpson Strong-Tie

May is Deck Safety Month®.  Each year thousands of people are injured and some even lose their lives to deck failures. May is the perfect time to inspect your deck – after the potentially damaging winter and before the high deck traffic of summer.  The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) declared May to be Deck Safety Month in 2006 to remind you to protect your family and friends by making sure to inspect your deck annually.

So what should you be looking for? Deck boards, fasteners, railings, balusters and stairs all need your attention once a year to ensure a structurally sound deck for the coming year.  It’s also a great time to check grills, fire pits, outdoor furniture and storage for any unsafe placements or damage.  NADRA has provided a consumer checklist for your convenience and safety.

If you notice anything that concerns you, have your deck inspected by a qualified professional immediately.

This summer, make sure your deck is a place of fun and relaxation, not fear and anxiety. Check Your Deck® today.

We are proud to be the exclusive sponsor of Deck Safety Month 2013.

Fiberon Deck Safety Infographic

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012

Is your deck safe?  Check it.

May is Deck Safety Month. But we want you safe ALWAYS. Please download and reuse our infographic.  

A list of items to check to ensure your deck is safe, sponsored by Fiberon Decking

Fiberon Decking "Check Your Deck" for safety

Also, check out the Deck Safety Program at NADRA, the North American Deck and Railing Association.

NADRA is the voice of Deck Builders and sponsors some great information on deck safety, including a Deck Evaluation Form, a Consumer Checklist, and links to relevant and related information.

The deck collapse videos on their site are frightening and motivating.

So, be safe and  “Check Your Deck”.

Fiberon Decking is a proud sponsor of NADRA.

Prepping Your Deck For Winter

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

In North Carolina we typically enjoy the fall, with few nights dropping below the 40s. While it is bearable to be outside without bundling up, this will soon change, so it’s now a good time to winterize the deck.

snow lines by NapaneeGal

snow lines by NapaneeGal

With PVC and composite decking, it’s really quite simple. Make sure you keep it clear of leaves and debris. Also, check between the boards to remove any built-up dirt. (more…)

Top 10 Composite Decking Care and Maintenance Tips

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Ensure your composite deck maintains its natural beauty

Follow these ten easy care and maintenance steps to keep your composite deck looking great throughout the year:

composite decking

Horizon Composite Decking in Ipe

10.  Never use shovels or sharp edges to remove snow and ice from your deck.

9.  Place a vinyl-backed splatter guard mat underneath your grill.

8.  For oil and grease stains, speedy clean up is the best. The longer the oil or grease sits on the surface the most likely it is to soak into composite wood fibers.

7.  Use extreme caution with pressure washers when cleaning your deck. Use at pressures less than 1,500 psi at 12” above the deck surface.

6.  Keep debris out of gaps between the decking boards so rain showers can remove pollen

5.   If mold is present on your deck, there are many commercial products available for cleaning mold. We recommend the following commercial cleaners.

  • 30 Seconds® Outdoor Cleaner by Collier Manufacturing, LLC is safe to use around lawn and plants when used as
    directed and is biodegradable once rinsed into the soil.
  • Composite Deck Cleaner & Enhancer by Expert Chemical Company is a heavy duty, mildly alkaline chlorinated mold and
    mildew remover/cleaner.

Strictly follow manufacturers’ instructions.

4.  Clean your deck as often as needed, at least twice each year.

3.  Maintain a deck that is dry and clean. Dislodge accumulated dirt with a broom or by using soap, water and a scrub brush, scrubbing in the direction of the grain pattern.

2.  Improve drainage or grade soil to eliminate standing water under decks. Direct downspouts, downspout extensions and splashguards away from decks.

1.  Ensure adequate ventilation under and between decking boards to prevent mold growth.

Refer to the Fiberon Care and Maintenance document for more information.

Do you have maintenance tips of your own? Leave them in the comments below!