Archive for the ‘Deck Maintenance’ Category

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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.

Posted in Advice for Homeowners, Consumer How-to, Deck Installation, Deck Maintenance, For Homeowners, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Composite Decking and Rain Reminders

Thursday, April 25th, 2013

With all the rain that seems to fall in the month of April, it’s no coincidence that ‘April showers’ have been immortalized in song and story.  April can be a wet month and if you have a composite deck, there are some deck considerations you’ll want to keep top of mind when it inevitably rains.

Capped Composite and PVC Decking

Keep in mind that the coating on the material is a type of plastic and, when wet, can be more slippery. Use caution when walking on your deck during or right after a storm.

Part of the appeal of capped composites is that the decking is not porous, so water will bead on the surface and take a little longer to dry since the material does not absorb it.

Uncapped Composite Decking

If you have uncapped composite decking you’ll need to pay a little attention to the objects sitting on your deck.   When moisture gets between objects (flower pots, mats, etc.) and can’t evaporate properly, the moisture can, over time, react with the tannic acid (tannins) in the wood fiber of the material and cause dark staining.  This staining can be removed with the correct cleaner; however, it will keep coming back if the source of the issue is not corrected.

Were these helpful? Don’t forget to share this post with your friends!
Do you have other rain reminders for composite decking owners? Share them below in the comments!

Posted in Advice for Homeowners, Deck Maintenance, For Homeowners | No Comments »

Weatherproof Outdoor Flooring – Creating Your Perfect Outdoor Oasis

Thursday, April 11th, 2013

 

If you are looking for a great wood alternative decking product for a tough weather climate, then look no further than composite decking or PVC decking.  Both products offer a great solution to common decking problems, in snowy or very wet climates as well as hot, dry climates that strip and dry out regular hardwood decks.  Capped composite decking and PVC decking are  traditional decking alternatives that offer lower overall maintenance and other benefits like not having to sand, stain, or seal the deck.

Composite decking is composed of wood fibers and plastic which help make it less susceptible to harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and heat.  With a traditional hardwood deck, very rainy climates cause the deck to mold and mildew and deteriorate faster, causing the homeowner lots of time and money in maintenance costs.  However, a capped composite deck is resistant to these weather conditions as well as being less susceptible to moisture absorption.  This keeps the deck looking new without a lot of upkeep.  In fact, a composite deck never requires staining or sealing and also never splinters or cracks like traditional hardwoods.  It also has the added benefit of being more aesthetically pleasing when using a hidden fastener system which eliminates surface screws.

Another option for weather resistant decking is PVC decking.  This type of decking has no wood particles and is a great choice for a very rainy climate.  It will not rot or warp due to damp weather conditions and carries a Class A flame spread rating required in fire prone regions of the country.  It is also has the same added benefits of composite decking in that it offers lower maintenance than traditional wood decks and doesn’t require and sanding, staining, or sealing.  In order to keep it looking its best, a light washing or hosing off will remove dirt or debris.   There are other types of weatherproof flooring on the market like aluminum decking, however PVC decking and composite decking keep the hardwood look, without all the upkeep.  This means that you can have a deck that looks like exotic hardwoods but requires much less maintenance.

Overall, when it comes to choosing an outdoor flooring solution that will provide your home with the outstanding beauty of hardwoods while maintaining the durability needed in a tough weather climate, PVC decking or composite decking is the solution.  Both provide a superior choice for lower maintenance, beauty, and durability against even harsh climates.  Fiberon offers both PVC decking and composite decking choices to help you create the perfect outdoor oasis.

Posted in Advice for Homeowners, Deck Maintenance, Fiberon Products, For Homeowners | No Comments »

Easy, Simple Steps for Cleaning Your Capped Composite Deck

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

Cleaning and caring for your capped composite deck is a simple and easy process.  It doesn’t require much more than your garden hose, a sprayer, and a household cleaner.  The best part about owning a capped composite deck is that it doesn’t require heavy cleaning every few months.  In fact, most manufacturers recommend twice a year!

Cleaning your capped composite deck is as easy as the following simple steps:

  1. Sweep off your decking to clear it of debris, like leaves.  Make sure to clean out the debris from the spaces between boards, as well, to ensure proper drainage.
  2. Remove any furniture or plants from the surface of the deck.
  3. Combine your deck cleaner with regular water.  There are specific composite deck cleaning products you can use or you can use a regular household cleaner or detergent.
  4. Spray your deck to completely wet the area you are starting in.
  5. Using a sprayer, spray the mixture onto the deck and do not let it dry.  Always make sure to clean in sections and keep the deck wet in order to prevent the cleaning agent from drying on the surface.
  6. Gently scrub the surface of the deck with a soft to medium bristled brush.  For tougher stains, allow cleaner to sit for 10-15 minutes but keep spraying it to keep the deck wet.
  7. Rinse the section of the deck completely with regular water.
  8. Repeat these steps until the entire surface has been cleaned.
  9. Allow the deck to dry before putting any furniture or plants back on the deck.

Following these easy steps will keep your capped composite deck looking great for many years.  The lower maintenance associated with capped composite decks make them the best alternative to wood decks on the market.

 

Posted in Advice for Homeowners, Deck Maintenance, For Homeowners, For Professionals | No Comments »

Composite Decking – A Beautiful Outdoor Living Space Awaits

Friday, February 22nd, 2013

Composite decking is the fastest growing wood deck alternative on the market.  It boasts low maintenance and a much longer lifespan than wood decking.  Advancements in the way composite decking products are made have allowed composite decking manufacturers to simulate the look of many exotic hardwoods to give the homeowner options they typically would not have when designing and building a deck.

Composite decking is a man-made building product that includes an approximate equal mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic. Because composite decking products are so durable and impervious to rot, they have a much longer lifespan than wood decks.  They do not require the staining, sanding, sealing, and board replacement that come along with wood decks.  Even though they require more initial investment, a composite deck more than makes up for that initial cost over the lifespan of the deck.

With the many advantages of composite decking, such as lower maintenance and being resistant to mold and insects, composite decking has been deemed one of the most durable decking products on the market today.  In addition to these benefits, new capped composite decking is also stain and fade resistant, which means it is easier to clean and has very high color retention.  Maintaining your composite deck requires semi-annual cleaning; just a quick spray of the hose with a mild household cleaner will do the trick.  Capped composite decking is sealed and is easier to clean if mold and mildew form on the surface.  Since there are exposed wood fibers in uncapped composite decking planks, it can be susceptible to mold growth just like any outdoor surface.  However, cleaning your deck periodically can help keep mold at bay.

Installation of composite decking uses the same tools as traditional wood decking with the added benefit of side grooves for hidden fasteners.  A hidden fastener system makes use of grooves built into the sides of the decking planks for a smooth surface without any screws showing.  Plus, you have the added benefit of absolutely no splinters, twisting or warping. However, it is important to note that you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Adding a deck to your home can produce a substantial return on your initial investment.  With composite decking, you are ensuring that your deck is beautiful for years with less maintenance.  You can even have the exotic look of woods like Ipe, without all the upkeep.  Composite decking can be a true, low maintenance solution to your outdoor living space by providing a beautiful sanctuary for you and your family.

Posted in Advice for Homeowners, Deck Maintenance, Fiberon Products, For Homeowners, For Professionals | 1 Comment »

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