Archive for the ‘Fiberon Products’ Category

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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 »

Win a New Deck – Just Ask 4 Fiberon!

Thursday, April 4th, 2013

If you follow us on social media (if not, there’s no better time than the present – just click the icons in the top right corner of this page), you’ve probably heard that we are kicking off deck season with a bang. In March, Fiberon announced our Ask-4-Fiberon Sweepstakes. We are giving four lucky homeowners $5000 in composite decking materials and entering is easy! Simply check out our Deck Design Idea Tool and save the deck you make. This will send you an email of your deck and a link to the entry form (make sure to check your junk mail folder). Fill it out today and you’ll have four chances to win!

Drawings will be conducted April 30th, May 31st, June 30th and July 31st. One entry will make you eligible for any of the drawings not yet conducted when you enter – so the longer you wait to enter, the less chances you’ll have to win.

The fun will keep building all summer, so stay tuned for updates and winner profiles!

Enter to win and share the opportunity with your friends!

 

Ask 4 Fiberon

 

Posted in Enjoy Your Deck, Fiberon Products, For Homeowners, Uncategorized | No Comments »

How It’s Made: Composite Decking

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

If you are considering adding a deck or outdoor space to your home, it is important to understand the options available.  From traditional wood to composite decking, there are several products on the market today that can help you create the deck you’ve always wanted.  Composite decking is one of the most popular alternative decking products available and is longer lasting than a traditional wood deck.  For many customers, the biggest questions are, what materials are in a composite deck and how does it last so much longer?

Fiberon Horizon Composite Decking

Fiberon Horizon Composite Decking

Composite decking boards are made up of wood and plastic.  The wood particles can be anything from sawdust, wood chips, and wood fiber pieces.  The plastic components can be either virgin or recycled plastic materials.  Because of the use of recycled or recovered materials in the manufacturing process, composite decks are considered a more environmentally friendly product for deck building.

The  two most popular types of composite decking are uncapped and capped.  There are two main processes for creating composite decking.  One process is extrusion.  This is defined as a forming process in which the raw materials are mixed and forced through an opening to produce a product that maintains a relatively consistent size and shape.  The opening would be the size and shape of the decking board and the process would solidify the shape and desired size.  The second process is called compression molding.  Compression molding takes the combined molten materials and places them on a wood grain mold and then compresses them under extreme heat and pressure which creates a physical bond.  Composite decking boards are heavier than traditional wood boards and are not to be used as structural material.

It is also important to note that most capped composite decks are stain resistant, but if a stain should occur, it should be cleaned as soon as possible.  Most stains can be removed with soap and water or a household cleaning product.  The best way to maintain your composite deck is to sweep it off when necessary and hose it down occasionally.  For deep cleaning, scrubbing it with soap and water once or twice a year is enough to keep it looking good for years to come.  For the best and most beautiful composite decking options, choosing a trusted manufacturer like Fiberon is the first step in building the deck or outdoor living space of your dreams.

Posted in Fiberon Products, For Homeowners | 1 Comment »

PVC Decking – An Alternative to Wood

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

When looking for an alternative to traditional wood decking, there can be an overwhelming choice of products. PVC decking is one option that lasts much longer than traditional wood and still gives the beautiful look of hardwoods.  PVC stands for polyvinylchloride and is a long lasting, lower maintenance solution to an outdoor living space.

PVC decking is a low maintenance option for traditional hardwood decking. There are several benefits to choosing PVC decking to complete an outdoor living space such as no splinters, low maintenance, and a lower lifetime cost than hardwood decking.  And installers love it because it is a lighter weight product and equally as durable as composite decking.

PVC decking products are made with durability and versatility in mind. Homeowners looking for a wood alternative should consider composites and PVC to create an outdoor space that never needs staining or painting, eliminates splinters and won’t twist or warp;  it is resistant to mold and insects as well as provides choices on color and exotic looks.  PVC decking products are solid plank boards and are strong enough to withstand even tough climates and usage.

Neither PVC decking nor composite decking products are designed and made to support a deck structurally, so the boards are installed over traditional wood posts and joists.  Only the surface of the deck is made with PVC or composite boards.  The deck can, however, be fastened with hidden fasteners so that it will have a nail-free appearance.  A consideration when building a PVC deck is that the boards will expand and contract with temperature changes. Therefore, it is important to leave tolerances or spaces between the boards so that normal expansion and contraction allows for adequate drainage and air flow.  By nature, PVC decking is waterproof so it is also a great choice for a very rainy or wet climates, lakes or coastal areas.

Most PVC decking earns a Class A flame spread rating, required in fire prone areas. They are low maintenance and can be cleaned with a spray of the garden hose in most cases.  For tougher stains, a household cleaning product may be required for complete stain removal.  Neither PVC nor composites requires staining or sealing like a traditional hardwood deck and both are designed to look like real wood.  With several options for decking on the market today, including composite decking, traditional wood decking, and PVC decking, you can create a unique and inviting outdoor space that is easy to maintain and is a beautiful extension of your home.

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

Composite Decking Products & the Subtle Differences You Will Find

Thursday, February 28th, 2013

By definition, composite decking is a manufactured product that is made with wood fiber and plastic materials.  With advancements in the industry and manufacturing process, there are many composite decking products available to homeowners.  Composite decking is a man-made product and most variations are considered “green” or environmentally responsible because of its use of recycled materials, performance, use and maintenance.

There are two main types of decking that can fall under the category of composite decking.  The first is traditional composite decking made from wood fibers and plastic that is either molded or extruded into planks with wood grain embossing and is available in solid colors or streaked with variations of color.  These composites were made to offer homeowners the benefit of durability; never having to stain or paint, no splinters, twisting, warping, or rot. The second is co-extruded or capped composite decking which has the same core as traditional composites but with a protective surface for the added benefits of stain and fade resistance. These low maintenance benefits are available at various price points to offer homeowners a full range of performance options.

Uncapped composite decking products are treated with antioxidants and mold inhibitors in the manufacturing process to deter mold growth and prevent degradation of the boards. Capped composites encase the composite core, preventing wood fiber exposure to the elements and creating a non-organic surface that does not support mold growth.

Some product lines of composite decking products offer solid colors and other options look more like “real” wood and have color shadings and varied grain patterns which offer a more realistic hardwood look over the span of a deck.  Solid colored boards also offer varied grain patterns and provide a unified, more contemporary look.

Composite decking products can vary widely based on solid color and multi-color options, which are designed to offer homeowners aesthetic choices to complement their home’s exterior or mix colors to create a unique, custom deck design.   As a trusted source for composite decking, Fiberon has a wide variety of composite decking products to help you design your outdoor living space to complement your home and lifestyle.

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

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