Paramount Decking FAQ
How do I remove tree sap from my decking?
Because tree sap is especially sticky, neither ordinary deck cleaners nor power washing will work. We recommend using WD40 to remove the sap. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Please note that WD40 also is effective in removing the labels that are found on the boards when they arrive at the job site.
How do I remove the label adhesive from my Fiberon deck Boards?
When you remove the labels that come standard on our deck boards, there may be some adhesive left behind. We recommend WD40, denatured alcohol or PVC pipe cleaning liquid as the most effective means of removing this adhesive. Traditional deck cleaner or power washing may not remove the adhesive completely.
Can I use hidden fasteners on Paramount decking?
Paramount Decking is available in both square edge and grooved deck boards. The following are approved fastening systems for Paramount Decking, a capped cellular PVC deck board.
Hidden Face Fastening and Face Fastening Installations – Square Edge Boards
Fiberon Cortex Screws are the only approved hidden face fasteners recommended for Paramount decking. Fiberon Cortex screws are available in all colors of Paramount Decking. For non-hidden face fastener installations, approved surface fastening is accomplished with a minimum #8 x 2 ½” composite deck screw with an ACQ corrosion-resistant coating or stainless steel. For all face fastening installations, install perpendicular to the deck surface, not at an angle. Position screws no closer than 1/2" from board edges or board ends, using two screws in every joist.
Hidden Fastening Installations – Grooved Boards
Fiberon recommends the Tiger Claw TC-G® hidden fastener in combination with Fiberon Cortex Fasteners as the only approved system for installing hidden fasteners in grooved Fiberon Paramount deck boards.
Tiger Claw TC-G Hidden Fasteners
The TC-G side hidden fastener installed with an impact-driver creates a tighter connection to the joist, alleviating potential sound caused by the boards moving against the joist. Maximum residential joist spacing is 16” on-center for perpendicular-to-joist applications. With all side hidden fasteners, use a minimum of one Cortex surface hidden fastener positioned in the center of each board to mitigate potential sound and to ensure the boards stay positioned during normal thermal expansion and contraction of the deck boards.
Other Considerations
- Spacing the deck joists at 12’” on-center will increase stiffness and mitigate sound potential. Maximum residential joist spacing is 16” on-center for perpendicular-to-joist applications.
- Self-adhesive Joist Tape: Regardless of the method of fastening, using self-adhesive joist tape will help reduce potential sound caused by boards moving against the joist, and is designed to protect the joists from premature weather-related deterioration.
Do Fiberon deck boards meet California fire code requirements for WUI (wildland urban interface) zones?
Fiberon offers both a PVC deck board and a capped composite deck board that have been tested and approved for use in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones.
Paramount PVC Decking meets the requirements of the CA SFM 12-7A-4, Part A for use in all Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones. (Flame Spread Index 25 Class A with 3/16 in. edge-to-edge spacing). OFSM Listing Number: 8110-2045:0008
These products were tested in accordance with the requirements defined in the 2010 California Building Code, Chapter 7A (CSFM 12-7A-4), Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure - Decking.
To search listings at the Office of the California State Fire Marshal, visit: https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/fire-engineering-and-investigations/building-materials-listing/bml-search-building-materials-listing/
What types of welcome or grill mats are recommended for Paramount Decking?
We recommend colorfast woven mats or polypropylene mats on Paramount Decking. Avoid the use of rubber, latex or vinyl products on Paramount Decking, as a reaction could occur resulting in discoloration under the rubber, latex or vinyl product.
How do I clean Paramount decking?
For general cleaning, use soap and water or mild household cleaners such as Simple Green, Krud Kutter Cleaner Degreaser. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and test in an inconspicuous area to make sure cleaner does not harm the decking surface.