What Does The Code Say?
DECKS:
Where supported by attachment to an exterior wall, decks shall be positively anchored to the primary structure and designed for both vertical and lateral loads as applicable. Such attachment shall not be accomplished by the use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal. Where positive connection to the primary building structure cannot be verified during inspection, decks shall be self-supporting. For decks with cantilevered framing members, connections to exterior walls or other framing members, shall be designed and constructed to resist uplift resulting from the full live load . Flooring members shall be sized in accordance with the adopted code
ALUMINUM FLASING IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE IN DIRECT CONTACT WITH
PRESERVATIVELY TREATED LUMBER.
The Code requires products to be installed by the adopted code and the manufacturers installation guidelines. For a quick reference see:
COMPOSITE DECKING MANUFACTURERS
INSTALLATION GUIDES:
“Trex” Installation Guide: http://www.trex.com/litcenter/TrexInstallationGuide2008.pdf
Correct Deck: http://www.correctdeck.com/products/decking/classic.htm
EverGrain (TAMKO) : http://www.evergrain.com/pdf/installation.pdf
TimberTech: http://timbertech.com/pdf/2008_TimberTech_Installation_&_Maintenance_Guide.pdf
AZEK : http://www.azek.com/setcontrol/download_file.php?id=60&table=document&field=file
VERANDA ( Home Depot) : http://www.verandainfo.com/
FiberOn: http://www.fiberondecking.com/html/files/fiberon_deck_installation.pdf
GeoDeck: http://www.geodeck.com/pdfs/GeoDeck_Illustrated_Instructions.pdf
Weather Best: http://www.weatherbest.com/professionals/literature.aspx
Moisture Shield:
http://www.moistureshield.com/documents/Installation_Instructions.pdf
Symmatrix ( Dow) :
Monarch: http://www.monarchdeck.com/pdf/exotics_decking.pdf
CrossTimbers ( ELK / GAF) : http://www.gaf.com/Content/GAF/DECKRES/080215_CT_Application_Instructions.pdf
Also known as wood-plastic composites, composite decking is made from recycled wood and plastic as an environmentally friendly option that is growing in popularity. Advantages like durability, color retention and reduced maintenance have increased the replacement of natural wood. Composite decking doesn't require painting and staining. The only maintenance (per the manufacturer ) that needs to be done to composite decks is to wash it about two to three times a year to avoid mildew and mold build-up. Composite decking cost about 20 - 30 percent more than pre-treated pinewood, but in the long run, it pays off as you eliminate the yearly maintenance of staining, weathering, and the need to replace rotting or splitting boards.
In addition to being environmentally friendly because of its use of recycled wood fibers and plastics, composite decking doesn't contain wood preservatives. This avoids the issues of arsenic and other heavy metals found in pressure-treated wood. Without any wood preservatives, composite decks are resistant to decay fungi and insects.
There are two types of composite decks available: solid and hollow. Solid profile decking emulates the shape of real wood lumber but also has more expansion and contraction properties because of its mass. Hollow profile decking has an engineered look and less mass than its counterpart. It possesses lower expansion and contraction properties, but is more susceptible to yard or job site damage.
Currently there are more than 50 manufactures of composite decking, and more are on the rise due to technological improvements in composites and the popularity it has among consumers and retailers. All manufactures claim the same benefits of composite decking:
Doesn't sliver and splinter, which makes it comfortable for bare feet to walk on
