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Commonly asked composite decking questions
Deckorators® Voyage decking is made of durable polypropylene and minerals such as calcium carbonate via a patented production process. The substrate used in the decking is powerful, stable and won’t absorb moisture. The durable polymer cap stock won’t stain or fade. Since its creation in 2007, Eovations™ technology has perfected the substrate found in Deckorators® Voyage. This unique process starts with a mixture of polypropylene and calcium carbonate that’s pull extruded for cavitation. Cavitation creates tiny air pockets that keep the boards lightweight but with a fibre-like structure similar to wood for unmatched strength.
Yes, Deckorators® Voyage™ decking boards can be installed in (or in contact with) the ground or water. Not only can you use these boards in contact with ground and water, but it’s also still covered by our 25-year structural warranty for residential applications (10 years for commercial installations). Voyage decking boards are powerful, stable and don’t absorb moisture.
Yes. Deckorators® Voyage™ decking boards can be installed in (or in contact with) the ground or water. Not only can you use these boards in contact with ground and water, but it’s also still covered by our 25-year structural warranty for residential applications (10 years for commercial installations). Voyage decking boards are powerful, stable and don’t absorb moisture.
You can purchase Deckorators® Voyage decking exclusively in the UK from STORM Building Products!
Voyage Decking provides 34% or greater surface traction than other leading brands of composite decking. This capped deck board has been tested by an independent third-party lab between 9/24/18-9/25/18 in wet conditions under the Australian – New Zealand AS/NZS 4586-2013 standard.
Deckorators® Voyage decking boards have a stain and fade-resistant cap stock and are backed by the industry’s best residential decking warranty: 25-year structural, 25-year stain and fade. The warranty for commercial decking is 10 years.
On a sunny day with high temperature, composite decking (regardless of brand) may retain heat and feel hot to the touch. This is similar to most other outdoor surfaces e.g. concrete, wood decking, or beach sand. On such days, individuals are encouraged to cool surfaces with water or wear appropriate footwear.
While all synthetic decking can be subject to static electricity, static on new composite decking to the point of getting a shock is rare. There is no chemical means to reduce static on a deck. As time passes, exposure to the weather will reduce the likelihood that one will experience a static discharge.
Due to heat/sun exposure, area rugs with rubber or vinyl backings can leave residue on the capped decking surface that may not be easily removable. Woven synthetic fibre indoor/out area rugs without backings also have a tendency to wick water between the rug and the decking. Any dirt under the area rug should be cleaned with mild soap and water. Moving the rug periodically to avoid shadow lines is recommended.
Yes, Deckorators® decking carries a Class C fire rating, which is the same class as natural wood.
Our Deckorators® slotted-edge decking boards work perfectly with Deckorators® Stowaway™ hidden fasteners to provide a fastener-free look. These fasteners install between the slotted edges of deck boards which eliminates the need for predrilling, automatically spaces deck boards with the appropriate gap and makes installation quick and easy.
If traditional fastening through the top of the decking is preferred but a fastener-free appearance is still desired, pro fastening systems are the fastest and easiest way to hide deck screw heads on stairs, perimeter boards or when replacing a deck board.
Deckorators® Voyage decking is made with patented Eovations™ technology. Consistent spacing is recommended for all Deckorators® decking to allow water runoff and adequate spacing is needed from exterior surfaces. For more information, view the installation instructions.
Major fastener manufacturers produce screws specifically for composite decking. The use of these screws will reduce the amount of predrilling and countersinking required. For ease of installation, we recommend using 2-1/2″ corrosion-resistant composite wood deck screws. These screws help minimise the common “mushroom” effect that sometimes occurs when using standard fasteners. We recommend the Stowaway™ hidden fastener. We recommend using broad-head stainless steel 2″ nails with Fastendry. If traditional fastening through the top of the decking is preferred but a fastener-free appearance is still desired, Pro Fastening Systems are the fastest, easiest way to hide deck screw heads on stairs, perimeter boards or when replacing a deck board.
Deckorators® mineral-based composite (MBC) decking — manufactured by Eovations, LLC — has been evaluated by an independent third-party evaluation report writer known as Intertek to be code compliant under Intertek’s CCRR-0195 Evaluation Report. See report for complete details. For projects in Canada, please refer to NRC-CNRC Evaluation Report CCMC 14092-R.
Deckorators wood plastic composite (WPC) decking — manufactured by Eovations, LLC — has been evaluated by an independent third-party evaluation report writer known as PFS-TECO to be code compliant under PFS-TECO’s RR-0100 Evaluation Report. See report for complete details. For projects in Canada, please refer to NRC-CNRC Evaluation Report CCMC 13378-R.
In residential applications, Deckorators® decking should be installed on joists spaced 16″ on-centre when the boards are running perpendicular to the support joists. Decking boards running on a diagonal pattern should be installed on joists spaced 12″ on-centre. Contact STORM for commercial applications. For more details, refer to the installation instructions.
We recommend using treated timber when building the understructure for your deck.
A clear 2″ space between the bottom edge of the joists and grade is recommended to allow proper ventilation. We recommend using pressure-treated timber.
Although not required, predrilling and countersinking prior to driving screws achieves the best results for ease of fastening and appearance of the finished project. Because wood decking is not as dense as Voyage decking, screws that are driven into wood decking crush the wood fibre and self countersink. Screws driven into Deckorators® decking displace the material, causing it to mushroom around the screw head. Most consumers do not like the resulting appearance of using this installation method. If using ordinary coarse-thread deck screws, predrilling a pilot hole and countersinking prior to driving screws will achieve the best results. For more information, refer to the installation instructions or contact STORM.
Conventional tools for cutting, drilling and nailing can be used with Deckorators® decking. We recommend using a sharp, carbide-tipped saw blade for cutting. For your safety, remember to wear protective clothing and safety glasses.
Glue is a supplemental adhesive and should never replace a fastener, especially in structural applications. Heavy-duty construction adhesive can be used, but we recommend testing on a small portion of your deck before using the adhesive throughout your whole application.
We do not recommend using nails or a nailer when installing Deckorators® decking. The material is very dense and getting nails to penetrate to a proper depth without bending can be a challenge. A bigger issue concerns the fastening on the end of the boards. We recommend that all holes be predrilled to help reduce mushrooming. Also, it is necessary to predrill the end of the boards to avoid splitting. When using nails or a nailer the concern is that the ends would not be predrilled and possibly lead to cracking and splitting.
Deckorators® performs well in varying weather conditions. During installation, it will contract only slightly in cold weather. In hot weather, it expands. We recommend that the material is on the job site 48 hours prior to installation to acclimate. Follow the installation instructions spacing guidelines to ensure proper room for expansion and contraction.
Yes. For this application, we recommend using the Deckorators® rooftop sleeper system as supports beneath the deck boards, in conjunction with our mineral-based composite decking. Arrange the sleepers on the existing patio and install decking.
If using wood plastic composite, we recommend that you use 2×6’s standing vertically on edge as support joists over the concrete. Next, fasten the decking to the support joists.
Be sure to allow a 1/4″ gap between the long edges of the deck boards. Drainage and ventilation are necessary for best product performance. To level the deck, we recommend shims that allow a clear 2″ space between the bottom edge of the joists and the concrete. You will need to check with your local building code agency on foundation footing requirements. See installation instructions for full details.
No. While Deckorators® decking does provide superior surface integrity and strength, it is not suitable for structural applications. We recommend using treated timber when building the understructure for your deck.
Composite decking is intended to be installed directly to the structural joists. DO NOT fasten to the top of old existing deck planks or balcony and porch floors.
No. Deckorators® decking has been tested under accelerated weather conditions and is weather-resistant. Deckorators® employs a time-tested technology that provides superior protection against UV degradation and water absorption.
Power washers can be used to clean Deckorators® decking products; however, a fan-tip nozzle should be used and the power washer should be set on the lowest setting.
Care should be taken when removing snow from your deck to avoid damaging the deck surface. We recommend using a plastic snow shovel, one without a metal edge. A stiff-bristled push broom can work very well and minimises lifting. Light snow can also be cleared using a leaf blower.
Do not attempt to break up or scrape ice from the deck surface; use ice melt products when needed. We are not aware of any adverse effects from the temporary use of ice melting products on Deckorators decking; however, we recommend using an ice melt product that is less harsh on the surface. These types of ice melt products may indicate “safe for pets”, “will not harm concrete”, or “will not kill grass”. Ensure that after the ice and snow melts, you brush off any residual ice melt product.
While no formal testing has been done, we have not seen or heard of any ill effects from standard pool chemicals.
Deckorators® decking combines the look of wood with the durability of plastic. Unlike wood decks, which require continuous maintenance, there is no need to apply weather protectants or water seal products to Deckorators® decking.
Composite decking is more expensive to manufacture. Over time, however, the maintenance, repair and/or replacement costs associated with wood outweigh the initial investment in Deckorators® deck products.
Deckorators® slotted decking comes with a pre-machined 5/32-inch groove along the sides of the board to accommodate the Stowaway™ hidden fastener. This hidden fastener was designed to properly space the boards at 1/4″ and allow for the expansion and contraction on the length and width that naturally occurs on composites. The screws provided with the hidden fasteners have black painted heads to greatly reduce the potential glare caused by the sun, keeping the fasteners truly hidden.
We recommend using ProWood® professional-grade treated timber when building the understructure for your deck. ProWood® pressure-treated timber is made for ground-contact and backed by a lifetime limited warranty against termite infestation and rot.
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An industry-leading warranty
Deckorators® products are backed by an industry-leading warranty. The 25-year structural guarantee is the best warranty available for our durable mineral-based composite decking and applies when decking is installed in residential applications. Deckorators® decking has a 10-year structural warranty when installed in commercial settings.
25-YEAR STRUCTURAL LIMITED WARRANTY
Warrantor will, at its option, either replace or refund the appropriate prorated portion of the purchase price as set forth in the “Prorated Refund Schedule” below for any Deckorators® decking, porch flooring or composite railing product used in a residential decking, porch flooring or railing application that splinters, corrodes or becomes structurally unfit due to rot, warp, cupping, checks or damage caused by termites or fungal decay within 25 years from the date of purchase.
25-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY – STAIN RESISTANCE
Warrantor will, at its option, either replace or refund the appropriate prorated portion of the purchase price as set forth in the “Prorated Refund Schedule” below for any Deckorators® decking, porch flooring or composite railing product used in a residential decking or railing application that exhibits permanent staining in the first 25 years from the date of purchase when exposed to food and beverage spills, including wine, tea, coffee, fruit punch, sodas, ketchup, salad oils, barbecue sauces, mustard and other food or beverage related items that would typically be present on a residential deck or porch. The same information applies in commercial applications but for a 10-year duration. This warranty will only apply if an attempt is made by the consumer to remove any such spill from the decking material with water and mild household cleaners within 48 hours of exposure to the surface and such an attempt is unsuccessful. Staining as a result of spilt abrasive compounds of acidic or basic pH, strong solvents, oil-based paints or stains, metallic rust and other abnormal items not commonly used on a residential deck are not covered under this warranty.
25-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY – FADE RESISTANCE
Warrantor will, at its option, either replace or refund the appropriate prorated portion of the purchase price as set forth in the “Prorated Refund Schedule” below for any barbecue product used in a residential decking or railing application that exhibits “excessive colour fade” within the first 25 years from the date of purchase (10 years for commercial). Excessive colour fade is defined as a change in colour greater than five (5) Delta E (CIE) when calculated according to ASTM D2244 for all non-variegated colour surfaces. Excessive colour fade for variegated colour surfaces is defined as an unreasonable amount of colour change in excess of “normal weathering.”
