TruNorth Decking Installation Guide
QUICK TIPS
- Ensure you read the installation guide prior to starting
- Follow proper fastening methods as per installation guide
- Do not over torque screws
- Leave sufficient overhang on boards for expansion and contraction
- To finish off your deck use Fascia boards
- Deck structure must comply with Local Building Official Code
TOOLS REQUIRED
- Pencil
- Level
- Jigsaw
- Handsaw
- Chop Saw/Table Saw (optional)
- Drill
- Chalk Line
- Square
- Tape Measure
Installation Instructions - General Information
Composite material is not used as a structural material, therefore composite decking must be installed on a Code Compliant substructure. Check with your local building code for their requirements.
Material Characteristics
TruNorth Decking is made of primarily recycled post-consumer resin and rice hulls. Due to the nature of the materials, the product will expand and contract with temperature variations.
Project Planning
Planning your deck project in advance will help ensure that your project will go smoothly and minimize issues during your build.
Note: Items such as rails and other features that you plan on installing should be taken into consideration laying out your deck project to ensure you have the proper substructure requirements needed for those items.
Refer to other manufacturer’s recommendations for any special needs of their products.
Storage and Handling
Product should be stored on a flat surface and covered. If not, it should be supported every 24″ e.g. 2 X 4’s.
Framing and Blocking
Ensure that your frame is square and it is recommended to block your joists to prevent warping of the substructure.
Heat Buildup
Composite deck boards will retain heat. The darker the colour, the higher heat retention, so it is important to exercise caution when walking on a composite deck. In some cases, footwear may be required.
Static Electricity
Under certain environmental conditions, static electricity can build up in a composite deck. There are some antistatic products in the market that can be used to reduce this issue. If the problem continues, the deck can be grounded. Consult with an electrician on the best way to do this.
TruNorth Decking comes in various profiles – please ensure you follow the installation instructions for the product that you purchased. Failure to follow the instructions will result in voiding the product warranty.
If you have any questions or encountered an item outside the scope of these Installation Instructions, please contact us for technical assistance.
Square Edge Accuspan Decking Installation Instructions
The appearance of this product changes when viewed from different ends. To achieve the most consistent colour, install all of the boards in the same direction using the product code arrows on the side of the boards as a point of reference. Install all boards with the arrows pointing in the same direction. Installing boards in opposing directions will create light and dark shades of the deck board colour and is not covered under warranty. Prior to construction, check with your local regulatory agency for special code requirements in your area. For best results, follow these simple installation instructions, paying close attention to gapping, spacing, and fastener requirements.
Joist Span
12” on-centre is recommended for maximum customer enjoyment in residential perpendicular applications. Residential parquet patterns and diagonal or herringbone designs all require joist spacing 12” on-centre. 16” on-centre joist spans are covered under warranty when installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
Side Gapping: 1⁄4”
End-To-End Spacing
Allow a minimum of 1/16” gap between board ends for every 6.6°C of difference between installation temperature and the hottest temperature expected (see Figure 1). Additional blocking may be needed for support (see Figure 2). Allow 1/4” distance between all material and any permanent structure or post. After all of the decking has been attached, snap chalk lines (white or yellow chalk recommended) flush with or up 1-1/2” out from the decking framing, and trim with a circular saw. TruNorth Decking, like all other wood and composite decking products, requires proper ventilation and drainage in order to ensure its longevity. When using a minimum 2×6 joist standing on edge and the suggested 1⁄4” side gap, there should be a 2” clear space between the bottom and the edge of the joist and grade to allow for proper ventilation. Adequate drainage is also needed to prevent water from pooling under the deck.
Fasteners
For ease of installation, we recommend using 2-1/2” corrosion-resistant, composite wood deck screws. These screws help minimize the common “mushroom” effect that sometimes occurs when using standard fasteners. Colour matched screws are available for all TruNorth Decking boards. They can also reduce the amount of pre-drilling and countersinking. If using ordinary coarse thread deck screws, always pre-drill a pilot hole and countersink prior to driving screws. Screws should be driven flush with the TruNorth Decking surface. Do not over-tighten. Use two fasteners per deck board at each joist. For any decking where two boards meet end-to-end over a joist, add additional blocking (see Figure 2). Always pre-drill a pilot hole and countersink at board ends when using either composite or wood screws. Be careful not to over tighten screws near board ends.
Colour Variation
Like most composite decking, TruNorth Decking will have colour variations from piece to piece. Do not install if variation is not acceptable.
Preventing mold and mildew growth on composite decking
Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any exterior building surface, regardless of the material. If the conditions are right, they will spawn on the wood, plastic, concrete, metal, and other surfaces. Mold formation is most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded areas. Spores from the natural environment are carried by the wind and commonly land on the deck surface. It is important to note that the appearance of mold/mildew is a function of nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any of the material on which it grows.
Cleaning
Periodic washing with soap/detergent and water will help remove surface dirt. This will help to prevent the buildup of pollen, debris, and spores that can cause and accelerate mold/mildew growth. CAUTION: A pressure washer should not be used to “blast” mold/mildew or soil from a deck surface. The abrasive nature of the water stream can potentially cause damage by driving the spores into the material, which may create a more challenging problem to remediate. A pressure washer with a fan-tipped nozzle should be used only to lightly wet or rinse the composite deck surface.
There are many deck wash and exterior cleaning products available at retail. It is important to make sure you use a cleaner specifically intended for your application. After selecting a product, be certain to read, understand, and follow all instructions supplied by the manufacturer. Some cleaning products and inhibitors may be more effective than others, depending on the environmental conditions your deck is subjected to. Additionally, it is always a good idea to test the cleaner in a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire deck.
Mold Inhibitors
As with deck washes, there are several mold-inhibitor products available from paint stores, hardware stores, online outlets, and home centres to help prevent long-term mold/mildew growth. For any product selected, be certain to read, understand, and follow all instructions provided by the manufacturer. Depending upon the environmental factors affecting your deck, some preventive cleaning products may be more effective than others. It may be necessary to try more than one product. For ongoing preventive maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.
TruNorth Decking is not suitable for structural use. It should not be used for primary load-bearing members such as posts, joists, beams, or stringers. The same common-sense precautions should be taken when handling TruNorth Decking as with wood or other building materials. Dust mask and eye protection devices are recommended to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and chips. Gloves will help to protect the hands. Hands should be washed after doing construction work.
TruNorth Decking
55 Plant Farm Blvd.
Brantford, ON
N3S 7W2 Canada
Toll Free (833) 239-0022
Our Company
Our Company
TruNorth Decking 55 Plant Farm Blvd.
Brantford,ON N3S 7W2 Canada
Toll Free (833) 239-0022
Our Company
Resources
TruNorth Decking 55 Plant Farm Blvd.
Brantford,ON N3S 7W2 Canada
Toll Free (833) 239-0022
TruNorth Decking
55 Plant Farm Blvd.
Brantford, ON
N3S 7W2 Canada
Toll Free (833) 239-0022