Installation Guide

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 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
deck surfaces. 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.
Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
Cleaning
Periodic washing with soap/detergent and water
will help remove surface dirt. This will also help
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 soils from a deck surface.
The abrasive nature of the water stream can
potentially damage the material 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 wood or composite
deck surfaces.
There are many deck wash and exterior cleaning
products available at retail stores. 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 prior to applying it to the
entire deck.
Tips for snow removal: Care should be taken
when removing snow from your deck to avoid
clips, one for each board (See fig. 7 & fig. 8). Be
sure to gap the boards as previously described.
Repeat the process for each board until the
outside edge of the final board is fastened with
screws. Use solid edge perimeter boards to
picture frame and conceal the board profile.
Use two screws per joist on the perimeter board.
These screws will be inconspicuous once the
railing is installed. Decking should be fastened
with screws when being used as stair treads.
fig. 7
fig. 6
fig. 8
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