Installation Guide

©2018 Universal Forest Products. Deckorators is a registered trademark of Universal Consumer Products, Inc. in the U.S. All rights reserved.
1801 E. Lessard St. Prairie du Chein, WI 53821
9716_8/18
Deckorators.com
THE DIAGRAMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS BROCHURE ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY AND ARE NOT MEANT TO REPLACE A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY CONSTRUCTION OR USE
OF THE PRODUCT MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL LOCAL ZONING AND/OR BUILDING CODES. THE CONSUMER ASSUMES ALL RISKS AND LIABILITY ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OR
USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THE CONSUMER OR CONTRACTOR SHOULD TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED
TO, WEARING THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT. EXCEPT AS CONTAINED IN THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTY, [UNIVERSAL CONSUMER PRODUCTS, INC.] DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY OTHER
WARRANTY, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
• If using a hidden fastener system, use the manufacturer's recommended fastener and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• One fastener per joist minimum.
• Ends of each board must fall on a joist.
• Double joist or use blocking where two board ends meet.
• 1" maximum cantilever.
• Install entire porch at same temperature.
• Square the first board to the house, paying attention to gapping requirements, and secure in place using face screws on the groove
side.
• The tongue side is fastened using cleat nails with a flooring nailer, or screws. If using screws, insert the screw just above the tongue
at a 45˚ angle and counter sink the screw 1/6" into the material to allow for the next board. If using a flooring nailer, ensure the nailer
is properly seated on the tongue side of board and drive cleat into the board, following the proper nailer instructions. If the nailer is not
properly seated it could cause difficulty installing the next board and in some instances, even cause blemishes on the surface of
the porch flooring.
• Install the porch flooring starting from the outside edge of the platform and work toward anchor wall so that ripped pieces abut the
wall.
• Start installing from one end of the board and work toward the other end of the board. OR: Start installing from the center of the board
and work out toward the ends of the board. Do not install by fastening each end first and working toward the middle.
• Continue installing porch flooring, adhering to the gapping requirements. Note: ONLY Deckorators Frontier and Vault decking material
and porch flooring, manufactured with Eovations
™
technology, may be installed in contact with the ground or incidental submersion in
water when a project design requires those conditions.
Like most composites, Deckorators porch flooring will have color variations from piece to piece. This is due to naturally occuring
variations in polymers. Purchasing all required porch flooring material at one time is recommended, as manufacturing runs can produce
slightly different colors. Do not install if color variation is not acceptable.
Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any exterior building surface, regardless of the material. If the conditions are right, they will grow
on wood, plastic, concrete, metal and other surfaces. Mold formation is most prevalent in consistently wet, shaded areas. Spores from
the natural enviornment are carried by the wind and commonly land on porch surfaces. It is important to note that the apperance of
mold/mildew is a function of nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any of the material on which it grows.
Periodic washing with soap/mild 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 porch surface. The abrasive nature of the water stream can potentially cause damage by driving the spores deeper into
the material, which may create a more challenging problem to remedy. The water stream can also cut into the surface of the board if it is
too intense. A pressure washer with a fan-tipped nozzle should be used only to lightly wet or rinse wood or composite porch surfaces.
There are many deck/porch 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 enviornmental conditions
your porch 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 porch (www.deckorators.com).
As with deck/porch washes, there are several mold-inhibitor products available from paint stores, hardware stores, online outlets and
home centers 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 enviornmental factors affecting your porch, 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.
Note: Deckorators is not suitable to structural use. It should not be used for primary load-bearing members such as posts, joists, beams
or stringers. The same commonsense precautions should be taken when handling Deckortaors as with wood or other building materials.
Dust masks and eye protection devices are recommended to avoid possible irritation from sawdust and chips. Gloves will help protect
hands. Hands should be washed after construction work.