Deck fastener debatel Clip, screw or plug?

fN rHe pnsr. the question for deck linstallers had always been "galvanized nail or screw?" But with the introduction of ACQ wood treatment in the 1990s came the advent of epoxy-coated deck screws that could withstand the corrosive nature of the new chemical.

Now, the question seems to have evolved into "clip, screw or plug?" That's because when a homeowner invests tens of thousands of dollars into a brand new outdoor living space, they want it to be perfect. And in order for it to be perfect, builders and do-it-yourselfers need to understand that not all deck fastener systems are alike. Plugs, screws and clips all have their advantages and disadvantages.

Hidden clip systems have grown in popularity over the years because of the high-end finish they bring to a deck. Homeowners love the fact that the majority of their deck is screw free. However, in addition to making both the initial building application and future repairs time consuming. certain clip systems may not withstand the expansion and contraction of the deck boards well, which could result in a squeaky deck.

Because PVC and composite decking are now manufactured by a very large group of decking companies in a large array of colors, many fastener manufacturers are now producing stainless steel deck screws with colored heads. This is a great way to conceal the screw head while still having the holding power of topdown fastening for hardwood, composite and PVC decking.

The latest deck fastener innovation came with the advent of the newest type of decking. Most deck manufacturers now produce capstock decking products, which are deck boards with a hard outer shell often filled with recycled materials. This presented a new challenge to fastening manufacturers. In capstock decking, traditional composite screws tend to leave attached shards of plastic around the screw head, as well as cause the hard outer shell to dimple and stretch, causing a white discoloration.

The first screw on the market to work with both composite and capstock decking is Starborn Industries' Cap-Tor screw. It is available in 10 colors of stainless steel and epoxy coated steel.

Another popular method that offers a great balance between holding power and the appeal of hidden clip systems is plugging. Previously considered a \er) time-consuming process! plugs offer the ability tcr securely fasten hardwood, composite. and PVC decking, while aesthetically hiding screw-heads. In fact, the newest plugging systems for hardwoods have been specially engineered to quickly and consistently install plugs in less than half the time of traditional plugging methods.

While there are many fastener choices out therc, in the end, the knowledge you offer can make the difference between satisfied homeowners offering referrals to your builder clicnts and cornplaining customers necessitating numerous callbacks.

- Ry'art Unick is a dcck prrxlutt.s spe cialist at Starborn Industrie.s. Inc. Reuch

Wood Chemicals Rebound

Rising performance and environmental issues are driving demand for greener and superiorvalue wood preservatives, according to a new report by Global Industry Analysts.

Growing concerns over VOC emissions, capable of affecting the environment during the process of coating, has paved way for the launch of various eco-friendly solutions, such as radiation-cured coatings, water-based coatings. and powder coatings.

Coatings that feature enhanced performance features, such as improved durability and the ability to be used for dual purposes, have also succeeded in grabbing considerable attention of consumers.

After plummeting in 2008 and 2009. U.S. demand for wood preservatives appeared to have bottomed out and began to show signs of recovery in 2010.

The U.S. market for wood preservative chemicals is forecast to reach $567.4 million by 2015.

Landscape products are predicted to be the fastest-growing enduse segment through 2015, although industrial applications for creosote arnd pentachlorophenol should still dominate the U.S. market.

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By Bernard Kliska