10 minute read
No decking around
Kwila: NFL Construction’s installation of a hardwood deck made of kwila wood.
Decks are most appreciated for the indoor-outdoor flow they provide property owners.
However, because it’s an outside feature, decks are often viewed as indestructible and aren’t properly maintained as a result.
There’s nothing quite like the look of a newly installed and stained timber deck. When the light hits the timber just right it seems to glow.
Nevertheless, because decks are outside features in residential and commercial builds, many property owners are under the impression that the initial glow of a timber deck is meant to dim with time and use.
NFL Construction owner and director Martin Urban would beg to differ.
Although NFL Construction offers a wide range of services, the company frequently installs decks of various types and materials including timber.
Martin says that many people aren't aware of the need to clean and maintain decks on a regular basis.
What diminishes the glow of a new timber deck is that over time dust accumulates, creating a hospitable environment for moisture and algae come winter.
Not only is regular upkeep important for the overall aesthetic of the deck but it’s safety as well.
Algae and unwanted moisture create slippery surfaces which are dangerous for everyone but especially in commercial builds like retirement villages. The easiest and most effective solution? Consistent cleaning. Martin says, “It keeps looking nice, but it also actually gives the timber an awful lot more life because the thing that rots timber is a dust and dirt accumulating on a deck then getting wet.
“That causes the rot to begin on the surface of the deck, particularly hardwood decks, which are untreated decks. They then can fail within 20 years.”
At first glance, anything over 10 years seems like a long time, but Martin argues that a well-maintained hardwood deck can actually last 30 or 40 years.
Really, regular cleaning is manageable even for the busiest of people or organisations.
A good scrub down with the correct cleaning compounds once a year can make a lasting difference in the lifespan of a deck.
Making the time for this annual task avoids the need for a water blaster which can unnecessarily expose the timber fibres.
Alongside routine cleaning, building preventative measures into the decks can also increase the safety and longevity of surrounding structures. For example, NFL Construction often installs Outdure decking systems.
Even for hardwood applications, Outdure decking systems uses lightweight structural aluminium beams which are coated with marine-grade finishes.
As a result of the system’s design, the deck is stable without compromising on the waterproofing of attached buildings or nearby structures.
Despite the rugged look of timber, the maintenance and design of a timber deck is crucial to combatting the harsh elements it’s exposed to and determining its lifespan
Putting your defences up
Good security practices aren’t dependent on the kindness of strangers.
Although there are no guarantees in life, if you have something to protect you want to take all the reasonable measures possible to ensure the overall security of your people, property and organisation.
Not only is there the basic need to secure premises, but there’s also the need to keep up with the latest innovations and technologies.
Hampden managing director Kristian Baldwin says that more secure designs and products are in high demand compared to traditional chain link mesh and panel fences.
- Hampden managing director Kristian.
In his line of work, Kristian finds the sectors looking to improve perimeter security aside from commercial they include government agencies, schools, and even places of worship.
“In short, anyone with something to protect should have a plan and a key element of that plan should be protecting its perimeter,” says Kristian. “We find that the scale and type of materials used can differ significantly between the various sectors with function being the main driver.
“That said, a common theme is that the finished product must do the job it intends to do and should look good. To get it right, these two elements need to be built in from the beginning.”
Factors to take into account include the frequency of people leaving and entering the facility and the types of people leaving and entering the facility.
For example, the security needs of a primary school drastically contrast that of a defence force compound.
Although fencing is a major component in effective perimeter security, other aspects should be considered as well.
Rather than leaving holes in your overall security solution, it’s best to bring in the
experts to get that look you desire while meeting your needs.
High security and perimeter protection specialists can guide you to the solutions you need like fencing, vehicle and pedestrian access, and bollards and barriers. Navigating these options alone can put your organisation at risk – is it a risk you’re willing to take?
NFL are experts in modern deck construction
Director Martin Urban and his team of quality construction craftsmen at NFL Construction are at the cutting edge of modern deck construction in Auckland - for both the residential and commercial sectors.
Having built hundreds of residential decks and also many thousands of square metres commercially, including large public podiums, apartment buildings and aged care facilities, Martin’s business has maintained a strong focus on seeking out, learning and leading the way, with new products and installation methods. Martin says the decking options have really developed over the last 10 years - perhaps the most significant being the development of the composite decking products we now see as mainstream in the market.
Also, more recently, the movement away from traditional timber subframes in some instances, with aluminum subframes systems now growing in popularity, and market share as a best practice approach, especially in low height decking situations such as over waterproof membranes and in ground floor applications on flat sections where minimal height for the subframe is available.
“The composite decking products have evolved from the early offerings and we now feel 100 percent confident in suggesting these products as a great value investment for our customers.
“They are tried and tested in the NZ climate, and have many unique selling points such as, rapid install, a manufacturer backed warranty, and low maintenance performance.
“There is a very real upside for the customer so we are seeing plenty of specifications going this way, at least 50 percent.” The aluminium subframe systems have overcome many problems associated with a traditional timber subframe approach, such as the material being lightweight and easy to handle.
It's always straight and true so there is minimal wastage and it’s safe with no nasty chemical treatment.
It’s super-fast to install, has a 10-year warranty in most applications and can also accommodate multiple product surfaces (such as decking, tiles and artificial turf), on the same plane, without any trip hazard.
Not to mention that there is typically less excavation and removal of spoil required.
“NFL Construction specialises in innovative product offerings and installation techniques and we can help you add real value to your exterior space with competent and constructive feasibility, supply and Install solutions for any exterior building requirements, such as decks, fences, garden beds, retaining walls, pergolas or shelter structures.
“The cornerstone of our business has always been quality service from start to finish so please contact us today to discuss your next project.”
Visit our website for inspiration and please call Shane now on 021 958 780 to discuss your upcoming projects or tender opportunities.
• COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL DECKING EXPERTS • RESIDENTIAL HOUSING & COMMERCIAL CARPENTRY
Visit our website for inspiration and call Shane today on 021 958 780 for any of your upcoming project or tender opportunities.
Decks on wheels
The Decking Specialists who have been getting better work stories since ages ago.
When Glen and Bev created their decking business six years ago, ‘The Decking Specialists’, after stepping back from an enjoyable 30-year building career (and in Bev’s case, a desk-bound IT career), the ultimate goal was to be able to change their lifestyle completely. They have built a company, with the support of their sons-in-law, that is now well known for quality decking installations, and Glen has trained a small but efficient Auckland-based team that can now operate independently. Not only that, they enjoy a client base that often becomes counted as close friends due to Glen’s penchant for accepting any invitation for a sit-down, a chat and a cold one after a job is successfully completed. The Decking Specialists’ credo is simple but effective. They only use quality materials, along with quality workmanship, to create the dream Kiwi deck done right every time. The deck is a quintessential Kiwi home’s entertainment hub, and it should be a space the owner can be proud to share with their friends and family.
With business in full swing and decks being built all over Auckland, Glen and Bev can now achieve their original goal: Decks on Wheels. They want to escape the confines of one city, take advantage of their fine-tuned business set up - and finally see the rest of New Zealand. To this end, they have packed away all of their worldly things and bought a huge van from which they plan to live and work. Now, many comfortable business owners may be thinking “why?” “Well, why not?” A question that frequently comes out of Glen’s mouth when discussing any kind of life aspiration, big or small; (if you need a pep talk, Glen’s your guy, trust me.) Why not take to the road? Why not renovate a van and live in it? Why not meet fantastic people from all over the country and drink in all that our beautiful country had to offer - all while still making a comfortable living? Exactly! Enter: The van. Or, rather, the school bus. Glen and Bev discovered an out-of-use school bus that was still in great nick, had tonnes of headroom (for all the materials, essential tools and paddleboards), and so much ground space that it would make the perfect live-in workshop once slightly modified. Although the concept was idyllic, they had their share of obstacles. The van upgrade took place in Frankton Bunnings’ carpark, in the bucketing rain. The ever-optimistic couple used Bunnings’ comprehensive building and home supplies, running back and forth from the store as the conversion took shape. Not doing anything by halves, they put their remote building skills to the test at the first hurdle before drying off and heading onward to a Queenstown decking project. (At least they could have a relaxing cuppa now with their newly adapted van kitchen!) This wasn’t their first taster of van living and remote working, although van model 1.0 was not nearly as glamorous as the newly adapted Decks on Wheels bus. From being treated to a smorgasbord of Ritz-worthy morning teas by elderly clients in Tauranga, to building an artificial grass turf and deck on an art deco roof in Napier (R.I.P many hats), to enjoying the Turangi lakefront surroundings, Glen and Bev had tasted what the open road of work could be like. And it was much more palatable than the Scottish brekkie bun they had sampled in
the Lakes District - unless you love HP sauce, that is. The Decking Specialists have added wheels to their services, paving a new way to satisfy the needs of people throughout New Zealand to enjoy quality outdoor spaces at home. Thinking outside the box, the building, and the whole city, allowed Glen to realise his six-year ambition. The pair have now been gone from Auckland for barely a few months, but they can already say the South Island is beyond expectations! The team are setting their sights on even more decking adventure opportunities from the tip of Kaitaia to the bottom of Bluff. If you’re in the market for an expert decking team - and you fall into the category of “living in New Zealand”, check out 'The Decking Specialists' website - www. thedeckingspecialist.co.nz for more information on how to get in touch! Time for a new deck?
