DECKING INTERNATIONAL INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONSHORIZON, SYMMETRY, SANCTUARY, XTREME ADVANTAGE, TRADITIONAL, ARMORGUARD

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Table of Contents

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Pre-Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Surface Fastening and Fascia Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Hidden Surface Fastening Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Removing Damaged Cortex Plugs or Screws . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Hidden Fastening Installation - Grooved Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Post Sleeve Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Safety InformationRead and understand this entire manual before you begin the installation of your decking.

STATIC ELECTRICITY NOTICEDry or windy environments may create a temporary condition of static electricity, which will vary depending on climate and site conditions. In the case of excessive static build-up on installed decking, Fiberon recommends the following procedure:

1. Remove loose debris from the decking surface.

2. Dilute ACL Staticide® Concentrate as directed on the bottle.

3. Spray or mop the entire surface of the decking. Allow to air dry. Do not attempt to wipe the surface dry as wiping will reduce the effectiveness of the anti-static coating.

CAUTION: Although very safe in diluted form, ACL Staticide® Concentrate is considered a hazardous chemical when not diluted. DO NOT use ACL Staticide® Concentrate non-diluted.

WARNING: Use extreme caution when using power tools.

WARNING: This decking is for deck surfaces only, and not structural applications.

CAUTION: When using a ladder on composite decking, it is mandatory to lay down a sheet of plywood over the decking surface to disperse the load of the ladder’s feet to nearby underlying joists. Drill fasteners downward through the top of the plywood sheet to keep it from slipping. Position fasteners so they adequately protrude and rest firmly in the gaps between the decking boards and into the joists. This will avoid leaving holes in your decking once the plywood sheet is removed. Always follow the ladder manufacturer’s instructions and safety tips.

CAUTION: Unusual sources of heat and heat build-up can potentially damage decking surfaces. Examples include fire pits, reflected light from nearby windows and doors, and under-deck waterproofing installations that do not provide adequate ventilation.

CAUTION: Fasteners have sharp edges. Use proper care when handling.

Warranty

For more information, visit www.fiberondecking.com.

Decking Warranties Symmetry Horizon Sanctuary Xtreme Advantage ArmorGuard Traditional

Limited Performance Warranty 25-Year 25-Year 25-Year 20-Year 20-Year 15-Year

Stain and Fade Warranty 25-Year 25-Year 25-Year N/A N/A N/A

Commercial Warranty 10-Year 10-Year 10-Year 10-Year 10-Year 10-Year

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Pre-Installation

IMPORTANT: Follow local applicable building regulations. Careful planning of the finished deck layout will result in better looking finished projects. Failure to follow installation guidelines could void the warranty.

IMPORTANT: Read the instructions for both the decking and railing systems planned for the project. Thoroughly reading all instructions first will make for more profitable projects. Failure to do so may result in a more difficult installation and may void the warranty.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN THIS INSTALLATIONACCLIMATISATION AND STORAGE

Before starting, material should be stored on a flat surface, supported every 609.6 mm and covered if original packaging is removed.

AIRFLOW AND DRAINAGEMake sure there is adequate and unobstructed air flow under 50% of the deck to allow for cross-ventilation. This is not only to promote dryness, but to negate heat build-up underneath the deck. Allow a minimum of 38.1 mm between the bottom of the joists and the ground. Water must be able to flow away from under the deck. Improve drainage or grade flat areas where standing water may gather. Do not install decking directly to an existing or solid surface. Sleeper installation: Minimum joist height is 38.1 mm, installed level, in the direction of water run-off and directly to a solid sub-structure. Create adequate cross-ventilation for the deck by widening side-to-side spacing between boards to 6.4 mm with a maximum of a 9.5 mm gap. The deck design must allow for a minimum of 38.1 mm of unrestricted air flow under the deck at the open joist ends for cross-ventilation and drainage.Under-deck waterproofing systems, properly installed, can provide additional living or storage space. Improper installations are those that restrict air flow and result in a build-up of heat and/or humidity, which can result in unwanted consequences. Follow all previous ventilation requirements.

DETERMINING JOIST LOCATIONJoist location is important for the safety of the deck and will affect the layout, cost and ease of installation for the railing system. If railing is to be installed, determine rail post placement prior to joist construction. See page 11 for information about planning post placement for railing installation. Joists used in deck frame construction should be 50.8 mm x 203.2 mm or larger.

Joists

406.4 mm o.c. 304.8 mm o.c.

DeckingBoards

NOTE: For decks using metal joists, specialist surface fasteners are required. Do not use Phantom Hidden Fasteners. Only fasteners for metal that install at a 90-degree angle are required.

HEAVY LOADSWhen installing heavy loads on top of your decking project (for example, a hot tub), it is important to also understand the requirements of the manufacturer as they may have specific framing and support requirements for their warranty coverage.

JOIST/STRINGER SPACING

Residential Commercial

Perpendicular Diagonal Stairs Perpendicular Diagonal Stairs

Horizon

406.4 mm 304.8 mm

228.6 mm

304.8 mm 203.2 mm

228.6 mmSymmetry

Sanctuary203.2 mm 203.2 mm

ArmorGuard

Traditional177.8 mm 177.8 mm

Xtreme Advantage

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Pre-Installation (continued)

EXPANSION AND SPACING CONSIDERATIONSAll decking materials, whether wood, composite or metal, undergo some degree of linear expansion with the changes of weather and the seasons. For best spacing results, keep boards out of direct sun during storage and cutting processes, and throughout installation if possible. To compensate for the effects of contraction and expansion, use short boards where possible with splitter/divider boards between each continuous run of boards.

Adequate board spacing of a minimum of 4.8 mm between board sides will provide proper drainage and ventilation and assist with the removal of small organic debris. Allow a minimum of 6.4 mm spacing between boards and any permanent structure. Spacing requirements must be met for full Fiberon warranty coverage.

NOTE: Special consideration should be taken when working with dark colours, as they will experience larger temperature swings during normal use. To help control end-to-end spacing, darker-coloured decking should be kept at ambient temperature and shaded from direct sun prior to cutting and immediate securing. To create less visible gapping, use lighter-coloured boards for the main body of the deck with darker-coloured boards as design borders.

END-TO-END-SPACING BY INSTALLATION TEMPERATURE

1 °C and under 2 - 20 °C 21 - 31 °C 32 - 42 °C 43 °C and up

Horizon

6.4 mm 4.8 mm 3.2 mm 1.6 mm 0.8 mm

Symmetry

Sanctuary

ArmorGuard

Traditional

Xtreme Advantage

NOTE: In areas where extreme temperature swings are prevalent, adding 2X blocking at the butt joints is recommended. Additionally, add two surface fasteners in the middle of the board length to keep shifting of the material to a minimum during thermal expansion and contraction.

CREATING VARIOUS DECKING PATTERNSAchieve different looks by laying the decking in the same or alternating directions. There are several different wood grain patterns to provide a less repetitive and natural wood appearance. The graining pattern repeats approximately every 1117.6 mm along the board length. During the planning phase of any deck project, arrange decking before installation to achieve the desired pattern and colour effect. This is also important if different lengths/bundles of material are used as different wood grain patterns and colour tones may need to be mixed to achieve the desired look.

Wood grain orientation during installation

Same direction Alternating direction

6.4 mm

25.4 mm

38.1 mm

Joist

Wall

*End gapping*Determined by temperature

Side-to-sidespacing

4.8 mm

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Pre-Installation (continued)

SPECIAL NOTE ON BLOCKING PATTERNS

When installing blocking for more intricate decking patterns, remember that solid blocking (blocking laid on the flat) will inhibit water flow and result in the build-up of organic materials over time, which will make cleaning more difficult and could cause eventual damage to the material. When blocking is required, install ladder-style for best results.

Ladder Style BlockingJoists

TOOLS REQUIRED

Power drill

3.2 mm countersinking drill bit

Safety goggles

Tape measure Torpedo level

Speed square Mitre saw Pencil Adjustable

squareMinimum 122 mm level

Surface Fastening and Fascia Installation

FASTENING REQUIREMENTSAll brands of Fiberon decking may be surface fastened. Use only screws designed for composite decking. Sufficiently long annular thread, ring shank and spiral shank nails all have excellent holding power and produce good results. However, screws have superior holding power. Avoid using plain, galvanised surface fasteners. Do not use traditional bugle-head screws. For best results, use either stainless steel composite deck screws, colour-matched stainless steel composite deck screws or the Cortex® hidden fastener system. These screws are engineered specifically to work with composite decking and prevent mushrooming, resulting in better looking finished projects.

FOR BEST RESULTSScrew heads must be flush with board surface or countersunk for colour-matched Cortex plugs. Pre-drilling is recommended for all surface fasteners, and is necessary for end of board screw holes in cold climates to prevent immediate or eventual end splitting. Pre-drilling all holes will result in better looking finished projects. Use caution to avoid over-tightening fasteners, or it will induce cracking at board ends and could lead to eventual cracking around other fasteners. Do not surface fasten within 38.1 mm of the end of a board or 25.4 mm from the side of the board.

Decking board

38.1 mm fromboard end

Addedjoist/blocking

25.4 mm

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Surface Fastening and Fascia Installation (continued)

Straight rows of fasteners look cleaner and less noticeable than uneven rows. White chalk, straight boards or string lines can be used as guides for installing fasteners.

FASTENER INSTALLATIONAlways drive surface fasteners in at a 90˚ angle to the decking surface with two fasteners at every joist location. Do not angle screws into the joist. Instead, place blocking/sister joists to allow perpendicular installation of surface fasteners at board ends.

90°

25.4 mm

Joist

Decking board Decking board Decking board Decking board

JoistJoist

FASCIA INSTALLATIONFascia is intended as a non-structural covering for rim joists, risers and stringers. For a fascia installation, install screws at a maximum of 304.8 mm intervals, with three screws across the face at each interval. For risers, install screws at a maximum of 304.8 mm intervals, with two screws across the face at each interval. Do not over-tighten screws as buckling and cracking may result. In temperatures of above 10 °C, install with 3.2 mm spacing between the edges and ends. In temperatures of below 10 °C, leave 4.8 mm of space between edges and ends. Edge-to-edge gapping should always be 4.8 mm unless specified otherwise.

JoistFascia

Fascia

304.8 mmmaximum

Rim Joist

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Hidden Surface Fastening Installation

FASTENING REQUIREMENTSThe Fiberon Cortex® hidden surface fastening system is the fastest, easiest way to hide deck screw heads on stairs or perimeter boards. It is also the ideal fastener to use when replacing a decking board. The Cortex plugs are available in a variety of colours to match Fiberon decking boards (not available for ArmorGuard, Sanctuary, Xtreme Advantage, Traditional or any fascia or riser boards).

Screw Bit Plug

USE OF NON-CORTEX SCREWS AND PLUGS

IMPORTANT: For a full written warranty, additional information or technical assistance please visit fiberondecking.com.

The Fiberon Cortex hidden surface fastening system is designed for traditional elevated decking surfaces. The following applications require a different fastening method or further instructions and will nullify the Cortex fastener warranty:

□ Sleeper systems: Framing rests directly on the ground or roof deck

□ Over solid wood surfaces

□ Docks or decks with framing members in constant contact with water

□ Restricted airspace where there is less than 38.1 mm of clearance on two sides of the deck

□ “Tear-offs” that utilise old framing as support for new decking.

□ Decking materials other than those of 25.4 mm standard thickness with a flat bottom profile

INSTALLATION

1 Pre-drilling fastener holes

NOTE: Pre-drilling is required at board ends and where temperatures are below 4 °C.

NOTE: Double joists are required at end-to-end seams.

Locate all fastener holes at least 38.1 mm from board ends and 25.4 mm from board sides. To prevent cracking at fastener locations, pre-drill all holes with a 3.2 mm or 4.0 mm drill bit perpendicular to the decking surface to create the proper pilot hole and remove excess material.

NOTE: Use a high torque drill, either corded or battery-powered, with a 12.7 mm chuck of at least 18 volts for best results. Do not use any speed higher than 1800 rpm. Turn any torque setting to the infinite setting. An impact driver may also be used.

Decking board

38.1 mm25.4 mm

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Hidden Surface Fastening Installation (continued)

2 Installing the fastenersUsing the Cortex setting tool (bit), drive the fastener (screw) to the preset level below the decking surface, ensuring the fastener remains perpendicular to the decking surface. Install two fasteners at every joist and/or stair stringer. Over-tightening will induce cracking at fastener locations.

NOTE: Periodically (at least every 125 screws) change a worn driver bit for a fresh bit.

NOTE: If damage occurs to the screw while it is being driven in, do not continue. Follow the instructions in the Removing Damaged Cortex Plugs or Screws section of this manual.

Screw

Bit

3 Inserting the Cortex plugsEnsure the cored hole is free of debris or moisture. Place the Cortex plug into the cored hole and gently tap with a smooth hammer head until it is flush with the decking surface.

NOTE: Each box of Cortex fasteners comes with an additional plug. It is recommended that you keep these plugs in case any boards need to be removed and replaced in the future, as the plugs are destroyed when they are removed and the plugs are not available separately.

Plug

Removing Damaged Cortex Plugs or ScrewsTo prevent damage to the decking surface, mask off around the screw or plug that is being removed. Immediately clean off any debris left behind after the work is completed.Existing plugs can be removed by tapping into the plug centre with a trim screw (3.8 mm or smaller) until it reaches the screw head below the plug. Remove the plug. Using a standard #1 driver bit (not the Cortex setting tool), engage the driver bit into the screw recess prior to backing out. On slow speed, reverse the screw out of the decking board. When removing a fastener, an impact drill offers the best results.If the head of a damaged screw is above the decking surface, remove the driver bit from your drill and open the chuck wide enough to capture the head of the screw. Tighten the chuck firmly around the head and set the drill in reverse. Then, on low speed, slowly draw the fastener out of the decking board.Note: If you prefer to use Vise-Grips, grasp the screw head, but be sure to protect the decking surface from tool marks by providing enough clearance between the tool and the decking surface.If the head of the damaged screw is at or slightly below the decking surface, use these options in this order: (1) an impact driver with a new standard #1 square drive. Set the tool on reverse, centring your weight over the drill, and slowly remove the screw; (2) use a #2 square drive bit and drive the bit into the head of the screw with a few firm hits of a hammer. Using a sleeve or extension pre-installed on the drill, carefully slide the open end onto the #2 bit. Then, on low speed, reverse out the screw.

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Hidden Fastening Installation - Grooved Edge

FASTENING REQUIREMENTSTo reduce the appearance of gapping at end-to-end seams and to limit the movement of the decking board along the joists, we recommend using two Cortex screws – placed into the joist closest to the mid-point of each decking board. This helps to ensure that the decking boards stay positioned as the board expands and contracts with temperature changes and maintains proper gapping.

Screw Bit PlugPhantomECend clip

Phantom20ECend clip

Phantom20line & butt joint fastener

PhantomGTline fastener

PhantomGTbutt joint fastener

INSTALLATION

1 Installing the end boards and end clips □ Secure Fiberon PhantomEC (24 mm) or Phantom20EC

(20 mm) end clips a minimum of 6.4 mm from the wall with a single screw into the joist.

□ Space clips no more than 304.8 mm apart.

□ Position the decking board into the end clip fasteners. It may be helpful to angle the board slightly to fully seat it into the clips.

□ Check to ensure that the board is fully inserted into the clips.

PhantomEC/Phantom20ECend clip 304.8 mm

maximum

2 Preparing the grooved board edges □ Insert a Fiberon PhantomGT (24 mm) or Phantom20 (20 mm)

fastener into the groove of the board, centring on joists.

PhantomGT/Phantom20 fastenerGroove

Joist

3 Securing the fasteners □ Secure fasteners by driving the screw fully into the joist.

Continue installing and securing the fasteners in the centre of each joist along the remainder of the decking board.

Screw

PhantomGT/Phantom20 fastener

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Hidden Fastening Installation - Grooved Edge (continued)

4 Installing the remaining boards/rows □ Position the next decking board into the fasteners. It may

be helpful to angle the board slightly to fully seat it into the fasteners.

□ Repeat installing fasteners and positioning boards to complete the deck. Use PhantomGT (24 mm) Butt Joint Hidden Fasteners or Phantom20 (20 mm) Hidden Fasteners where two boards butt together to allow adequate end-to-end spacing.

5 Installing the end boards and end clips

NOTE: Prior to positioning the last decking board, place the end clips on the inside of the rim joist, securing them with a single screw inserted perpendicularly through each clip into the joist.

NOTE: Use a square edge board for a smooth edge around the perimeter of the decking.

□ After positioning the last decking board in place, secure the decking board by angling a screw through the clip and into the board at a 30˚- 45˚ angle. Ensure the screw inserts fully and pulls the board down. Space no more than 304.8 mm apart. The last board can also be surface fastened into place with composite screws installed flush with the decking surface or with Cortex Hidden Fasteners.

NOTE: When the thickness of the rim joist exceeds 38.1 mm, end clips should be secured to the outer edge of the joist.

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Post Sleeve Installation

BEFORE YOU INSTALL POST SLEEVESRail posts may be installed by using the structural posts that support the joists, or by using a surface mount bracket. The Fiberon Surface Mount Bracket requires that the thickness of the decking and reinforcement boards underneath the decking be a minimum of 127.0 mm (two treated and structurally sound 50.8 mm x 203.2 mm and one 25.4 mm x 203.2 mm of timber under the 25.4 mm decking board), unless otherwise specified by local building regulations. To optimise post placement, additional joists, blocking or alternative locations may be required. Determine post placement and install reinforcement boards prior to installing the decking surface. Use a scaled drawing of your project or the Fiberon Deck Designer Tool to determine where posts will be installed. For proper aesthetics, divide the perimeter dimensions evenly so that posts are spaced equally. Composite guard-rail systems should only be secured to regulation compliant posts.

Top of decking Bottom of decking

INSTALLING POST SLEEVES ON STRUCTURAL POSTSGuard-rails can be secured to structural 101.6 mm x 101.6 mm posts, or to 101.6 mm x 101.6 mm posts secured to the support framing in a regulation-approved manner. Always check to ensure posts are plumb and true. Check maximum and minimum distance requirements for the railing that is being installed to ensure a snug fit and proper baluster spacing.

1 Preparing for installation □ Ensure 101.6 mm x 101.6 mm wooden posts are secured

in a regulation-compliant manner, and, where possible, spaced equally for the best-looking application.

NOTE: Wooden 101.6 mm x 101.6 mm posts will vary. Shims may be required to be inserted between the 101.6 mm x 101.6 mm post and the post sleeve to prevent the post sleeve from cracking during guard-rail installation.

101.6 mm x 101.6 mmwood post

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Post Sleeve Installation (continued)

2 Installing the post sleeves □ After the decking has been installed, slide the post sleeve

and moulding over the wooden post.Post sleeve

Base covemoulding

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