Download our full installation manual on Downloads page
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
The above serviceable life assumes regular maintenance. Appearance will degrade over time unless timber is coated and both the coatings and all aspects of the decking system are maintained.
Maintenance requirements will vary, depending on the species of timber, site, location, aspect, exposure, and coating selected, but in general terms, annual cleaning of the deck should be carried out to ensure the surface is free from moss, mould, fungal and organic growths, and airborne pollutants.
This should be carried out using water and a mild detergent and soft nylon brush, ensuring all the residue is washed away. Avoid using harsh chemicals, and high pressure waterblasters as these may damage the surface of the timber.
Periodically relocate outdoor furniture, pots, and planters etc. to reduce the risk of water trapped on deck surface and to ensure a more even weathering.
Re-application of the stain or oil finish, to the cleaned decking, should be carried out in accordance with the coating manufacturer’s instructions.
GROUND CLEARANCE
The sub framing must be constructed so that the decking boards are a minimum height of 300mm above finished ground level
Adequate ventilation is critical within the sub-frame to prevent moisture build-up under the deck surface. The boards must be free draining, and must dry out after periods of intermittent wetting. It is also necessary to ensure the area below the deck is free draining to prevent water pooling below deck surface. This is especially critical when installing a deck over a waterproof membrane.
MOISTURE CONTENT
The moisture content of the framing must not exceed 20% at the time of fixing the decking as problems may occur later and cause excessive timber movement if framing is too wet.
ON-SITE STORAGE AND HANDLING
Care must be taken to ensure that timber and accessories are kept clean and dry, and are not damaged whilst in storage awaiting application.
Extra care is to be taken while handling timber profiles to ensure that they are not damaged.
Upon delivery, timber is to be stacked flat and level on bearers/ dunnage that are a maximum of 900 mm apart and at least 100 mm off the ground. Timber should be either stored inside an enclosed building or covered with an additional waterproof layer and protected from the elements when stored outside.
DOCKING OUT DEFECTS
Before coating or installing boards, check for any defects that may require docking out.
Important: All docked ends of coated decking profiles will require coating with a minimum of one coat of primer or stain.
PRIMING AND SEALING (APPLIES TO STAINED OR PAINTED PROFILES ONLY)
Apply the first coat of stain or primer to all faces, ends and edges of the decking prior to installation. Remember that all docked ends will require coating or priming as noted above. Follow the coating manufacturer’s directions and ensure further coats are applied as required.
Note: It is usually easier to order your decking profiles to arrive on-site preprimed /precoated.
FIXING METHOD
This method is applicable to the Timspec supplied species as listed below.
Align profiles perpendicular to joists. Pre-drill all fixing holes, using a counter sinking drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw shank, to reduce the risk of splitting but ensure a snug fit. Pilot holes at the end of boards should be the same diameter as the screw shank.
Fixing placement for a 90mm wide board to be 12.5mm in from each edge of profile, and for a 135mm, or wider, board, 15mm in from each edge of profile.
Timspec recommends using stainless steel, countersunk twin thread decking screws for all decking profiles. Fixings must be long enough to achieve a minimum 30mm framing penetration.
Timspec Hardwood Decking Installation Manual
Version 2.5
© Timber Specialists Limited 2011 Page 8 of 10 Updated: January 2019
Using a cordless drill and driver bit, apply screws to the decking profile and finish the head of the screw just below the profile surface. Do not over-screw as this may increase the risk of splitting.
Ensure boards are fixed straight to assist with correct alignment of subsequent boards.
JOINING BOARDS
For joining boards end to end, use a butt join centred over a supporting joist, ensuring there are fixings in each board on either side of join.
Fixings may need to be on a slight angle to ensure correct penetration of the joist and ensure fixings are not too close to the end of the profile.
SITE CLEAN-UP
After completion the installer is to leave the site in a clean and tidy manner, including:
1. Replacing or repairing any damaged or marked items; and
2. Removing all rubbish, debris and unused items from the building site.
Any treated and/or coated timber off-cuts or rubbish are to be disposed carefully and in accordance with local council bylaw requirements.
Note: Accoya ® wood is not treated with dangerous chemicals and can be disposed of by burning, or as untreated timber at refuse sites.
ON-GOING MAINTENANCE
It is the building owner’s responsibility to ensure that the decking system receives regular maintenance so that it continues to perform at its required level.
MAINTENANCE INTERVAL
For most areas (especially coastal, industrial, and inner-city areas) maintenance should be performed at least once every 12 months. Maintenance may be required as often as once every six months, depending on the level of pollution, dirt or organic growth in the environment.
For sheltered, inland locations, maintenance should be performed once every 12 to 18 months.
MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
Regular maintenance is to include the following 5 steps:
1. Wash all exterior surfaces with low pressure water to remove dust, dirt and other contaminants;
a. Extra attention should be given to areas that are not exposed to rain such as sheltered areas below eaves where contaminants may not be washed away;
b. Do not direct high pressure water on any part of the hardwood timber.
Timspec Hardwood Decking Installation Manual
Version 2.5
© Timber Specialists Limited 2011 Page 10 of 10 Updated: January 2019
c. Do not use harsh or abrasive chemicals on deck surface.
2. Use a soft bristle nylon brush or broom with water and an appropriate cleaning agent (refer to paint manufacturer for correct cleaning agent specific to their coating system) to remove stubborn or persistent dirt and contaminants.
3. Inspect all surfaces and junctions for signs of damage, wear-and-tear, or coating breakdown. Where coating surface has broken or remedial action is required:
a. Remove all damaged or loose coating (may involve sanding back to solid timber);
b. Spot prime any bare timber (if repairing paint);
c. Re coat with minimum two coats of the product originally used to initially overcoat the timber.
4. Repairing or replacing any damaged or deteriorated items:
a. Small isolated areas of dry rot in timber can be cut out and filled then primed and coated;
b. For larger areas of deterioration: remove and replace either the damaged section or the entire board. Prime and coat the replacements as required;
5. Where a coating is applied, periodic recoating is required to ensure the integrity of the coating is sustained. This will generally mean applying another exterior coat every 4 to 10 years (dependant on the coating used and building location) after washing and maintenance.
(CertDeck Manuals)