WHAT KIND OF SCREWS DO YOU RECOMMEND IF INSTALLING THE DECKING BY SCREWING THROUGH THE FACE OF THE BOARD?
We would recommend using trim head screws specifically designed for composite decking. We currently offer these, the Starborn brand, for purchase directly through us. You could also pre-drill the deck boards and use a trim head wood screw.
WHAT KIND OF DRILL BIT IS NEEDED TO USE THE DECK SCREWS? DO I NEED TO COUNTER SINK OR COUNTER BORE THE SCREW?
We recommend a drill slightly smaller than the screw diameter. Do not need to counter sink or counter bore. The head of the screw will be flush with the board.
WHAT IS THE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED JOIST SPACING FOR NEWTECHWOOD DECK BOARDS?
Detailed information on joist spacing for the decking board can be seen in our installation guide, specifically on pages 5-6: https://www.newtechwood.com/pdf/Decking-Installation.pdf. The installation video (https://youtu.be/aADwQpSH44c) also provides some insight regarding this, starting at around 4 minutes. For North America, this is 12-16 inches, depending on application.
WHAT IS THE EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE BOARDS? HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED TO LEAVE BETWEEN THE BOARDS AND THE WALLS TO ADDRESS EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION?
Detailed information regarding this can be seen in our installation guide, specifically in the Expansion and Contraction Values section, pages 6 to 8. For North American installations, this is usually ¼ of an inch.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE ONE DOES NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREW WHEN USING THE T-CLIP?
To avoid this issue, make sure to set the appropriate torque setting on the drill or screw gun.
WHAT DISTANCE SUPPORT DO I NEED IF I BUILD A BRIDGE WITH THESE DECK BOARDS?
We recommend a 16 inch on center support for a bridge for light use. Heavy traffic, including commercial installations, or use by vehicles, would require 12 inches on center.
THROUGH WHICH HOLE IS THE MINI-GAP CLIP INSTALLED?
The screw hole used is the one on the side by itself. The mini-gap clip only needs to have one screw through it.
SHOULD I HAVE A GAP BETWEEN STRINGERS NEXT TO EACH OTHER?
You are welcome to, for the flow of water, but do not make this gap greater than a quarter inch. Adding a gap between stringers could extend the life of your joists slightly, as it would prevent moisture from building up. However, installing either with or without a gap is fine.
IF MY BOARDS ARE STAGGERED, WILL THE LOCKING T-CLIP GRIP BOTH BOARDS?
No, as we have introduced a new locking T-clip, with only grips on one side, they can be used on staggered boards without locking both boards (see an image here)
IF MY BOARD IS LOCKED DOWN ON ONE END (FOR EXAMPLE, THROUGH USING THE SECOND SCREW HOLD ON THE SIDING CLIP), HOW MUCH SPACE DO I NEED TO LEAVE ON THE OTHER END TO ALLOW FOR EXPANSION?
This depends on the length of the board. An 8-foot board would need 1/8th of an inch, a 16-foot board would need ¼ of an inch, and a 32-foot span (two 16 foot boards in a row butted up where they meet) would need ½ an inch.
