DECKING STORAGE PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
Prior to installation, the material should be stored on a flat surface, supported every 24" and covered, if original packaging is removed.

RECOMMENDED APPLICATIONS
Sensibuilt Decking is intended for residential installations such as sun decks, pool decks, docks, boardwalks, ocean walks and similar applications. Sensibuilt cannot anticipate every possible installation scenario and recommends that you consult an engineer, architect and/or building code official in your area to make sure your design meets all locally applicable codes.

INSTALLATION TOOLS
Sensibuilt Decking is easily installed with the same tools used for lumber. Carbide tipped blades and bits are recommended for best results. Apply Sensibuilt Edge Sealer to any cut ends that remain visible after installation.

FASTENERS
Sensibuilt Decking must be properly fastened to manage normal expansion and contraction. Surface fastening is best accomplished with finish head stainless steel screws, minimum #7 gauge, 2 ¼" long, with a 17° thread pitch. Position screws ¾" to 1" from plank edges, using two screws in every joist. Sensibuilt does not “mushroom” and requires no predrilling, unless installation temperatures fall below 25°F.

Color matched stainless steel fasteners are available directly from your Sensibuilt supplier. Any use of unapproved fasteners, including biscuits or nails, may lead to product failure.

FASCIA FASTENING
Fascia is intended as a non-structural covering for rim joists, stair risers, and stringers. Fascia is fastened with a combination of screws and good quality urethane/acrylic construction adhesive to prevent thermal buckling. Screws should be installed at a minimum 16" interval, two or three screws across the face, staggered if preferred. Miter cutting is recommended at outside corners.

MANAGING EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION
Sensibuilt Decking will exhibit less expansion and contraction with temperature changes than most other decking products, but to avoid buckling, it is important to manage these forces through proper installation.

This is the major difference you will find when installing Sensibuilt Decking. Follow these simple procedures and you will have a satisfactory installation.

Do not layout or cut planks until you are ready to install them. This will ensure that measured dimensions haven’t changed with overnight or other temperature swings.

During warm weather (70°F and above), planks must be butted tightly together before fastening with two screws on each joist. At temperatures below 70°F but above 32°F butt joints loosely and below 32°F leave a 1⁄16" gap at butts. This is differerent from the ¼" gap most decking requires.

As with any decking, a double joist is required for proper fastening at butt joints. Predrilling is not normally required but when working in very cold conditions (temperatures below 25°F), you should probably consider it.