Fiberon General FAQs
What does the term "multi-chromatic" mean?
Multi-chromatic is a term used to describe the varied light and dark streaking on certain composite decking. By adding different colors at precise moments during the manufacturing process, we are able to create a more nuanced color palette on a single board – something you might also call multi-dimensional color.
How do I remove the label adhesive from my Fiberon deck Boards?
When you remove the labels that come standard on our deck boards, there may be some adhesive left behind. We recommend WD40, denatured alcohol or PVC pipe cleaning liquid as the most effective means of removing this adhesive. Traditional deck cleaner or power washing may not remove the adhesive completely.
I accidentally chipped a piece of my deck board. Is there a way to repair it?
While Fiberon decking is resilient, some outside sources can damage it. Certain minor issues can be fixed with a brass bristle brush or heat gun. Or, since Horizon Decking is reversible, you may opt to remove the chipped board, flip it over, and re-install it.
If you’re not sure what the best course of action is for your particular situation, we recommend contacting our Technical Services staff via email.
What cleaner is best to use to keep my composite railing like new?
To clean your composite railing and maintain its like-new appearance, we recommend using Fantastik®, Mr. Clean® Magic Erasers or DeckMax PVC Revitalizing Wipes.
What can I use to melt ice and snow on my deck without damaging it?
The best thing for removing ice and snow is a calcium chloride-based “ice-melt” or rock salt. If you’re unsure about what type of ice-melt you’re looking for, search for a product that has the phrases, “safe for concrete”, “safe for flagstone”, and “will not kill grass” in its description. Do not use ice melt with an added colorant. The dyes can stain your composite decking. Never use sand on Fiberon Decking. Sand abrasion can grind into the decking and permanently damage the surface.
Do Fiberon deck boards meet California fire code requirements for WUI (wildland urban interface) zones?
Fiberon offers both a PVC deck board and a capped composite deck board that have been tested and approved for use in Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones.
Paramount PVC Decking meets the requirements of the CA SFM 12-7A-4, Part A and Part B, B Class Burning Brand, for use in all Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) zones. (Flame Spread Index 30 Class B with 3/16 in. edge-to-edge spacing).
OFSM Listing Number: 8110-2045:0008
Fiberon ProTect Advantage FR composite decking meets the requirements of the CA SFM 12-7A-4, Part A, for use in all WUI zones (Flame Spread Index Class C with a maximum of 3/16 in. edge-to-edge spacing).
OFSM Listing Number: 8110-2045:0009
These products were tested in accordance with the requirements defined in the 2010 California Building Code, Chapter 7A (CSFM 12-7A-4), Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure - Decking.
To search listings at the Office of the California State Fire Marshal, visit: http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/licensinglistings/licenselisting_bml_searchcotest.php
How do I initiate a warranty claim?
Fiberon decking and railing is protected by best-in-the-business warranties. However, if you ever need to initiate a warranty claim, please follow these simple steps:
- Complete this form and have ready the following documentation:
- Proof(s) of purchase, detailing lengths and quantities, from the retailer where the material was purchased. Please note: We CANNOT accept a contractor bill/invoice or credit card statement as proof of purchase.
- Detailed photos of the material in question, including ones that show how the material was installed. Also, please include at least one photo taken from a distance that shows the entire deck project from the ground level up.
Your claim will be evaluated upon receipt of all the above requested information. Keep in mind that we may request additional information and/or photographs at a later date.
Can I power wash Fiberon Decking products?
Skilled professionals may use a pressure washer with wide fan tips, at low pressures under 3,000 psi and at safe distances, 10" above deck. In the wrong hands, your composite deck could be damaged. Exercise extreme caution. Improper use could lead to damage of the surface, and void your warranty coverage.
What makes Fiberon Decking and Railing safe for my home?
Fiberon products are urea formaldehyde-free and manufactured without toxic chemicals. Products installed according to our manufacturer's instructions and local building codes provide sturdy decking and surrounds that do not splinter, crack or decay, protecting workers and users from potential injuries.
How do Fiberon products produce less waste during installation?
Fiberon products provide unique features that help contractors reduce waste by up to 15 percent per job. Grooved and square edge boards come in a variety of lengths so contractors will have to cut fewer boards to fit, creating less scrap. Boards that are reversible have usable surfaces on both sides. This reduces the number of cuts needed, thereby eliminating waste.
Can I put Fiberon Decking over a concrete patio?
Yes, you can put Fiberon decking over a concrete patio in two ways. One is a sleeper system that allows the joists to be installed directly on a solid sub-structure. For non-sleeper applications, make sure there is adequate ventilation and a minimum of 1.4” (4 cm) between the joists and the ground. See instruction requirements for each type of installation.
Sleeper Installation
Minimum joist height is 1.5 inches (4 cm), installed level, in direction of water runoff and directly to a solid sub-structure. Create adequate ventilation for the deck by widening side-to-side spacing between boards to ¼ inch (6 cm) with a maximum of 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) gap. The deck design must allow unrestricted air flow under the deck at the open joist ends for ventilation and drainage. Get sleeper installation tips. Read the blog article for more details
Non-Sleeper Installation
Make sure there is adequate and unobstructed air flow under 50% of the deck. Allow a minimum of 1.5 inches (4 cm) between bottom of joist 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. Get complete installation instructions.
How much ventilation is required under a deck?
It is very important that there be adequate and unobstructed air flow under the deck to prevent excessive water absorption. Improve drainage or grade flat areas where standing water may gather. For decks with limited ventilation, six inches of clear ventilation is required.
Will heat from cooking grills or fire pits harm Fiberon Decking?
Fire features and fire pits are increasingly popular in outdoor living environments. Fire can damage many building products, including Fiberon decking. Improperly installed fire features and fire pits can cause damage to the surface of Fiberon decking via direct exposure to the flame or excessive radiated heat. Proper caution should be taken when designing, installing and using these features to ensure damage does not result.
What if my decking gets scratched?
In the same way that wood decking materials can get marred or gouged, the surface of composite decking can also be scratched. Horizon Decking and ProTect Advantage are the Fiberon products most resistant to scratches. If scratches do occur, we recommend allowing normal wear marks to disappear gradually.
Will salt water hurt Fiberon products?
Salt water splash has not been found to be detrimental.
Are Fiberon products slippery when wet?
Slip resistance testing under ASTM methods conducted by Fiberon on Fiberon manufactured capped decking products met or exceeded the recommendations of OSHA. An average of both dry and wet conditions was used in the testing evaluation and resulted in coefficient of friction (COF) averages of .50 or higher. All capped decking products manufactured by Fiberon have a micro-texture pattern in the surface embossing to increase slip resistance. Fiberon Paramount Decking has a high slip resistance when tested according to ASTM F 1679 with a dry/wet rating of .85/.82.
Although there are specified ASTM methods of measuring slip resistance, there is currently no building code requirement for minimum slip resistance. Methods used to test the relationship of the foot to the surface material measure the slip resistance to lateral movement caused by contact between two surfaces. Slip-resistance tests that are correctly performed under different consensus standards may produce different results. Variables that affect slip resistance include, shoe tread, stride, speed of stride, debris on surface, amount of moisture present and weight.
What is a multi-chromatic surface?
Unlike other decking boards that use shadows from embossed or molded surfaces, Fiberon products are developed with a proprietary process that injects more vibrant hues into the board to create the rich, natural color variation found in real wood such as cedar, redwood, and ipe.
Do Fiberon products require water sealing?
No. Fiberon products require only periodic cleaning with soap and water. Deck sealants are not required or recommended.
What is the significance of using HDPE to make Fiberon decking?
High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) provides superior physical and mechanical performance as compared to mixed density resins. HDPE resins are typically found in more rigid products like drinking cups and food packaging. The use of HDPE results in a decking board that is stiffer, more durable and much harder than other decks made with inferior grades of plastic.