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What
is AmeraDeck?
AmeraDeck is a vinyl-polymer based decking and railing
system which is an excellent exterior plastic that is blended
with colorants, wood, and mineral fillers, including at times
fiberglass, nylon and polyester added for strength. AmeraDeck
products are among the strongest and most color fast products
in the composite decking industry.
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What
are the different AmeraDeck products and sizes?
AmeraDeck comes in 5/4" decking, 2"x2", 2"x4", 2"x6",
4"x4", 2"x6" Railcap, 1/2" x 3 1/2" Trim, and 1/2 x 9" Trim in
12’ lengths. AmeraDeck is available in the 5/4" decking,
2"x4" and 2"x6" sizes. AmeraDeck has excellent strength characteristics
which rank it amongst the best products available and is equal
in all categories and install in the same manner.
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Will
the color of AmeraDeck change?
AmeraDeck is manufactured with colorants and UV inhibitors to
keep fading to a minimum. AmeraDeck will fade less than olefin
boards presently on the market, and is embossed to give a wood
grain effect. AmeraDeck is manufactured with slight variations
in color to truly represent real wood, not plastic.
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What
is the warranty on AmeraDeck?
AmeraDeck has a 10-year limited warranty and covers splintering,
splitting, rot, decay and termite damage. See our warranty page
for details.
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Can
AmeraDeck be taken to a landfill?
AmeraDeck construction debris can be discarded in a landfill.
It is best not to burn AmeraDeck as it has vinyl based plastic
and mineral content and will not readily burn.
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What
are the advantages of AmeraDeck over other composite and plastic
decking and railing products?
AmeraDeck's vinyl-polymer base is the best exterior plastic available
for composite decking and railing systems. The combination of
wood and mineral fillers give AmeraDeck increased dimensional
stability and strength. AmeraDeck’s embossing gives a simulated
wood finish and encapsulates the board with a solid skin. The
colorant and deeper shades enable more UV protection.
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What
spacing or spans should be used for AmeraDeck decking?
5/4 decking in most uses will span 24" center on a 90° installation.
This is the best in the industry. In areas over 120°F, a 23" span
is the maximum. The 2"x4" and 2"x6" use a 24" spacing for 60°
- 90° angles. A span table is available in the installation instructions.
It is best to consult local building codes before installation.
See our installation guide for more details.
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Can
AmeraDeck be painted or stained?
AmeraDeck decking and railing systems can be painted or stained,
although not required. Quality, acrylic exterior latex deck paints
are suggested for best results. AmeraDeck Decking should be primed
before applying paint. See your paint supplier for recommended
products. Keep in mind that once AmeraDeck Decking is painted
or stained, subsequent applications will be necessary to maintain
its appearance. Deck sealants are not recommended or required.
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How
do you clean AmeraDeck Decking?
AmeraDeck cleans much easier than many other composite decking
and railing products due to its harder surface. Conventional deck
cleaning products, soap and water, or power washing work the best.
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Does
AmeraDeck have good traction?
Yes, AmeraDeck is one of the only composite decking boards to
meet the requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
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What
happens to AmeraDeck in hot or cold weather?
AmeraDeck performs well in all climates. The vinyl-polymer base
with mineral filler has less expansion and contraction than olefin
based products. A gap of 1/8" between ends of the boards should
be sufficient. As a rule of thumb, allow 1/16" end gap for every
20 degrees Fahrenheit difference between installation temperature
and the highest temperature expected during the year. For example,
if you live in a climate where the top temperature is likely to
reach 95 degrees, and you install the decking at 55 degrees, that
would be a difference of 40 degrees. 40 ÷ 20 = 2. 2 x 1/16" =
1/8". You would leave a 1/8" gap.
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How
does the weight of AmeraDeck compare to other decking materials?
AmeraDeck solid decking weighs approximately 2.6 lbs. per lineal
foot and AmeraDeck Lite weights approximately 2 lbs. per lineal
foot. The solid is comparable to other solid decking materials.
The AmeraDeck Lite has all the superior qualities of the solid
board with less weight.
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What
is the fire rating for AmeraDeck?
AmeraDeck products are fire rated "A" and Class "1" - the highest
rating in the industry.
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Will
insects damage AmeraDeck?
AmeraDeck products have been tested and are highly resistant to
damage from termites, carpenter ants and marine borers. In fact,
the termite test had a perfect 10 score with no infestation.
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Can
AmeraDeck be used in contact with the ground?
Yes. AmeraDeck products can be used in contact with the ground.
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What
kind of fasteners should be used with AmeraDeck?
All types of fasteners can be used. Pneumatic finish nails or
screws are preferred for their ease of installation. Composite
deck screws are available which do not require pre-drilling. It
is best to use galvanized or stainless steel products. It is recommended
to pre-drill when installing the railing systems.
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Are
special tools required to install AmeraDeck?
No, normal woodworking tools are fine. Carbide tip blades work
best for cutting. Hand nailing is not recommended. See installation
instructions for best results.
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Is
there an Installation Manual for AmeraDeck?
Yes, click
here to download a current adobe .pdf manual that you
can save and print offline.
