Can Ipe Clip® deck fasteners be used on decking other than Ipe?
See why contractors choose Ipe Clip® brand deck fasteners for composite, PVC, and every wood decking species.
Introducing the Extreme4™ Deck Fastener
The Extreme4™ deck fastener from the Ipe Clip® Fastener Co works with composite, PVC, air-dried AND kiln-dried hardwood decking.
Apr 11
20
The Proper Gap Spacing For Your Deck
We received a call from a home owner last week. He was upset that his deck boards had expanded and were now butting up against each other and cupping. He had a mess and was understandably upset. I first asked what type of decking he had. He replied that it was kiln-dried decking. I then asked what type of deck fasteners he had purchased. He had no idea what type of deck fastener he had used but was certain that it was supposed to leave a 3/32” gap space. He made the same mistake other customers have made; using deck fasteners that leave a tiny gap space with deck boards that require a larger gap space. Unfortunately he made this discovery too late.
The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company has dedicated a lot of time in the training of all sales team members, dealers, and distributors. We do this to ensure that the right questions are asked so that the right product is chosen for each and every project.
Air-dried decking – Ipe Clip® Extreme™ fasteners which spaces boards at 3/32” should be used. Air-dried decking has a high moisture content which causes the wood to shrink as it acclimates. In other words, the gap between your boards will get larger so you want to use a deck fastener that starts with a small gap space. Ipe Clip®Extreme4™ can also be used. This leaves a 5/32” gap space. It’s a little larger but still does the job for those that want or need a slightly larger gap space.
Kiln-dried decking – Ipe Clip® ExtremeKD™ fasteners which offer a ¼” gap space should be used. Kiln-dried decking has a lower moisture content which results in the boards expanding as they acclimate. As you probably guessed, this means your gap spacing will come together so you will want to use a deck fastener that leaves a larger gap space during installation. Ipe Clip® Extreme4™ can also be used. This leaves a 5/32” gap space. It’s a little smaller but still does the job for those that want or need a smaller gap space.
Composite decking – Always check with and follow the manufacturer’s recommended gap spacing. Each is different and can vary from 3/32” gap spacing to 1/4″ gap spacing.
PVC Decking – Like composite decking, check with and follow the manufacturer’s recommended gap spacing. PVC decking is a little different in that the gap spacing for one part of the country may be different for another part of the county as PVC is more controlled by temperature.
Know what type of decking you have, know what the manufacturer’s recommended gap spacing is, and let us help you choose the Ipe Clip® brand fastener that’s right for you!
Mar 11
8
2010 Photo Contest Winner
The Ipe Clip® Fastener Company is proud to announce the winner of our 2010 photo contest!
We would like to extend our congratulations to Mitica Leontescu, owner of Creative Fences and Decks, located in Tigard, Oregon which serves the greater Portland metro area. Mr. Leontescu is the lucky winner of Ipe Clip®’s photo contest as well as the recipient of the coveted $1,500 prize!
The winning photo above was taken in Parkdale, Oregon on an 800 acre pear and apple orchard. This orchard has been owned and operated by the Laurence family for three generations. The Laurences contacted Mitica and requested that a deck be built onto their main house. After discussion, the newly constructed deck now extends around not one, but two sides of the house making the backdrop of Mt. Hood a stunning picture and project.
“Ironically, it was the first project in which we used the Ipe Clip® fasteners”, said Mr. Leontescu. “The project took three weeks to complete and the Laurences are very pleased with the outcome of the finished deck project. We have used the Ipe Clips® on several projects since. The Ipe Clip® is the only hidden fastener I am willing to use on ipe. I do not trust the other products in this climate. I love the clean look!”
I believe everyone will agree that this is the end result of a master craftsman using the highest quality of materials. Breathtaking! Thank you Mitica, and again we extend our congratulations from everyone here at Ipe Clip®!
We are very pleased with the outcome of this year’s contest. The number of entries made it difficult to narrow down a winner as did the actual projects themselves. We received submissions of decks, stairs, railings, siding, etc. We stand amazed at the level of creativity in our customers. Please visit http://piccontest.ipeclip.com to enter Ipe Clip®’s 2011 decking Photo Contest. You are allowed to enter as many different projects as you would like, so it’s certainly not too early to start now. Maybe your next project will be the $1,500 winner!
Posted in Uncategorized by .
Did you know that the very same Ipe Clip® brand hidden deck fastener can be used on composite decking as well as hardwood decking? It can! There are 2 major differences that you should be aware of when installing Ipe Clip® fasteners with a composite deck versus a hardwood deck.
You should know that although hardwoods expand and contract on their width, composite boards expand and contract on their length. You not only want to make certain that you are following the manufacturers suggested gap spacing between deck boards, but you want to make certain that you have allowed adequate room between your deck and any structure. The last thing you want to see is buckling and cupping issues because you built your deck right up against a structure. Then when it starts to move, it has nowhere to go.
When installing hardwood deck boards, you place a screw at a 45 degree angle through the Ipe Clip® fastener, through half of the deck board, and then down into your joist on just one side of your deck board. So as your deck board expand and contract, one side is always firmly attached tight to your joist. You wouldn’t want to use this same method with composite decking. As mentioned above, it moves on its length and you need to allow it to do so. When installing Ipe Clip® fasteners in composite decking, you will want to place the screw at a 90 degree angle straight through the Ipe Clip® fastener and right down into the joist. This allows the deck board to stay in place yet allow it to expand and contract at will.
By following the guidelines above, your Ipe Clip® brand fasteners can be used on a broad range of decking products and are quite versatile.
Maxwell Blake
Posted in Extreme Deck Fastener How-to Install by .
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