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.
Dec 10
8
Step away from the mold!
I received a call from a home owner asking what to do about the mold he found on his deck. He said that he had previously scraped it off and washed it down.
“It looked good for about a month, but now it’s back again”.
What the homeowner didn’t realize is that mold isn’t just a surface problem. It can seep deep into every kind of decking material; therefore you can’t just scrape it off. You literally are just scratching the surface as they say. The mold spores are still left behind inside the deck board. If left untreated, the mold will spread wider and deeper and can eventually rot your deck, so immediate action should be taken at the first sign of mold. You have to actually kill the mold so that it doesn’t re-grow. The first thing to look at is where the mold is growing.
If growing on the top of your deck, the mold can be treated in different ways:
- Use a bleach based cleaner to kill the mold. Keep in mind that bleach can lighten and dry out your deck boards.
- Use a sodium percarbonate based product. This will penetrate your deck boards, killing the mold spores and is less harsh than the bleach based cleaners.
- Use a steam powered sprayer. Mold cannot live in temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Finally, once your deck has been thoroughly cleaned and free from mold, seal your hardwood deck with an oil-based wood sealer such as Ipe Oil™ Hardwood Deck Finish. This will help to repel moisture, which is one cause of mold.
If growing below your deck, you have way too much moisture under there. Was your deck built too close to the ground not leaving enough room for proper ventilation? Do you have standing water under your deck?
- Make certain that you have proper drainage under your deck. You may be required to landscape or re-grade that area.
- Remove any bark mulch or wet leaves under and around your deck as this is a breeding ground for mold.
Below are just a few steps that you can take to aid in the prevention of future outbreaks of mold.
- Make certain that your deck has adequate gap spacing between your deck boards.
- Your deck should be pitched away from any structure to allow for proper drainage of water.
- Sweep any debris, including leaves and pollen, from your deck at least once weekly.Treat your deck with Ipe Oil™ at least every five years. More often may be needed depending on your climate.
Posted in Deck Maintenance Deck Problems by .
It’s finally Fall! Can you believe it? This has been a hot summer and I am thrilled that the temperatures have started to cool slightly. Now, I can get outside and grill without feeling as if I may have a heat stroke.
We’ve recently had a few inquiries regarding the safety of grilling on hardwood decks. Is it safe to do so, or not? The short answer is yes, it is safe. However, in order to have a safe barbecue, you must follow certain safety guidelines, precautions, and suggestions.
- Follow all manufacturers guidelines
- Avoid grilling on a covered or enclosed porch. This will eliminate any possible carbon monoxide poisoning you may get from your gas grill.
- Position your grill well away from siding, deck railings, our from under eaves, and overhanging branches. Your grill should be no closer than 24” from any wall surface and even further away if near vinyl siding and some painted surfaces. These have been known to melt at high temperatures.
- The use of a flame, heat, and weather resistant grill pad under your grill is a must. These grill pads will protect your deck from incidental sparks and/or embers and grease stains.
- Keep all flammable products away from your grill. This includes tiki torches, gas for your mower, and yes, even alcoholic beverages.
- Make certain that you have a connected and properly working garden hose and fire extinguisher nearby before you even ignite your grill.
- If you haven’t built your deck yet, consider constructing it out of Ipe. Ipe has been given a Class A fire rating, which is the same rating given to both concrete and steel.
If, after this summer, you need to clean your deck from incidental spills around your grill, check out the Deck cleaning products that our dealers offer.
You can fire up your grill and relax knowing that you have taken the proper steps to ensure safety for your family and friends!
Sep 10
27
Ipe Clip® Deck Photo Contest
Ipe Clip® Is Giving Away $1500.00!
No, you are not reading a typo. How would you like to be the lucky winner? It’s easy; just enter the Ipe Clip® Deck Picture Contest. The contest is open to all customers who have utilized Ipe Clip® Hidden Deck Fasteners in their projects. The projects can include hardwood, composite, or pvc decking, as well as projects using the fasteners as siding, fencing, or any other use you may have thought of. Winners will be chosen based on how well Ipe Clip® brand fasteners were used and the overall quality of the photograph of that project. The winner will be chosen by our staff and notified after the contest has closed, at the end of the calendar year.
- Projects MUST use Ipe Clip® brand fasteners
- Multiple projects and entries are allowed
- Limit of 6 photos per project
A $100 prize will be awarded to any entry that is used in the Ipe Clip® Fastener Company “Deck of the Month Showcase” feature. Now might be the best time to call and order Ipe Oil™ to help get your deck in prime photograph condition.
So what are you waiting for? Upload your deck photos today.
Thanks for entering and we look forward to seeing your photographs!
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