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.
One of the reasons why the Ipe Clip® brand of deck fasteners requires you to install them at an angle isn’t because we wanted to be different.
It’s because installing deck fasteners at an angle provides maximum hold to the joist. It also raises your deck’s chances of not warping, or cracking in the future. While other decking fasteners require a vertical installation, this fastening method does not provide as much holding power. There is real science that supports why installing deck screws at an angle is a much better option.
Recently, I came across a real scientific study conducted by Karlsruhe University in Germany. Their report, entitled, “Screws with Continuous Threads in Timber Connections” found that “In comparison to the timber-to-timber connections with screws loaded perpendicular to their axis, the connection with screws under an angle of about 45° reached a 12 times higher connection stiffness.”
What does this mean? Well, basically, it means that installing hidden deck fasteners by screwing in at an angle will greatly increase the strength and rigidity of your deck.
While the report is written in very detailed scientific language, I think seeing the difference makes the greatest impact. Compare the pic above to this one…which do you think is going to be stronger in the long run?
Clearly, if you’re going to build a deck and spend your hard earned money it makes perfect sense to do it right the first time and to use the best decking tools in the industry. After all, once your deck is made, the cost to replace deck boards and, in some cases, your whole deck is not something you want to bear. So, if you’re making plans to build a deck soon, or into the future, contact a local distributor who sells the best deck fasteners on the market today.
Posted in Hidden Deck Fasteners How-to Install by .
Do-it-yourself homeowners who are comparing deck fasteners have a lot of different brands to choose from. However, despite all the marketing claims made by other companies. The one aspect that they like to gloss over is how their brand of deck fasteners have an installation process that, in fact, does not lead to a stronger and more durable decking surface.
What do I mean?
Most hidden fasteners require vertical installation. Companies like to say that this installing a screw vertically into the joist saves time because there is no pre-drilling required. Their pitch is basically, “Our fasteners are better because your deck gets built faster.” Sure. That may be true, but what about the long term? After all, hardwood deck boards expand and contract on their width. And, if you buy the hype that saving a few minutes will make your deck look better, then over time, you will be frustrated. Why? Because when you use hidden deck fasteners that require vertical installation, then each deck board will move independently from the others. It’s simple science. Instead of having a uniform deck surface that contracts and expands in unison, vertical installation leads to gap spacing that is not uniform. Your deck surface will have big and small gaps and look disheveled.
However…
When you compare deck fasteners to the fastening systems offered by Ipe Clip®, you will notice that installing the clips at a 45 degree angle provides a much stronger deck that also allows for uniform expansion and contraction of the deck surface.
For a visual example of how installing the Ipe Clip® Extreme™ fasteners at a 45 degree angle allows hardwood decking to expand and contract in unison, take a look at this video:
Posted in Extreme Deck Fastener How-to Install by .
Using the right deck accessories can mean the difference between a lengthy and headache riddled deck building experience and a smooth one. Torx and Headcote screws are designed to resist stripping and cam out. You will save money in the long run because you’ll have to but less screws to get the job done right!
Torx Screws
Headcote Screws
We can direct you to the right screw and bits for your specific application:
- Torx Stainless Steel Screws
- Headcote Stainless Steel Deck Screw
- Smart-Bit
- Torx Drive Screw Gun Tips
- High Speed Drill Bits
If you’re getting ready to build a deck and are wondering about what kind of screws you need then contact us here at Ipe Clip®.
Posted in Deck Tools How-to Install by .
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