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.
Did you know that your deck needs to breathe? Well, not exactly like we do, but it still needs air nonetheless. Without proper ventilation and air circulation, your beautiful deck can cup, warp, check, and possibly decay. This mistake can even lead to the failure of your decking surface. Who wants to see that happen when you’ve put your hard earned money and effort into it?
How do you prevent those deck problems from occurring?
Adequate ventilation is essential for the long term stability of your deck. Below you will find steps that you can take before and during installation that will help to eliminate the above mentioned problems.
- Ensure your deck is not built above moist, leafy ground. If so, use high quality landscape fabric covered with gravel or stone under the deck.
- Avoid bark mulch under or around your deck as this is full of mildew spores.
- Utilize Ipe Clip® Hidden Deck Fasteners and follow recommended gap spacing.
- Coat your decking surface using Ipe Oil™ Hardwood Deck Finish
- Make sure all end grains are coated with Ipe Seal™ Hardwood End Grain Sealer.
- Construct your deck at a pitch to allow for proper drainage.
- Build your deck with a minimum of 12” ground clearance.If this is not possible, reduce your joist spacing to 12” and coat all four sides of your deck boards with Ipe Oil™.
By following these simple guidelines, your deck will stay healthy and mildew-free for years to come.
Posted in Deck Problems Hidden Deck Fasteners How-to Install by .
Sep 10
2
How to Clean Your Hardwood Deck
Has the summer taken a toll on your hardwood deck? Or, has your five year old just had a ketchup and mustard party on a hot summer day?
Ipe Clip® carries just the right deck finishing & cleaning products to get your deck clean and looking new. Messmer’s Deck Cleaner and Messmer’s Brightener is just what your deck needs. Both are biodegradable and environmentally safe powder concentrates. If you are also thinking about staining or oiling your deck, these products are a must.
In order for your deck to take a good stain or oil, it first must be thoroughly cleaned. It takes little time and is surprisingly easy and cost effective. See the steps below to see just how east cleaning your deck can be.
1. Sweep all dirt and debris from deck
2. Mix cleaner with water in a bucket or pail
3. Completely saturate deck with plain water using a garden hose
4. Apply cleaner using a mop or pump sprayer to deck and wait 10 minutes
5. Using a scrub brush, scrub each section of deck to loosen dirt and grime
6. Spray and rinse your deck clean using a garden hose
It really is that simple and easy. We recommend that your deck periodically be cleaned to help extend the life of your deck.
Posted in Deck Maintenance Deck Problems by .
Aug 10
26
Dealing with Rot
Rot is an almost ubiquitous problem in the world of wood decking. It is an ugly and potentially dangerous blemish as it gnaws away at the structural integrity of your deck boards. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to combat the threat of decay.
Prevention is the most infallible defense against deck rot. The best measure is to build your deck out of rot-resistant lumber. Exotic hardwoods such as ipe or cumaru possess impressive decay-thwarting properties that will ensure a long deck life with minimal hassle.
If you’ve already built your deck without the benefit of these resilient woods, that’s OK. It simply becomes even more important that you regularly inspect your deck for signs of rot. Most rot manifests itself in hard to see areas (underneath the boards, where the deck meets the house, etc.), or areas that remain damp for any length of time. If the rot is extensive, it is time to replace the deck boards.
Standing water is a perfect breeding ground for the microbes that cause decay. Therefore, it is imperative in your battle against rot to deny them the moist environment they crave. Debris can capture moisture, so keep your deck surface free of leaves and dirt, clean out the spaces between boards, and make sure gutter spouts are directed away from the deck.
Another area you may not have considered is where the nails or screws have been driven through the board faces. Water can actually find its way into those holes and breed unsightly rot. An excellent solution to this problem is to use Ipe Clip® hidden deck fasteners which will keep your deck face free of holes for moisture to hide in.
Finally, to keep moisture from soaking into the wood itself, seal it with an oil or water based finish. We highly recommend Ipe Oil™ Hardwood Deck Finish to protect your backyard retreat.
Take good care of your deck, and it will remain beautiful and strong for you to enjoy in the years to come.
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