Replies

1. 
   wane | Jan 22, 2010 08:15am | #1

   all composites change dimensions over the seasons .. its not uncommon for a 12' length to vary by an inch or so .. most brands have developed cleats to hold the deck in place without penetrating the "boards" to allow them to move.

2. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 22, 2010 03:55pm | #2

   wow.
   It's a shame to use
   wow.

   It's a shame to use shorter lengths, but 10' lengths with staggered joints would cut the stress on the outer most screws since movement would be half that of a 20' length.

3. 
   mike@harbourside | Jan 23, 2011 04:54pm | #3

   I just got a call from a customer where we installed Fawn Azek last spring.  On one of the decks we are seeing shrinking of the deck boards from 1/4 to 1/2 inch.  I have not contacted AZEK yet but it is interesting to read your post.  I have installed AZEK before with no issues.

1. 
   JimGage | Feb 18, 2011 06:21pm | #4

   AZEK Fawn

   Sorry for my late reply; got no valid response until your post, so had almost given up.

   This second winter, shrinkage again sheared several screws while all the rest of my AZEK decks are rock solid.

   Deck boards lying across joists are OK; we used Tiger Claws.  It's the boards where we had to attach lengthwise (parallel) to the framing where so much movement occurs, the screws shear.  It doesn't matter whose screws we use, they all shear.

   The weird part is other decks with Brownstone are built the same way with no problems.

   What are you seeing?  What are your environmental conditions?  We're in the Northwest, so no extreme heat or cold.

4. 
   capstockdecking | Dec 20, 2012 08:36am | #5

   Shrinking in Azek Fawn

   Hello guys,

   I am new to the forums, but I read your post and I thought I would respond. For four years, I served as the deck products specialist for Starborn Industries who is the manufacturer of Headcote screws and similar products.

   As most of you are aware, there is a very big difference between the original AZEK boards (Harvest Collection) and the newer board such as Fawn (Arbor and Terra Collections). The newer boards are co-extruded capstock decking. Essentially, they are filled with cheap recycled materials and coated with a hard, durable PVC shell. Because it is very hard to regulate recycled material, there, to a small extent, is variation in the boards, allowing for some of them to move more than others.

   I saw a couple of posts regarding snapping of screws, and I was wondering what type of screws you were using? Because the screws are shearing, I am assuming they were not stainless steel, as stainless steel would bend before it snaps. With capstock boards, especially the higher end ones such as AZEK, it is imperative to use stainless steel screws such as Headcote by Starborn Industries, TrimTop by FastenMaster, or GRK fasteners.

   Please email me if you have any questions or check out my "What is Capstock Decking?" page on my site.

   Ryan Unick

   http://www.capstockdecking.com

   Your Source for Decking News & Information

1. 
   calvin | Dec 20, 2012 08:44am | #6

   Ryan

   While this forum rejects cheap attempts of spam from less than qualified posters, your visit opens the door for someone with your background and expertise to contribute to discussion.

   I hope you plan to visit often and offer your experience.

   thanks.

   Good start in qualifying yourself in the tagline-done in a reserved yet informative manner.

1. 
   capstockdecking | Mar 03, 2013 07:55pm | #7

   Calvin,

   Thank you for the kind words.  They are much appreciated!

   -Ryan

2. 
   capstockdecking | Mar 03, 2013 07:55pm | #8

   Calvin,

   Thank you for the kind words.  They are much appreciated!

   -Ryan

3. 
   AndyEngel | Mar 06, 2013 09:12am | #9

   I know Ryan - He's a good guy, and knows a thing or two.

1. 
   calvin | Mar 06, 2013 09:15am | #10

   Andy

   Give him a personal invite to the fest-be nice to meet another good new guy.........or new, good guy.

   And, Walter had some trouble posting his reply to the Chimney Flashing thread-could you be of some help?

   thanks.

1. 
   AndyEngel | Mar 06, 2013 10:57am | #11

   Was Walter trying to post pictures? The size limits might have tripped him up.

2. 
   calvin | Mar 06, 2013 11:42am | #12

   Here's the note:

    

    

    

   Calvin ,

   I see your name here sometimes so I hope you'll see this , even though I know you won't post here .

   Tried to add another post to Andy in the thread about chimney flashing article , but it won't allow me to get text in the body of post box .

   Maybe you could respond back there to give me a hint whats going on .

   Have I been black listed for griping ??

   Walter

   I've not had a problem inserting pictures if sized right.  So/so with larger images-eventho there's a resize button on that Insert Image box.  Sometimes re-sizing in that box manually works..............sometimes not.

   Let's try it here.

   JUST TRIED the browse button-Nothing happened.  Maybe yell down the hall to those guys that have a key to this software.