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Q:  What is TimberTech?

A:  TimberTech is a leading manufacturer of low-maintenance, high quality composite Decking and Railing Solutions. Made from reclaimed wood fibers and pure plastic resins, TimberTech composite decking and railing is a revolutionary alternative to traditional wood decks that offers a skid-free, splinter-free surface that doesn't need to be painted, stained or sealed.

Q:  Does TimberTech have a warranty?

A:  Yes. TimberTech warrants to the original consumer purchaser that, for a period of twenty-five (25) years from the date of original consumer purchase, under normal use and service conditions, TimberTech Decking and Railing shall be free from material defects in workmanship and materials, and shall not check, split, splinter, rot or suffer structural damage from termites or fungal decay. For a complete copy of TimberTech's warranty, first click on "Warranty Information" at the left column, then click on "TimberTech Composite Decking & Railing".

Q:  Does TimberTech Decking come in any colors?

A:  Yes, TimberTech offers som of their products in the traditional colors of cedar, grey, and redwood. Their "Earthwood" line of deck planks are available in Tropical Teak, Tropical Walnut, and Tropical Rosewood. TimberTech is offering for 2008 an exciting new line of ultra-low maintenance deck planks called XLM. XLM is available in Mountain Cedar, River Rock, and Sand Ridge.

Q:  Does TimberTech Railing come in colors?

A:  Yes, TimberTech’s Ornamental Rail System is available in Cedar, Grey, Redwood and Whitesand.  TimberTech RadianceRail comes in a Coastal White and Classic Black. For 2008, TimberTech is unveiling their "Builder Rail". TimberTech's Builder Rail combines the rich look of black metal balusters with cedar, grey, or redwood composite rails.

Q:  Will TimberTech Decking and Railing fade in color?

A:  Yes, most materials exposed to UV and weathering will fade. TimberTech decking and railing solutions are blended with high quality raw material and UV-inhibiting pigments to produce products consistent in color. Because of the quality of material used, most TimberTech decking and railing products fade less than other composites available.

Q:  What effect does heat have on TimberTech products?

A:  The effect that heat has on TimberTech products is similar to the effect it has on a wood deck. All TimberTech colors were developed with reflective, inorganic pigments which are more expensive than organic pigments, but dramatically reduce heat build-up. Some competitors use organic pigment due to the cost of the reflective, inorganic pigments. TimberTech's R&D engineers have been developing pigment systems for vinyl siding for over 50 years, providing the expertise for TimberTech to have one of the coolest composites available.

Q:  How will salt water affect TimberTech products?

A:  Salt-water climates are a perfect application for TimberTech products. Salt water will have no ill effects on TimberTech.

Q:  Can TimberTech products be used as a porch?

A:  Yes, many porches are built with TimberTech products. If using Floorizon, ventilation requirements must be met.

Q:  Can I build my TimberTech deck directly over an existing surface?

A:  See below for minimum space requirements for your TimberTech deck planks:
Earthwood, DockSider, TwinFinish, 5/4 & 2x6 Planks
There must be a minimum of a 2" (nominal) sleeper system supported by and connected to the substructure over which the deck is to be built.
Floorizon Planks
There must be a minimum 12" high unobstructed continuous air space along at least three sides of the deck to allow for cross ventilation.

Q:  Can I use TimberTech for the surface of a boat dock?

A:  Yes, TimberTech DockSider Plank is ideal for dock, marina and boardwalk applications. TimberTech DockSider can span 24" on-center for both residential and commercial applications. TimberTech Earthwood, TwinFinish, 5/4 and 2x6 Planks can also be used on docks. Floorizon Planks cannot be used in this application due to ventilation requirements.

Q:  Can I use TimberTech Floorizon product if I do not have a minimum of 12" from the bottom of the joist to the ground?

A:  No, the Floorizon product cannot be used in any application that does not have at least 12" from the bottom of the joist to the ground. Without adequate ventilation, the top surface is typically dry and underneath the deck could be damp from moisture and or humidity. This, in some cases, may cause the Floorizon profile to cup slightly and would void the warranty. Please see our installation instructions by clicking on Installation Instructions, and then clicking on the TimberTech Decking / Railing instructions for proper ventilation requirements.

Q:  Can I use TimberTech DrySpace with TimberTech Floorizon Deck Planks?

A:  Yes. With proper installation, TimberTech DrySpace can be used with Floorizon Deck Planks. The moisture will be carried away from underneath the Floorizon Deck Planks. It is the moisture underneath the Floorizon Deck Plank that could cause cupping. In addition, since the V-Panels are cut 3" from the beam or rim joist, there should be some air flow around the planks.

Q:  Can I use glue or caulk with TimberTech?

A:  In the past, we have not recommended the use of glue or caulk with any TimberTech products. Some of our contractors have been successful using an adhesive identified as Tremco Vulkem 116 Polyurethane Adhesive. This is what we would recommend if an adhesive were needed.

Q:  Can TimberTech's Floorizon Planks be made into a watertight surface?

A:  No, TimberTech Floorizon is made with weep holes every 9" on the tongue. These weep holes allow water to drain off of the deck. Correct installation of the product with hand pressure gives you a gap of up to 1/4" between planks. This gap allows the product to expand and contract with temperature changes. If this gap is made watertight by a caulk product, the product will not have the ability to expand and contract in the gap. If your project requires a dry space beneath the deck you can install TimberTech DrySpace.

Q:  Can TimberTech Ornamental Rail and RadianceRail be curved?

A:  Yes, our railing products can be curved in a variety of styles.

Q:  I have a chip in the cap stock (outer layer) material on my RadianceRail; can I repair it or touch it up?

A:  Yes, automotive touch-up paint such as Duplicolor 2 in 1 Scratch Fix works well and is available at most department or automotive retailers. For Coastal White use universal gloss white and for Classic Black use universal flat black.

Q:  How long are the RadianceRail baluster end plugs?

A:  There is two inches of solid material with a centered pilot hole that extends through the entire end plug.

Q:  How do I cut the RadianceRail balusters for the stair applications and still maintain enough of the plug for a secure attachment?

A:  Start the angled cut at the top edge of the baluster to maximize the length of the baluster and to minimize the amount of the plug being removed. Cut equal amounts from each end of the baluster.

Q:  Are the RadianceRail kits actually a full 6’ and 8’?

A:  Yes, BUT the actual length of the railing assembly must be measured from center of post to center of post. The additional material is provided to allow for angles and end cuts/trimming.

Q:  My RadianceRail components appear to be two different shades, what should I do?

A:  The two support rails within the kit could appear lighter or darker than the balance of the components. When assembled, these support rails will not be visible so you can proceed with assembling your rails.

Q:  Is there a top and bottom of the Colonial Spindles in the RadianceRail System?

A:  Yes, the Colonial Spindle should be installed with the shorter box tube (approximately 6”) at the top and the longer box tube (approximately 7”) at the bottom (or nearest the bottom rail).

Q:  Can TimberTech CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners be used on angles?

A:  Yes, any angle up to 45 degrees can be achieved. Simply align the screw hole in the fastener with the center of the joist.

Q:  How do I know how many CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners I’ll need for my project?

A:  You can determine the number of fasteners needed by multiplying the number of joist you have by the number of decking boards.  TimberTech has made it easy by packaging CONCEALoc fasteners in boxes that cover 100 square feet.

Q:  Do I need to gap my planks when I'm using the CONCEALoc fasteners?

A:  The CONCEALoc fasteners provide proper/consistent spacing between the sides of the planks. You will need to gap the ends at all butt joints 1/8”.

Q:  Is it possible to replace a plank installed with CONCEALoc fasteners, if it gets damaged after installation?

A:  Yes, you can find complete details on how to do this in the TimberTech Installation Guide.

Q:  Can CONCEALoc fasteners be used with other decking styles?

A:  Yes, they can be used with any of TimberTech’s solid planks: Earthwood, TwinFinish, 5/4 and Docksider. Refer to the TimberTech Installation Instructions.

Q:  What are the CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners made of?

A:  The CONCEALoc fasteners are made from .060 304 stainless steel. This material, with its high nickel content, will ensure a long life even in harsh environments.

Q:  Where do I purchase the CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners?

A:  Any retailer that carries TimberTech products will have, or can get, CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners.

Q:  Is there a CONCEALoc Hidden Fastener installation video available?

A:  Yes, request the DVD be sent to you by calling 1-800-307-7780.

Q:  What tools are required to install the CONCEALoc Hidden Fasteners?

A:  No special tools are required when using TimberTech pre-grooved deck planks. With some 5/4 planks and DockSider planks, a router will be needed to create a groove at each joist. You can find complete details on how to do this in the TimberTech installation guide .

Q:  Can I install DrySpace by myself?

A:  Yes. Complete, easy to follow instruction come with your DrySpace purchase. Installation is easiest with two people. You are likely to have the tools and materials you need, or they are easy to find at your local hardware store.

Q:  Will chemical treatments or stains damage DrySpace?

A:  No. Common, off-the-shelf stains and chemical wood cleaning treatments have no adverse effects on DrySpace.

Q:  Is there a warranty?

A:  Yes. DrySpace is backed by a limited 5-year warranty that covers material defects.

Q:  Can I splice panels together to save material?

A:  No. There is no way to make a joint between the Joist Covers and/or Panels that will prevent leaks. DrySpace comes in 12’ and 16’ lengths that allow for seamless installations. The 16’ kits are ideal for DrySpace installations where the joist cavities are 8' long.

Q:  My deck was constructed with pitch away from the house. Can I install the Joist Covers tight to the bottom of the joist?

A:  No. The Combo Bracket and Joist Cover is a gutter that does collect water. When the Combo Bracket or Joist Cover is installed tight to the bottom of the joist, water cannot freely flow from the Combo Bracket or Joist Covers.

Q:  Can I run the Panels over the top of a beam?

A:  Panels must always stop 3” from the beam. In most cases the low point of the Panel will interfere with the beam causing water to dam on the Panel. Combo Brackets and Joist Covers should stop 1” from the beam.

Q:  I have a support beam 3' from my house. Can I run the Panels over the top of the beam?

A:  While the Panels would clear the beam 3' from the house, the Joist Covers must terminate at the beam. The Panels should also be trimmed at this point. Because the Joist Cover is a gutter any water that drains from the Joist Covers should be collected with a K-style gutter.

Q:  Will the Combo Bracket or Joist Cover cause my deck to rot?

A:  No. When properly installed the Combo Bracket or Joist Cover channels water away from the house and out of the Combo Bracket or Joist Cover. This also allows for airflow between the Combo Bracket or Joist Cover and joist.

Q:  Can I paint DrySpace?

A:  We would not recommend it because of the maintenance issues, but yes DrySpace can be painted.

Q:  Can I install a more decorative ceiling under DrySpace?

A:  No. That would require penetrating the Joist Covers with nails or screws.

Q:  Could I install DrySpace by using F-Brackets only and not the Combo Bracket (Joist Cover/F-Bracket combo)?

A:  No. The Combo Bracket (Joist Cover/F-Bracket Combo) must be used to collect any water that drains thru or around the joist.