HFS For Azek Or Any PVC Decking

buildenterprise

Which HFS are you guys using with pvc decking and how do you like it? I installed an Azek deck last year with ebtys and liq nails and it was rock solid. All that biscuiting was a pita though. I don't like the Tigerclaw TC-P tap-in fasteners and the Cortex system seems to be almost as time consuming as the ebtys! I would LOVE to use the fastenators with liq nails and staple them down, that would be my first choice. I have the Fastenator router bit that CD uses, but I'm afraid to remove that much material from the edge of the deck board, not to mention most likely voiding any warranty from Azek. If the HO wasn't stuck on the Azek name and Consumer Reports good grades, I'd sell them the Weather-Ready decking from Gossen, it comes pre-grooved. Any input?

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BuiltByMAC

I would use the Cortex system for AZEK decking. It's a one step process for running screws and coring out the plug hole.
Maybe you can have a helper come out behind you and spend the day just tappin' plugs in...

Mac

Aframe

Talked to an Azek rep last month, He said they were coming out with grooved boards later this spring. Nothing on their site yet though.
Maybe give them a call?

greg24k

Mac,

I agree, I did not get the pleasure to use it yet, but I watched presentation a few days ago done by a representative from FastenMaster manufacturer, and I really liked it, it looks like the the best and well taught out system out there for Azek and other applications. They developing and coming out with some nice products.

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buildenterprise

According to an Azek rep I spoke with the other night at a trade show, they are not planning on introducing a grooved board due to edge strength issues. Hence the original post.

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Aframe

Ha That's what we get for listening to a sales reps. I was at a Harvey's show. Since there is nothing on there site, you probably got the right answer.

Would be nice if they made it though. Have you looked at Timber Tech XLM http://www.timbertech.com/products/d...m/default.aspx

Similar finish to Azek but sounds like your playing the name game with HO

DecksEtc

Ditto.

The plugs are virtually invisible.

MartyCD

You could pull out the July 2004 Consumer Reports for your client, and review the decking evaluation that's in there. After extensive laboratory testing, our top brand recommendations are:
1. Eon
2. Veranda
3. Choicedek
4. Weatherbest
5. Geodeck


(this really is true by the way, I have the old issue somewhere if anyone would like to see it. I think CR should stick to electric razors.)

neolitic

Marty, is this the thread you
were looking for?
http://www.contractortalk.com/f50/bo...diately-56253/

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BuiltByMAC

Quick Marty, throw a eyeball-rollin' smiley in so none of the new guys think you're serious!! Bwaa haa haa!

Mac

Greg Di

That's pretty scary. I wonder what CR is reporting these days?!?!?!

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loneframer

I like Deckmaster for wood decking, I havn't used it for composites yet, has anyone? It's a little bit of a challenge, but I like the end result and it gives you options for board spacing.

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deckman22

I used "Extreme ipe clips" recently on an ipe deck. It's too soon to tell if it will hold up in the long run, but seems to be. If it will work with ipe it will work with a composite for sure. Only thing is it would not work with pre-grooved boards cause the groove has to be off center otherwise the clip will tilt downwards making it a pita to get the next board in.

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www.alscustomdecks.com

Greg Di

Azek just approved using the new PVC TigerClaws. The boards do not need to be grooved.

I think Azek realized that they were getting their ass kicked by other brands offering grooved boards and the wiser contractors were avoiding Azek specifically because it was a PITA to HFS and face screwing is antiquated.

Last year at this time, Azek was adamant that the ONLY way to fasten ANY PVC board was face screwing because they were experts on PVC and knew it needed to be face screwed actually saying that installing ANY PVC board with HFS was a mistake. Now, all of a sudden, "yeah, yeah...it's OK to use clips"

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loneframer

I don't care for tiger claws because they're hard to deal with when working with a full board at the front of the deck, working toward the house. Also tough aligning if the joists or the decking is a little wanky.

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"Walking the fine line between production and perfection"



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JAC llc

Does anyone have an idea of the time it takes to pre-drill each board and plug it? This will be my first time using this system and don't know how much extra to charge.

hailey

There is no drilling...the screw gets countersunk and you tap in a plug. I haven't heard a complaint about this method from anyone yet...most of the guys we supply and our own installers take the extra time to line up the wood-grain as best they can.Along the same line has anyone used or seen the "HIDFAST" nailing gun??

BuiltByMAC

Ask your local lumberyard for a sample bag of the Cortex system. If they don't have any/can't get any, go to AZEK's website, get the number of your regional rep. Call him and have him send you a sample pack.
Work w/ it on some scrap composite boards to see how long it takes YOU. Figure out what the time & cost differential is between the Cortex system and your current system. Bid accordingly.

Hailey, look back over the past week or so of Deck threads - framerman started one on the Hidfast gun, titled "Hidfast"

Mac

John Hyatt

Question Guys>>> those manmade little plugs best I can figure out ya dont glue them in right?? just tap them in<< This Works?? down the road?? I just cant see it. J.

hailey

I thought the same thing....it's been a full summer and winter and no problems on several of our own installs and many contractors we have supplied...sooooooo .... hopefully we're good.

hey Mac thanks for the heads up ...I saw that posting right after I posted..gotta love the hind sight.