Frequently Asked Questions About Portico Composite Decking and Railing 5/14/12 12:04 PM

Micro-Dome Technologies Q: Does Portico Composite Decking come in a variety of colors? A: Decking comes in Gray, Cedar, Redwood and Brown. Power of Portico Its surface is embossed with a natural oak grain. The rich and varied decking tones will lighten over time, giving your Portico Composite Decking a traditional, consistent wood look. Q: What lengths of Portico Composite Decking are available? A: 12 feet, 16 feet and 20 feet Decking Calculator Q: How should I clean my Portico Composite Decking? A: For a complete guide to caring for your Portico Composite Decking and rail system, see: link to Care and Maintenance. Q: How much do Portico Composite Decking products cost? A: Roughly 1.5 to 2 times the cost of pressure treated lumber products. Portico Composite Decking Portico Decking is available through a variety of retailers. Please contact them regarding specific pricing, see: Dealer Locator System. Portico Eclipse Decking Portico Railing Q: Do I need special tools to install Portico Composite Decking? Horizon Railing A: Portico Composite Decking is easy to install, using no special tools or hardware. Whether you are cutting, nailing, drilling or routing, traditional woodworking tools will do the job. Q: Will Portico Composite Decking fade? A: The color of Portico Composite Decking will lighten after installation but the base color tone Select a State of the product will remain for years of service. Q: Is Portico Composite Decking slippery when wet? A: No. Portico Composite Decking’s textured surface is actually more slip resistant when wet. Q: Will Portico Composite Decking retain heat? Deck Building A: Portico Composite Decking’s heat retention is greater than that of wood decking. Consumers Deck Idea should test the product in barefoot applications to ensure suitability. Deck Building Tips Q: Will salt water hurt Portico Composite Decking products? Deck Construction A: Salt water splash has not been found to be detrimental. Composite Decking Material Q: Can Portico Composite Decking be painted? Wood vs. Composite Decking A: Portico Composite Decking requires no paint or stain, although oil-based paints or stains can be applied in 90 to 180 days if desired. Generally, wood composites do not absorb or retain paint and stain as well as natural wood. Fiber Composites advises consumers to test application of paint or stain on Portico Composite Decking before applying. Q: What fasteners should I use to install decking? A: Stainless steel nails, screws or fasteners. You’ll get best results if you pre-drill holes and countersink a small head nail or screw. For complete instructions, go to installation instructions. Q: How far apart should deck joists be spaced? A: 16 inches for most residential applications and 12 inches for commercial or diagonal designs. Portico Composite Decking is not recommended for use as load-bearing structural members. Q: What if my Portico Composite Decking gets scratched? A: Scratches cannot be prevented, as is the case on any surface that is subjected to foot traffic. http://web.archive.org/web/20070430231801/http://www.porticodecking.com/faqs/faqs.asp Page 1 of 2 Frequently Asked Questions About Portico Composite Decking and Railing 5/14/12 12:04 PM

A: Scratches cannot be prevented, as is the case on any surface that is subjected to foot traffic. But, weathering will fade the new "sheen" on your Portico Composite Decking and scratches will appear less visible. Q: Can I power wash my deck? A: Yes. Power washing can be used. First test each power washing machine on a small area of the deck. Q: How do I get stains out of my deck? A: For complete instructions on cleaning your Portico Composite Decking, see: Care and Maintenance. Q: Will heat from cooking grills harm my Portico Composite Decking? A: Not usually, but watch out for stains from dripping grease. Q: Will chlorine from a swimming pool hurt Portico Composite Decking? A: Crystalline chlorine powder or pellets may bleach Portico Composite Decking if subject to prolong contact. Q: What is the spacing between parallel deck boards? A: Portico Composite Decking should be spaced 1/8" between deck boards. Q: Does Portico Composite Decking require any end gapping? A: Yes, Portico Composite Decking must be spaced 1/16" for every 25 degree variance between installation temperature and maximum service temperature. Q: What is the required spacing of Portico Composite Decking from the house? A: A 1/4" spacing should be left between the house and the deck board.

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