Twinson Composite Decking Installation

TWINSON COMPOSITE DECKING SYSTEM

50% WOOD 50% PVC

ISSUE 7 FEBRUARY 2014

PA G E 1TWINSON COMPOSITE DECKING SYSTEM BY Q-DECK

INSTALLATION GUIDE

Contents

INTRODUCTION 2

ENVIRONMENTAL CREDENTIALS 2

PRE-PLANNING 2

SAFETY FIRST 2

FITTING OVERVIEW 3

FITTING GUIDE (TO TIMBER SUBFRAME) 4-6

FITTING GUIDE (TO TWINSON GROUND BATTEN) 7

PLANK REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT 8-9

TWINSON ALUMINIUM SUB-FRAME COMPONENTS 10

TWINSON COMPONENTS AND PRODUCT NUMBERS 11

TWINSON COLOUR SWATCH INFORMATION 12

CLEANING OVERVIEW 13

SPECIAL CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS 14

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE OF TWINSON 15

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 16

WARRANTY 16

PA G E 2

SAFETY FIRST When handling and processing Twinson always weargloves and eye protection and work in a well ventilatedarea.

Wash hands thoroughly after handling Twinson.

Wear goggles when pressure washing or scrubbing.

Keep children away from the work area until the jobhas been completed and tools have been stored safely.

The cutting, planing and sanding of Twinson mayproduce large quantities of dust and create a lot ofnoise so we strongly recommend that personnelcarrying out these tasks wear suitable PersonalProtective Equipment including gloves, eye protection,particulate dust mask and ear defenders.

TWINSON COMPOSITE DECKING SYSTEM BY Q-DECK

INSTALLATION GUIDE

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ENVIRONMENTALCREDENTIALSBy combining wood and PVC, Twinson marriestradition with innovation,utilising the power ofnature with the latest achievements oftechnology.

PVC is a well researched and versatile materialwhich is 100% recyclable.

Twinson is classified as PEFC certified.

Low maintenance and robust. It does notwarp, split or splinter removing the need forchemical based treatments.

Great long-term performance.

50% WOOD 50% PVC

INTRODUCTION

A hollow core composite decking system, Q-Deck Twinson is made from wood and PVCgiving you the advantage of technology whilststill maintaining some natural material and feel.If you are looking for a more uniform and*colourfast look that is easy to clean and a lowmaintenance then Q-Deck Twinson is a greatalternative. See pages 11-13 for cleaning andresistance to staining by contaminants.

* The grooved side of Twinson boards appears striped (the base of the groove is adarker shade initially) when new but becomes one uniform shade of colour afterexposure to ultra-violet light i.e. the striped appearance is not permanent.See page 10 showing colours before and after exposure to UV light.

PRE-PLANNINGAlthough Twinson decking is significantly easier to clean than solid timber decking, some surface pollutantsmay still prove troublesome to remove, ie. particularly very sticky substances (that harden) such as siliconesealants, resins and the sap of trees. Decks built in highly shaded positions will require more regularmaintenance particularly when situated under established trees.

PA G E 3

FITTING OVERVIEW

INSTALLATION GUIDE

Q-Deck Twinson decking can be fitted to astandard timber deck sub-frame and a selection ofaluminium Twinson components (see page 8).

For flat and uniform surfaces (but for roof terracesonly where you can fix the support beam) theTwinson ground batten is an alternative option.

Note: The maximum distance between joistcentres is 500mm for most applications.

The Twinson clips ensure a 6mm gap betweenboards. It is advisable to maintain this expansiongap between joints such as mitres, aroundnewels.

Twinson can expand in length and also inwidth (this expansion is absorbed by the clips).In certain applications a greater expansion gapmay be required, ie. allow a 20mm gap whenfitting boards length ways on/perpendicular toa solid structure (eg. wall).

As a general rule, for decks that are fitted inthe UK there is the potential for Twinson

decking to expand by up to 4mm per linealmetre. Therefore using short lengths of the materialminimises the expansion effects. For deckslarger than 6.0m it is recommended thatboards are laid no longer than 3.0m.

In summary Twinson changes in size over timeand as long as the product is properly installedto allow for expansion and to ensure it drains(and therefore dries) sufficiently quickly afterrain, the physical affects of swelling shouldntbe noticed.

It is advisable to let Twinson acclimatiseon site for at least 24 hours prior to fitting.

For information on timber sub-frameconstruction please refer to Q-Decks Planning& Design and Installation documents,available at www.qualitydecking.co.uk or call0800 849 6339


INSTALLATION GUIDE

1 Fit the aluminium Twinson starter rail to thejoists adjoining the house or wall ensuring it isparallel to it. Pre-drill a clearance hole with acountersunk recess though the starter railonly. Secure the starter rail to the joist every500mm using countersunk deck screws,

ensuring the headis as flush aspossible to thestarter rail.

2 (Please refer topoints 5 and 6

about how you intend to finish the edge ofthe deck).

Simply locate thefirst board withinthe starter railensuring it is thedesired way up.

Note: As a result of the heavy brushingprocess during manufacture one end of theboard is always rubbed away slightly notgiving a clean square edge in the thickness.To overcome this Twinson is supplied 15mmoversize in the length to allow for end-trimming on-site (See image below).

Note: The position of the directional pip isimportant when laying subsequent boards.

3 Using the Twinson fixing brackets andscrews (supplied) at every joist junction, fixthe first board on the opposite edge ensuringlateral pressure is applied (the use of arubber headed mallet is ideal) to the boardand bracket for a tight fit.

4 Boards now need to be prevented fromshifting by fitting a screw (spare fixing clipscrews) into the side of each board in oneplace only. These screws can either bepositioned at the centre of each board toallow expansion in either direction or at oneend of each board to ensure expansion is inone direction.

FITTING GUIDE (TO TIMBER SUB-FRAME)

continued over...

Central screw, expansion left and right.

Screw at end, expansion all to right.


INSTALLATION GUIDE

5 Repeat the process for the subsequent boardsensuring they are tight to the fixing brackets. Note: Ensure the boards are laid in the sameplane by keeping the directional pip on thesame side.

6 If butting boards end to end the brackets canbe secured as shown.

7 To secure the outer edge to your deck youcan finish one of two ways. If the overalldeck size means that less than a whole boardwidth is required on the outer edge then thefinal Twinson board(s) will need rip cutting tothe desired width.

The final board can be secured using a line ofsprung Twinson finishing clips - P9481,placed at every joist junction or Twinson Fsection aluminium profile. The F section trimis secured to the deck frame using Twinsondome headed screws - P2753.

continued over...

directional pip

Diagram shows preferred positionof rip cuts.


INSTALLATION GUIDE

8 For an attractive finish, face the edge(s) ofthe deck with either Twinson plinth orTwinson F trim or a combination of both.

When fitting Twinson plinth to the subframeuse Twinson dome headed screws P2753and always create 7mm oversize slots at300mm intervals to allow for movement ofthe plinth due to expansion.

9 Alternatively to cover the cut ends ofTwinson boards instead of creating a fasciause the Twinson end caps to plug thehollow ends of each Twinson board. Theseare very simply kept in place with theretaining clips provided but take care toorientate them correctly as they have both agrooved and reeded edge.

Twinson F Section

Twinson F Section with Twinson Plinth under

Twinson Plinth (suitable after using sprung finishing clips P9481)

PA G E 7

FITTING GUIDE (TO TWINSON GROUND BATTEN)

Twinson ground batten (6.0m lengths availableto order) is not suited to most deck applicationsin the UK. It can prove useful to create low profilepatio style decks or for decks on existing flatroofs but the surface it is being laid on must beeven and free draining.

Points to note about Twinson ground batten:

It is non-structural (See Span Guidancediagram vi).

It swells just like Twinson decking soallowances have to be made for this. (See diagram vi).

Ideally they should always be laid parallel tothe direction of drainage. If this is not possibleit must be packed off the oversite to enablewater to drain away freely. (See diagram v).

Follow the same fitting procedure, points 1 - 9on pages 4 - 6. However each Twinson groundelement must not be fitted tight to one another(for expansion reasons) and should be securedfirmly, using Twinson P2753 screws, to theoversite using oversized (in relation the thicknessof the fixing) pilot holes. (See diagram iv below).

P9552 must be fixed every max. 500mm to thefoundation with tapping screws or screw andplug.


INSTALLATION GUIDE

(iv)

(v)

(vi) Span Guidance

10 mm/m

REPLACING A DAMAGED TWINSON BOARD P9555 FIXED WITH CLIP P9528

Step 1: Cut the Terrace plank to be replaced into two pieces along its length so it can be easily released.

Step 2: Place the new Terrace plank in its final resting position. Now shift the plank 60mm in thedirection of the adjacent planks. Mark the position of the hook of the P9528 clip. The marking should beon one side of the Terrace plank on the lower lip or flange. Remove the new Terrace plank and cut awaythe lip of the new plank where you have marked so the new Terrace plank can slide over the hook of theP9528 clip.

Step 3: Lay the Terrace plank flat by lining up the saw cuts with the hooks of the P9528 clips. Finally shiftthe Terrace plank 60mm to the correct position.

PA G E 8

PLANK REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT


INSTALLATION GUIDE

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PLANK REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT

REPLACING A DAMAGED TWINSON BOARD P9555 FIXED WITH CLIP P9540

After replacing a plank, the Twinson planks need to acclimatise again, this means there will be a colourdifference initially. You can accelerate the weathering process by regularly adding moisture to the new plankusing water. The difference in colour between the new and the old planks will converge much faster.

Step 1: To replace a plank, unscrew the clips P9540 on every support beam next to the plank that needs tobe replaced.

Step 2: Release the plank that needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Place the new Terrace plank in the clips.

Step 4: Place the Terrace plank in its final position.

Step 5: Push the plank in its proper position and screw every clip.

INSTALLATION GUIDE

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PA G E 1 0TWINSON COMPOSITE DECKING SYSTEM BY Q-DECK

INSTALLATION GUIDE

TWINSON ALUMINIUM SUB-FRAME COMPONENTS

Ask for the manufacturers full installation guidebefore planning a deck using these componentsby calling us on 0800 8496339.

NON-STRUCTURAL

P9523 non structural aluminium profile for use as analternativeto Twinsonground battenP9552 or on top ofstandard timber joists. It must befully supported along its length and fixed everymax. 500mm. Twinson clip P9486 is used withthis profile.

P9522 nonstructuralaluminium profilefor use as analternative toP9523 as it canspan up to amaximum of500mm betweensupports/packers.

It is designed for use on low profile decks overuneven solid surface such as a patio or concreteslab. P9522 must be fixed every max. 500mm tothe solid surface. Twinson clip P9486 is used withthis profile.

STRUCTURAL

P9524 structural aluminiumprofile can be used asfloating framework as analternative to traditionaltimber joists and on roofterraces. For example, it canspan up to a maximum of1200mm between supports.Twinson clip P9486 is usedwith this profile.

P9524 is connected to itself to create a framework usingTwinson joining bracket and Twinson screw P9495/96and can be supported by Twinson adjustable supportpads P9532, P9533, P9534 or P9535.

When the length of the supporting framework exceeds2.0m you need to install extra support beams in thedirection of the Twinson boards.

Image of P9523

Image of P9522

Image of P9486 Clip and Screw

Image of P9524

Image of P9524 connected using P9495/96

P9532 P9533

P9534

P9495/96

P9535


INSTALLATION GUIDE

TWINSON COMPONENTS AND PRODUCT NUMBERS

Twinson Deckboard

Substructure

Clips

Accessories

P 9555

Finishing

PA G E 1 2

Screw Options:


INSTALLATION GUIDE

50% WOOD 50% PVC

TWINSON COLOUR SWATCH INFORMATION

The Twinson range comes in 8 unique colours.

The deckboards are reversible being reeded onone side and grooved on the other.

All are available to order.

Apricot Brown Riverstone Grey Bark Brown

Liquorice Black Walnut Turf Brown

Hazelnut Brown

Please note: Colour samples arereproductions onlyand can deviatefrom the actualproducts, new oraged in situation.

If uncertain pleaserequest a sampleas we cannot beheld responsiblefor incorrect colourchoice/specification.

503Hazelnut Brown

509Riverstone Grey

506Apricot Brown

504Bark Brown

505Turf Brown

522Walnut

502Liquorice Black

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INSTALLATION GUIDE

CLEANING OVERVIEWAfter your Twinson deck has been finished it is

advisable to give it a quick wash down with water.

This will help remove manufacturing dust that is

often still present at this stage. As a result of the

heavy brushing process in the manufacture of

Twinson a lot of dust is created and a certain

amount of the dust stays on the product. When

cleaning the material for the first time it is normal

to witness coloured dust on any cleaning

materials.

Note: It is not dye leaching from the material.

It is always best to remove any dirt or marks as

soon as possible, using water, mild cleaner and a

sponge. In most cases your Twinson deck can be

cleaned with a pressure washer combined with, if

necessary, a mild cleaning product. For food marks

(such as ketchup, wine, soup, fruit juice, cola,

coffee) scrub well with diluted bleach solution

then rinse well with water.

A regular fitter of Twinson decking swears by the

use of CIF foam cleaner for the removal of general

grime and to re-invigorate the look of the surface

from time to time.

Generic name Product Special cleaning instructions if not removed immediately (*)

Spray Twinson O CLEAN on the mark and rub if desired. Leaveto act for a few minutes, then rinse with large quantities of water

Lightly sand surfaces with fine sandpaper, a steel brush or steel wool(**).

Scrub well with a diluted bleach solution,then rinse with largequantities of water. The use of a pressure washer (***) isrecommended to remove stubborn residues.



SPECIAL CLEANING INSTRUCTIONSRemember that any marks should be removed as soon as possible, using water, any mild cleaning product and asponge. Consult the list below if marks have not disappeared or dried immediately.

Vegetable, animal Butter.and other fats & oils Milk Yoghurt Olive oil Salad oil Fondue oil Mayonnaise Cocktail sauce Frying oil Sun cream Lubricant Motor oil Petrol Heating oil Burns Cigarettes Charcoal Stubborn food residues Ketchup Tomato puree Spaghetti sauce Red wine Fruit Instant soup Sugar-containing soft drinks Coca cola Fruit juice Soft drinks Hot drinks Coffee Tea

PA G E 1 4

Generic name Product Special cleaning instructions if not removed immediately (*)


INSTALLATION GUIDE

Scrub well with a diluted bleach solution, then rinse with largequantities of water





Remove paint with a filling knife and lightly sand surfaces with finesandpaper, a steel brush or steel wool (**).

Repeated treatment with Twinson O CLEAN.If this treatment isunsuccessful, remove material with a filling knife and lightly sandsurfaces with fine sandpaper, a steel brush or steel wool (**).

Special cleaning products Cement cleaner Deceuninck cleanup Graffiti cleaner O CLEAN

Organic solvents Acetone MeCl MEK Trichloroethylene Isopropanol Tetrahydrofuran Diethyl ether Acids Sulphuric acid Nitric acid Bases Caustic soda Ammonia Paint Water-based Synthetic Hardened materials Silicone Glue Candle wax Resins/Tree sap

SPECIAL CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS CONTINUED...

(*) If certain marks have not been removed immediately for any reason, they may dry on the surface. They typically fade or disappear afterexposure to outside conditions (sun and water).

(**) Sand in the direction of the grooves to prevent unnecessary damage to the surface. By removing the upper layer the original colour asestablished at installation is acquired. This minor difference will be rectified after no more than 12 weeks by which time the colour willbe uniform.

(***) Pressure washer (max. 100 bar, min. 30cm distance) combined where needed with a mild cleaning product.Always use the water jet in the direction of the grooves, avoiding any turning movements.Note: This must be set on single stream setting and not on multi stream


INSTALLATION GUIDE

Resistant to Less resistant to Not resistant to

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE OF TWINSON MATERIAL

Twinson material has been extensively tested on a large number of products that it may come into contact withduring its application. Is resistant to: This product leaves no permanent mark on the material or the stain disappears in a short spaceof time after outside exposure.

Is less resistant to: This product leaves a light mark on the material. Is not resistant to: This product leaves marks on the material that remain clearly visible

Floor soap + water

Concentrated bleach solution (chlorinatedwater)

Concentrated ammonia

Road salt (for icy roads)

Weed killer

household product used to clean windows(e.g.Instanet)

White spirit

chlorinated water used in swimming pools

dish washing detergents (e.g.Dreft)

Coffee

Fruit juice

Coca cola

Drinking chocolate

Chalk

Isobetadine

Silicone oil (=a silicone based lubricant)

Fuel oil (diesel & petrol)

Lubricants based on petrol derived products(liquid & solid)

Cement

Synthetic thinner

Graffiti cleaner

Butter

Milk

Sun cream

Vinegar

Red wine

Ketchup

Candle wax

Cement cleaner

Silicone (= a silicone based sealant)

Resin/Tree sap

Acrylic paint

Synthetic paint

Shoe polish

Felt-tip

Deceuninck cleanup

Lipstick

PVC glue

Strong acids

Strong bases

Acetone

PA G E 1 6

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION


INSTALLATION GUIDE

Density 1410Kg/m3

Weight 2.45Kg/m

Impact resistance 13 J/m2 (EN477)

Brinell hardness 3000N 120 N/mm2 (EN1534)

Flexural E-Modulus 6000 +/- 10% N/mm2 (EN310)

Bending Strength 38 N/mm2 (EN310)

Water absorption 24hrs 0.2-0.6% (EN317)

Linear expansion 0.021 mm/m C (ISO 11359-2)

Durability class 1 (EN350)

Vicat softening point 84 +/- 2 C (EN ISO 306/B50)

Wet slip resistance tested *59 USRV (EN 1339 annex 1)

*Where a value of above 45 rates a product as having a low potential for slipin wet conditions. Value of 35-44 moderate, 25-34 high and 0-24 very highpotential for slip.

25 Year WarrantyFor a period of twenty-five (25) years from the date of original purchase, Twinson products shall not split,splinter or suffer structural damage as a sole and direct consequence of termites, insects or soft rottingmicro-fungi.

LIMITATIONSFor a period of ten (10) years from the date of original purchase, Twinson productsshall not break. However this warranty explicitly excludes occurrences where thebreak occurs or may have occurred as a consequence of impact loads or poordesign/construction methods. This warranty applies to the use of products in normalresidential use.

Contact Hoppings Softwood Products on 01992 578877 if you require a warranty fora deck that is to be created in a commercial type situation.

WHATS NOT COVEREDThis warranty does not provide protection against misuse, abuse, neglect or improperstorage or handling. Hoppings cannot be held responsible for product failure due toimproper installation or failure to abide by Hoppings fitting instructions. It alsoexcludes the discolouration/staining of the products due to: Air borne pollutants, such as mould, algae, leaf litter and any deposits from plantsand trees.

Any other foreign substances that are not listed in this document.

The warranties are wholesaler/manufacturer to consumer/buyer warranties.However the initial raising of a complaint should be directed to the authorised retailer from where the goods were purchased. The complaint should bemade in writing/e-mail and must include proof of purchase ie. a copy or scan of the original invoice.

Documents

Twinson Composite Decking Installation