DECKING
Slip resistant If traditional decking isn ’ t properly maintained , it can become slippery in wet weather . However , there are some great anti-slip products on the market that are recommended for commercial and public access decks where extra safety is required . The Marley AntiSlip Plus ® and CitiDeck ® timber decking boards have been specifically designed to provide a durable and effective anti-slip surface to minimise any risk of slipping , even in the wetter months , ensuring that the surface can be used safely all year round .
Decking should be tested to confirm its slip resistance . The Health and Safety Executive ’ s ( HSE ) preferred method is the pendulum test . Testing generates a pendulum test value ( PTV ), a score of 36 or more
confirms the surface has a low potential for slip .
Up to 30-year service life Durability of timber decking comes down to choosing the right product , preservative treated correctly for the right application . The Timber Decking and Cladding Association ( TDCA ) recommends only using decking boards that offer a minimum service life of 15 years . There are now products on the market that have been preservative treated to Use Class 3 to achieve a 30-year desired service life . Once installed the decking can be left to weather naturally over time without the need to retreat .
It is also vital that correct fixings are used when installing decking . Corrosion is one of the biggest threats to timber decking used in external environment . Therefore , for optimum life and performance , stainless steel fixings are recommended .
Sustainable The consumer demand to get closer to nature and use sustainable materials has seen a resurgence in the use of timber . When it is sourced responsibly , timber is the most sustainable building material and is an ideal choice against increasing concern about waste and recycling . All timber decking boards should be supplied with accreditation , such as PEFC , which confirms the supplier is sourcing timber sustainably , from well managed forests with excellent replanting programmes .
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