The Timber Decking and
Cladding Association is warning of a dangerous practice of using
internal strength graded carcassing/building joists for external
timber decking. Janet Sycamore director of operations explains "Yes
strength graded material is required, either C16 or C24 (or C22 for
southern yellow pine), but internal building joists are potentially
treated with completely the wrong type of wood preservative (if
treated at all) and are certainly not suitable for outdoor use.
Anyone engaging in such practice is letting their customers and the
industry down".
The warning comes
following a spate of enquiries where untreated or incorrectly treated
material has led to premature failure.
Pressure treated timber
is a common choice for deck building, particularly for the
substructure. The industry default specification aims to achieve a
desired service life of 15 years – this is a guide of what to
expect given good design, installation and conditions of use. Longer
life material can also be sourced but usually by special order.
With correct materials
and building practices timber decking will give a long and trouble
free life. For added assurance choose DeckMark accredited materials
and installers – details are available on the TDCA decking website.
In addition to website
resources dedicated to both decking and cladding, the association
also offers a free materials sourcing service which furnishes you
with a list of companies ready and able to meet your specific
requirements; a service which saves you valuable time.
TDCA members consist of
material manufacturers including timber, fixings, timber protection,
coatings and other accessories as well as the best that industry can
offer by way of professional installers. Members are DeckMark or
CladMark accredited which means they meet the stringent requirements
of these two TDCA quality schemes.
Durable, fit for
purpose timber decking and cladding starts with the Timber Decking
and Cladding Association. For more information visit
www.tda.org.uk or call 01977
558147.
