AIA Continuing Education Program Provided By:

1. Building a Better Deck & Rail: Using Trends, Installation, and Design Elements AIA Continuing Education Program Provided By:

2. Overall Course Objectives • After this program, learners will be able to: • Select the right material for their needs by recognizing the different Decking and Railing Categories • Identify five characteristics to consider when selecting decking or railing materials within the different categories • Identify Market Trends of Decking and Railing • Market Size • Life Cycle Costs • Anticipated Growth • Identify Installation Trends of Decking and Railing • Identify the three most notable code listing agencies • related to decking and railing • Reports each listing agency provides • Benefits of Reports • How reports work on a Job Site • Identify support requirements as it relates to the Acceptance Criteria 174 • List three installation criteria as it relates to composite decking and railing

3. Selecting the Right Material

4. Traditional Wood Pressure Treated Lumber Cedar Redwood Exotic Hardwoods/IPE Wood Plastic Composite/PVC Other Vinyl Metal Aluminum Variety of other specialty materials Three Decking and Railing Categories US decking and railing markets can be divided into three broad material segments: Redwood Deck WPC Deck

5. In comparing the decking and railing categories and their specific functions, this presentation will cover five specific considerations that focus on the application of your project: Five Decking and Railing Considerations • Safety • Maintenance • Color/Appearance • Longevity • Environmental Impact

6. Safety Slippery when wet Will considerably check/split after 15 years of exposure Potential health hazard when burned Over time splinters may occur Chemicals in pressure treated lumber may degrade the fastener and create screw shear Maintenance Requires annual cleaning and reapplications of staining and sealing Possible screw corrosion Colors Stain to desired color Purchase pre-stained Pressure Treated Lumber Pressure-treated lumber (PTL) will continue to benefit from its low cost, wide availability, and familiarity to both consumers and contractors.

7. Longevity Average Lifespan: 15 -20 years Some pressure treated products have a warranty beyond this but will need significant maintenance to keep it safe and aesthetically pleasing Environmental Impact Supply & Demand Issues Vast majority of PTL was treated with CCA – a chemical preservative and pesticide regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Now Prohibited CCA has been replaced by other EPA approved preservatives Pressure Treated Lumber Pressure-treated decking and railing has lost market share to wood-plastic composites and other alternative materials, as these alternatives do not require the ongoing maintenance associated with pressure-treated decks and rails.

8. Safety Class B Flame Rating Maintenance Wash at least once a year Seal with a preservative sealer Colors Ranges from light red to dark reddish brown but weathers quickly to grey Redwood Redwood decking and railing is available in over 30 grades determined by quality and appearance.

9. Longevity Average Lifespan: 20 plus years if maintained Environmental Impact Tightened harvesting restrictions Tightening supply of high quality grades Harder to obtain in the market Redwood Redwood decking and railing is associated with a number of performance characteristics that make it well suited for many diverse applications.

10. Safety Natural resistance to decay and insects Maintenance Wash at least once a year Seal with a preservative sealer Colors Ranges from light amber to a deep honey brown and will weather to a silvery gray or dark brown if left untreated Cedar Red cedar is available in a variety of different grades that vary significantly in price, appearance and performance characteristics, largely as a result of the amount of heartwood contained.

11. Longevity Average lifespan: 10 – 30 years Due to less availability of heartwood lumber which shortens lifespan Environmental Impact Deforestation Depleted supply of old growth Cedar Features of cedar decking and railing include it’s light weight and the ability to be easily worked.

12. Safety Natural resistance to insects and decay Maintenance May require staining & sealing Can be treated with a UV-resistant coating to preserve the natural color Installing has increased labor costs due to pre-drilling Colors Ranges from red-amber to dark brown Exotic Hardwoods/IPE Ipe is an extremely dense, tight-grained wood ranging in color from red-amber to dark brown and virtually clear from knots.

13. Longevity Average Lifespan: 25 year plus if maintained Environmental Impact Deforestation issues Some woods are rare in the environment Harvested in countries with fewer environmental restrictions Exotic Hardwoods/IPE Exotic hardwoods are primarily used in non-building applications such as boardwalks and marinas, in which the favorable performance qualities of the decks outweigh their higher initial costs.

14. Safety Skid Resistant Splinter Free No harmful staining or sealing solvents No rot or decay Maintenance Low-Maintenance No Annual Staining or Sealing Required Needs Periodic Cleaning Wood Plastic Composite Composite decking and railing markets benefit from the widespread trend of growing consumer interest in materials with reduced maintenance requirements, as well as desire for materials that look like wood but have a higher durability.

15. Colors Wide Variety Color fading depends on the environment and the manufacture's materials Some manufacturer’s use reflective, inorganic pigments to develop colors that reduce heat buildup Longevity Average Lifespan: 25 plus years Environmental Impact Recycled materials are often used Installed once versus multiple re-planking Wood Plastic Composite In addition to wood and plastic raw materials, composite decking contains various additives used to improve performance and processing.

16. Safety Potential health hazard when burned Maintenance Easily Maintainable No annual staining and sealing required Needs periodic cleaning with water Colors Wide Variety available Stable & Consistent Plastic Other alternative materials used in the US decking and railing industry include; vinyl, polyethylene, plastic, aluminum, and a variety of other specialty materials.

17. Longevity Average Lifespan: 25 plus years Environmental Impact Not Biodegradable Plastic Plastics and other materials will benefit from increasing penetration in the key residential market as a result of product developments aimed at improving aesthetics and feel.

18. Sustainability Some alternative deck manufacturers incorporate recycled materials into their products Many manufacturing processes eliminate waste and reuse as many resources as possible Fire Resistance Fire regulations and codes continue to become more important in the building industry. Other Considerations • With the growing awareness of environmental impacts, many building product companies are changing practices to become more sustainable and offer safer products for the environment.

19. Decking and Railing Market Trends

20. Market Size Estimated $3.0 billion in 2009 Total Decking and Railing Market Includes PT Lumber, Softwoods, Hardwoods, WPC, Plastic Lumber, Rigid Vinyl, Metal Yearly increases in demand for WPC for both decking and railing. Decking and Railing Market

21. Decking and Railing Market Decking Market Market Breakdown (2009 Estimated Manufacturing Sales by Dollar Volume Percentage) 5% 38% 57% Railing Market 24% 12% Wood-PT Lumber, Softwoods, Hardwoods 64% WPC/Plastic Other-Rigid Vinyl, Metal, etc.

22. Decking and Railing Market 2009 Decking & Railing Market: Est. $2,920 ($Million) 2000 2010 PLASTIC9% PLASTIC 5% WPC 8% WPC 36% WOOD 87% WOOD 56% • WPC was 8%* of total D&R market in $ volume ($286* million) • Approx. 25% APR growth 2000-2005 • WPC is projected to be 36%* of total ($3.0 billion) • Approx. 18% APR growth 2006-2010

23. Life Cycle Cost Comparisons By Decking Material (12 X 18 foot deck) *Deck boards & Standard Railing Only, does not include cost for substructure, footings, or fasteners ** This model accounts for materials costs only, NOT installed costs and labor Maintenance costs include the cost of cleaner, preservative, stain and pressure treated washer rental

24. Several Performance Advantages Durability – longer life expectancy Lower Maintenance Requirements Color Retention Mold and Mildew Inhibitors Appearance Multiple profiles, colors & finishes to choose from Consumers desire non traditional materials to look like natural products Some manufacturers have created products that represent the hardwood look The Advantages of Alternative Decking and Railing Demand for wood-plastic composites and other alternative materials will continue to benefit from growing consumer awareness and product availability in lumberyards.

25. Increases Home Value Remodeling Magazine’s 2006 Cost vs. Value Report estimates a national average of a 76.8% return on investment for deck additions AFTER BEFORE

26. Design & Installation Trends

27. Inlays Planter Boxes/Benches Multiple Deck Levels Accessories Lighting Railing Hidden Fastener Systems Deck Drainage System Design Trends Design elements provide value to the deck and improve the aesthetic appeal.

28. Design Trends Inlays • Inlays allow for design versatility • Can be created with most Wood Plastic Composite Materials • Contrasting Colors are often used • Framing and blocking dependent upon design

29. Design Trends Inlay Photo Gallery

30. Design Trends Planter Boxes/Benches • Planter boxes and benches add value and functionality • The sizes are similar to dimensional lumber • Multiple designs are possible

31. Multiple deck levels allow the opportunity to segment the outdoor living space. Allows for outdoor kitchen space Design Trends Multiple Deck Levels

32. Accent Light Design Trends Lighting • Lighting is often used as a safety mechanism and adds ambiance. • Many local codes require lighting • Increases the Usability • Low voltage and solar type lighting available • Products are made from vinyl or aluminum and come in different styles and colors • Easy to install and very little maintenance required • Products often include post top module lights and accent lighting for the front and sides of the posts

33. Adds Unique Design & Style Decorative Centerpieces, Post Caps, & Pipe Railing Variety of Materials Available: Vinyl Metal Wood Wood Plastic Composite Cable Glass PVC Wood Railing Many WPC and alternative deck manufacturers have matching rail systems Design Trends Railing

34. Design Trends Railing Photo Gallery Cable Railing Wood Railing Glass Railing

35. Design Trends Railing Photo Gallery WPC Railing PVC Wood Railing Metal Balusters

36. 30% increase in demand for hidden fasteners Generally installed between planks Allows the plank to be the focus, not the fasteners Controls uniform gapping Some fasteners can be installed using a pneumatic gun Installation Trends Hidden Fastener Systems Hidden Fastener Systems provide a seamless, nail and screw free surface that preserve the beauty of the deck board and highlight the investment in premium composite materials.

37. 1 2 3 4 Installation Trends Hidden Fastener Systems Additional Planks 1st Plank Hidden Fastener Relax

38. Easy installation with no visible screws Some product profiles span 24" on-center for reduced structural needs Installation Trends Tongue & Groove Tongue & Groove is a product advancement that allows for ease of installation and maximum span ability.

39. Some products secures to the joists of any new or existing deck with 12" and 16" on-center joist spacing Installation Trends Deck Drainage System Deck Drainage Systems provide leisure and storage space for second story deck applications.

40. Challenge Your Creativity

41. Technical Guidelines

42. The most notable are: ICC-ES Architectural Testing, Inc. Underwriters Laboratory Code Listing Agencies In the past, wood plastic composite and plastic composites have not been addressed directly in the building code. However, as of 2009 the IRC has added these materials to the code. A significant amount of work is still underway to complete this process, but definitely a step forward. Currently there are several listing agencies that conduct code compliance evaluations.

43. If a product complies with code requirements, the listing agency publishes a report to that effect Each listing agency issues different types of reports. ICC-ES issues: Evaluation Service Report (ESR) Architectural Testing, Inc. issues: Code Compliance Research Report (CCRR) Underwriters Laboratory issues: UL Listing The report is then available to the public and local building officials The local building officials use the reports to evaluate the given products suitability to the given application Code Listing Agencies

44. Under this criteria, materials are evaluated for: Stiffness & Strength Ability to withstand environmental factors Evaluated for Termite Damage Decay Fire Performance Technical Evaluations Each code listing provides technical evaluations of decking and railing products based upon Acceptance Criteria 174 (AC 174)

45. Support Requirements • Decking materials are evaluated to a minimum span/load combination of 16” at 100 pounds per square foot • Railings for residential use are evaluated to a design load of 200 pounds • For other than 1 & 2 family dwellings under the IRC: • In addition to the 200lb design load, the railings are also subjected to a minimum of 50lbs per linear foot in a uniform load test.

46. Support Requirements The deck spans and rail test loads are subject to safety factors of two and a half and any environmental adjustment factors based upon test results • For railings: • This is a minimum of 500 pounds in residential applications and 125 pounds per foot for non residential application • That is 1000 pounds on an eight foot section of rail!

47. Product Liability Issues The certification ensures that the product has been produced and tested accordingly Traceability The certification has a paper trail that enables it to be traced from the job site to the raw materials Safety The certification process requires the product to be tested as a system (railing) Provides a higher degree of confidence in reliability Benefits of Certification

48. Labeling & Packaging Allows the field inspector to verify that the materials have met the appropriate requirements Installation Products are to be installed per the manufactures instructions How Listings Work on the Job Site

49. Tools Saw Blades (should be new, sharp and clean); PVC specific saw blades Drills Difference: Typically have higher thermal expansion coefficients and need to be spaced at both the ends and edges of the boards to allow for expansion and contraction Installing Wood Plastic Composite Wood Plastic Composites are as easy to install as wood using:

50. Allow 1/8” minimum gap between the end joints of planks and 1/4” minimum gap where the planking meets an adjoining structure Refer to the manufacturers installation & maintenance guide for detailed instructions Many of the hidden fasteners on the market today provide the needed gap spacing for the manufacturer specific product. Gapping