How To Choose Composite Decking Fasteners

Closely associated with composite decking is the use of composite decking screws. These are special fasteners that have been made from metal alloys and polymers for ease of installation and resistance to corrosion. Composite screws are meant to be used on synthetic decks only, so do not make any attempt to use them when working on wooden decks or other surfaces.

The general size of these screws is 2 ½ inches long and about ¼ inch in diameter. According to manufacturers’ specifications, their thread length should be between 3/8th and 3/4th inch deep before they can be considered securely fastened into the surface you’re fixing them on.

Any good-quality composite screw will need an appropriate power driver to be inserted into them. The most commonly used power drivers are 18-volts, 25-volts, and 40-volts. These should be attached to a drill driver that has been specially designed for easy use with composite screws.

Some of the best known manufacturers of quality fasteners for all types of synthetic surfaces include:

The above list comprises only one company that produces such products. If you’re looking for more choices, visit your favorite online store and conduct a search using the keywords “composite decking fasteners” or “synthetic decking screws”. You will soon have a wide range of options from which you can select what is most suited to your needs.

In case you are working on a wooden deck, composite screws will not be the most suitable fasteners for use. As mentioned above, these products are meant to be used with synthetic decks only. Composite screw manufacturers have made their products with special features that make them fit these surfaces perfectly and also increase their life span.

Following are some of the things that you should know about using those products:

Before selecting your fasteners, it is important that you check if they can withstand the force needed during installation. You also need to see if they meet technical specifications for resistance to corrosion under heat and prolonged UV exposure.

If your product descriptions do not have such information, then you may want to look for synthetic decking fasteners from other brands. You need not worry, as the number of such products is quite high.

The next thing that concerns most people about using composite screws is their cost. The good news is that they are not expensive compared to other types of screws used in carpentry and construction-related industries. The average price for a pair of these screws ranges between $25-$50 depending on the model and type of material used during manufacture.

It also matters where you purchase your fasteners from. It’s best to buy them from suppliers who have earned a reputation over time for providing quality products at competitive prices.

The number of products available online is quite large, and so it may be difficult to know which ones are the best for you. Fortunately, in most cases, the majority of buyers leave public reviews on products that they have bought from suppliers with a proven reputation.

You can check these reviews before buying your own set of fasteners.

If you don’t feel comfortable purchasing fasteners online or if you’re not sure about your choice, then you should visit your local hardware store and ask them what types of composite screws they sell.

Considering Composite: Simplified Decking

Composite roofing is made up of a mixture of man-made materials. It consists of a plastic and organic filler, requires no dye or paint, and is ready to install at the purchase time. Composite building materials need little maintenance and will generally last as long as regular wood. Not to mention, composite covers will not warp and are guaranteed to look good for quite some time. In the past, composite materials had a bad rap. The technology was not yet available to make composites approach the quality of wood. Today, composite decks have come a long way and are among the most popular materials to use as decking and widely used by deck builders pros.

Benefits of the composite platform

One of the main advantages of the installation of composite decks is the low maintenance to deck builders it entails. Unlike wooden decks, there is no need to stain or paint the composite surface. The natural wood deck also requires cleaning, which can be difficult given the material and location the deck is in. The composite deck just needs a quick rag and hosing down every now and then, and it should be fine for years.

Other composite benefits to consider:

  • Natural Materials – Many composite deck supplies use natural materials such as bamboo. This can help mitigate deforestation.
  • Eco-Friendly – Composites companies often make their materials using recycled products.
  • Attractive – Composite deck never looked better. Similar to wood, the materials are almost identical to natural wood from afar.
  • Protected from the elements – Composite wood decking is reasonably protected from environmental conditions and will not rot or split in unpredictable weather.
  • Warranty – Most composite deck materials will come with a 20-year warranty, giving you the flexibility you need if something goes wrong in the future.

Compound cons to consider:

  • Mold – Composite is known to cause mold, as can many other surfaces.
  • Cost – Composite is usually more expensive than natural wood.
  • Contains Plastic – Not everyone is a big fan of the fact that composite materials often contain plastic.
  • Unnatural Look – Composite looks realistic but doesn’t come close to the natural look of wood. It can also be scratched more severely than natural wood, unmasking your costume.

Four Tips For A Successful First Real Estate Investment

Investing in real estate is an essential sector for building up a real estate portfolio, whatever your life goals.

However, rental investment is not a simple formality.

It is essential to train upstream to acquire a piece of sufficient knowledge in the real estate field to make relevant decisions and achieve all your objectives.

This will allow you, depending on what you want to achieve, to:

  • Shelter your children
  • Make a lot of money (and there’s nothing wrong with that)
  • Build up a supplement to your retirement
  • Or even… take it well before the age of 60!

Turnkey rental investment

If you want to be supported in your real estate project from A to Z, we recommend Rental Investment, a company specializing in rental real estate investment.

Their team of real estate experts will take care of your entire project for you: search for the property, help with financing, plans, work, furnishings, and rental.

Prepare well before investing in real estate

As we formulated in the introduction of this article, it is imperative to be well prepared before investing in real estate.

First of all, you will have to lie down on a sheet of paper or type on the keyboard via a computer screen whatever you want, depending on your profile.

  • Is it to prepare for your retirement?
  • Build up significant capital?
  • Prepare for your children’s future?

Your answer is not necessarily unique, but the “why” that will result from it will greatly impact the way you invest.

The risks taken will probably not be the same if you already have children or live alone.

In any case, it will be necessary to make sure to identify all the possible pitfalls that could arise in your path as an investor.

Well, if we want to be completely honest with you, we could tell you that you will always have unforeseen circumstances in real estate.

The most important thing is to be ready and to anticipate the various costs :

  • Bank credit insurance
  • Notary fees
  • Unpaid rent
  • Unpaid rent insurance
  • Etc.

It is really bad omen to listen to real estate experts’ advice who tells you to go for the first opportunity that arises.

The investment in real estate is a long term project and is a long-term enrichment process.

Training to make your first real estate investment a success

You will find many quality online real estate training courses, not to mention books on the subject, to properly train you in this very particular methodology.

You also have the possibility of attending real estate seminars, to be in front of an expert who will answer all your questions.

We believe that you will have time to learn in detail the different specificities on the subject later:

  • The profitability of the property
  • Housing occupancy rate
  • Evolution of the neighborhood in which your potential asset is located
  • Etc.

Be aware of the risks inherent in rental property

While it is true that the real estate sector has had good years, many markets are now sluggish or subject to sharp declines, especially after the devastating Covid-19 crisis.

Because, like any investment, buying houses, apartments, or buildings to rent them out presents a risk.