Frequently asked questions about Aphano deck fasteners.
Why would I
want to use a hidden deck fastening system?
Because the disadvantages of screws or nails are obvious to
anyone who has ever looked at a deck built with these
old-fashioned fasteners. Look at a deck constructed with
these types of fasteners and you will notice the heads of the
screws or nails. Some may be rusty while others have worked their way above the surface. No
one wants to see the sheetrock screws in their walls. And
people go through a lot of trouble to hide the screws that
attach their siding. Why would anyone want to see, or step on, the screws
on their deck? With concealed
deck fasteners you see only the beauty of your decking. And Aphano
hidden deck fasteners can be installed faster than screws.
What makes Aphano concealed deck fasteners different
from other hidden deck fasteners?
Aphano hidden deck fasteners are attached to the bottom of the deckboards
and then to the joists. This enables one person to install
them completely from above the deck. In most applications,
there is no need to ever screw down a deckboard. Other so
called concealed deck fasteners are not really hidden. They are
easily visible from the top of the deck and will detract from
the clean look you are trying to achieve. Aphano hidden deck fasteners
are virtually invisible from above the deck. All you will see
is a clean, uninterrupted surface.
Are Aphano concealed deck fasteners
expensive? Please keep in
mind that cost is much more than just the initial price of
materials. Aphano deck fasteners can be installed more quickly,
and with less effort, than other hidden fastening systems.
And, unlike other concealed deck fasteners, with Aphano hidden deck fasteners you
purchase only what you need. Return any unused fasteners for
a full refund. Although they do cost more than screws, the
beauty of your installation will increase the value of your
deck, and your home. Any way you look at it, Aphano deck fasteners
are your best value. Calculate the cost of using Aphano hidden deck fasteners.
Exactly how do they work?
Aphano concealed deck fasteners are attached first to the bottom of the
deckboards at each joist location. The fasteners have tabs
that extend out from under each side of the deckboard. The
rear tab of each fastener is held down by the previously
installed deckboard or fastener. The front tabs are then
attached securely to the joist. As a result, each deckboard
is firmly attached to the sub-structure. This method of
installation allows the deck to be built completely from
above. It also allows for the natural expansion and
contraction of the deckboards.
Don't deckboards expand and contract?
Will the deck boards loosen up like they do with other hidden deck fastening systems?
Both composite and plastic decking expands and contracts dramatically with changes in temperature. Aphano fasteners are designed to accomodate this movement. Because the rear tab of each fastener extends under the previously installed fastener, or deckboard, each deckboard is free to
expand and contract with temperature changes. Aphano concealed deck fasteners are designed to hold tight year after year.
If the deckboards are all interlocked,
how can I remove one if necessary?
If there is access from underneath the deck it is simply a
matter of detaching the board itself and replacing it. If
access below the deck is unavailable, then it will be
necessary to cut the fasteners from above. A reciprocating
saw works well for this purpose. Cut the front tab of the
fasteners as close to the deckboard as possible. Remove the
deckboard. Install Aphano hidden deck fasteners on the replacement
deckboard. Angle the deckboard into the opening as you would
during a typical installation. The front tabs of the
fasteners can be bent to allow the board to drop into place.
Using trim head screws, attach the front tabs to the joists
through the gap between the deckboards. Use high quality
materials and you will never have to worry about replacing a
board.
Do Aphano hidden deck fasteners work for all deck
designs?
Most decks can be constructed exclusively with Aphano concealed deck
fasteners. But there are so many different ways to construct
a deck that it is impossible to determine whether Aphano hidden deck
fasteners can work in every situation. If there is ever a
deckboard that cannot be installed with Aphano hidden deck fasteners then
simply screw that board down with stainless steel trim-head
screws. The goal should be a great looking deck. Aphano concealed deck
fasteners will help you achieve that goal.
Are Aphano
hidden deck fasteners compatible with treated
wood?
The treated wood used in building a deck substructure usually contains a chemical called ACQ and is very corrosive. Any fasteners used with treated wood must be
able to withstand these corrosive effects. Aphano concealed deck fasteners
are made with U.V. resistant, high strength polypropylene.
They are 100% ACQ compatible.
Do you need access
from below the deck to use Aphano hidden deck fasteners?
No. One of the major advantages of Aphano fasteners over
other "hidden" fastener systems is that you will have a truly
concealed fastener without ever having to crawl underneath the
deck. Aphano fasteners can be installed completely from above
the deck by one person.
Why don't I need
to pre-drill?
Because Aphano hidden deck fasteners are never attached near the ends or
edges of the deckboards there is virtually no chance of splitting the
deckboards.
Why
plastic?
We have all had experience with poorly designed plastic
parts. There are many cases where plastic is not the ideal
material but is used only to reduce costs. Not so with Aphano concealed deck
fasteners. Many materials were tested during the development
of the Aphano fastener. U.V. resistant engineered
polypropylene was determined to be the best material for the
application. It is ACQ compatible, resistant to salt and
chemicals and has the strength needed for the
application.
Is a plastic fastener strong enough to hold down the deck boards? Yes. Any decking containing plastic will always lay flat on the joists. The Aphano hidden deck fastening system is designed to securely hold each individual deckboard in place and yet still allow for expansion and contraction. A deck built with Aphano fasteners is solid and secure.
Doesn't plastic
get brittle when it's cold?
Yes. All plastics get brittle in low temperatures. However,
when installed according to instructions, Aphano concealed deck fasteners
function perfectly in cold weather. Aphano hidden deck fasteners were
originally developed in Montana. If Aphano concealed deck fasteners can
stand up to a Montana winter, they can perform
anywhere.
Can Aphano deck fasteners
be used with decking other than
composite, PVC or plastic?
Yes they can. Although Aphano hidden deck fasteners were designed to complement the structural integrity of decking that contains plastic they can also be
with wood deck boards. The wood needs to be properly sealed to prevent water penetration.
This is done more easily with Aphano concealed deck fasteners because there
are no penetrations on the top or sides of the deckboards.
The only decking material that is not definitely not recommended for use with Aphano fasteners is pressure treated wood. This material is often
extremely wet prior to installation. Pressure treated wood can be used
for the substructure. But if it is used for the actual decking it has a tendency to pull up and curl when it dries. In our opinion, no hidden fastener should be used with this type of decking material.
Only screws will provide the holding power required. But be prepared for the screws to work their way up over time.
Why did you switch from square drive wood screws to torx drive cabinet screws?
We continue to strive to make our concealed fastening system the best availalble. Although we did not have any problem with the wood screws they did have what is known as a bugle head. There was always a possiblity that the screws could be driven too hard into the fasteners. The cabinet screws have a flat surface which eliminates the possibility of over-driving the screws. The magnetic bit holder also makes them easier to use.
Isn't saying:
Aphano "hidden" fastener a little repetitive?
Yes, but since most people probably do not know that Aphano
is Greek for hidden, we decided to use it for emphasis.
Aphano fasteners are distributed by:
Mild Fence Company
3465 Highway 93 North
Kalispell, Montana 59901