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After checking various nail-free methods of attaching composites “i.e. Trex & Fibercon” to Pressure Treated joists, I am considering using a polyurethane adhesive, EXCEL STRUCTAN, to make the decking attachment invisible.
Does anyone have experience with using this adhesive on outdoor applications with Pressure Treated lumber ? Since this is my personal home, time required for glue set, 4-5 hours, is not an issue, but the cost of EB-TY biscuit fasteners ($0.53) each makes me think there must be a better (and more economical) attachment method. Nailing or screwing these composite 5/4 boards gives a less than desirable appearance. Thanks for your help.
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b TVMDC
There may be cheaper but no better (invisible) fasteners than Eb-Ty. They are fast and easy to install and provide for uniform spacing of your deck boards. Adhesive is OK to use at the deck-joist overlap but MORE to waterproof the joint from dryrot than to hold down the deck boards. You would really be better off using 1-1/2" strips of self-adhesive modified bitumen full length on the joists rather than glue. Jiffy seal, W.R.Meadows Airshield, etc., are perfect for this application.
Once you use Eb-Ty, you'll never want to use anything else.
*PL 400 should do fine as your adhesive, it's what I used ... along with Deckmaster clips, which I wouldn't use again without a really really good reason (like $$$). For safety reasons, going with glue alone may be too risky -- especially on stair treads. Check the archives for Trex "bungs."
*Thanks for the advice, I will try the PL400 & clips to see if it works for this application. I tested "Probond" last weekend on a pressure treated joist to Fiberon decking sample and was quite unhappy with the bond strength to the decking. Additionally, I have ordered some EXCEL to see if it has a stronger bond to the composite decking.
*Check the instructions with the Excel One regarding gaps and clampimg - these polyurathanes, like Gorrilla and Excel One, certainly have the strength and the weather resistance, but they won't bridge much of a gap. The PL400 sounds like real good advice if you're using clips.
*I should mention that some joints I secured with PL400 and later had to pull apart broke in the wood fibers, not the glue -- that is, I had to rip the wood apart. It's important to start with nice clean surfaces and a good glue spread.
*Still more: while looking for something else I visited the OSI site (they make PL400 and Polyseamseal among other good stuff) and discovered they make a PL500 for outdoor decking; it's a latex and I suppose has some sort of mildewcide. Never seen or tried it. But they say the 400 is OK for exteriors, too. Then there's PL Premium ... and the "Pro Series" (cheaper?), too.... See the product selector and http://www.osisealants.com/PL/PL_adhesives.htm generally.... I vouch for the 400, the stinky one with an MSDS, and Premium (is there a significant difference? well, this is still better than Liquid Nails).
*I was wondering if makers of Eb-Ty would see a huge increase in sales by dropping the per unit price of their deck fasteners.They make a great product but when you hold one in your hand one can't help but wonder why they don't charge less.Financially they will come out ahead in no time.