OK ,so I asked a few questions in another post about composite decking and relationship to spans and usage. I make a few calls and learned something interesting. As it turns out, recently, Timber Tech changed some of there specs.
In short the same product that competes with Trex , the 5/4 x 6 decking is rated at 2x’s the strength as Trex on the same 16″ span. As recently changed the 5/4 decking has a rating of 200 psf on a 16″ spacing of joists vs Trex which is 100 psf 16″ on center. Not a big deal at first glance because both pass local residential construction codes when installed in this manner.
But! Effectively they have gained the following upper hands on Trex.
1. Commercial usage at 16″ on center instead of 12″ on center.
2. Residential usage when installed at a 45 degree angle on 16″center joists.
In order for Trex to conform to this criteria you would have to install your joists at 12″ on center.
Not a bad return for some quick typing changes. They will get most of the commercial work now and I will now purchase there product for the first time since they will back the install at 45 degree angle while on 16″ on center joists. Wonder how long it will take for trex to recognize this modern day typing miracle and do the same.
Now next time the inspector asks you to sure something up and make it stronger……………. just tell him to wait while you go get your type writer!
Edited 3/22/2007 11:30 am ET by AllTrade
Edited 3/22/2007 11:30 am ET by AllTrade
Replies
Worth a read.
Worth a bump.
every court needs a jester
Edited 3/24/2007 3:14 pm ET by rez