16 STOWAWAY INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS • STOWAWAY HIDDEN FASTENER
Mold and mildew can be a nuisance on any
exterior building surface, regardless of the material.
If the conditions are right, they will spawn on wood,
plastic, concrete, metal and other surfaces. Mold
formation is most prevalent in consistently wet,
shaded areas. Spores from the natural environment
are carried by the wind and commonly land on
deck surfaces. It is important to note that the
appearance of mold/mildew is a function of
nature, not necessarily a deficiency with any
of the material on which it grows.
Preventing Mold and Mildew Growth
Cleaning
Periodic washing with soap/detergent and water
will help remove surface dirt. This will also help
prevent the buildup of pollen, debris and spores
that can cause and accelerate mold/mildew
growth.
CAUTION: A pressure washer should not be used
to “blast” mold/mildew or soils from a deck surface.
The abrasive nature of the water stream can
potentially damage the material by driving the
spores into the material, which may create a more
challenging problem to remediate. A pressure
washer with a fan-tipped nozzle should be used
only to lightly wet or rinse wood or composite
deck surfaces
.
There are many deck wash and exterior cleaning
products available at retail stores. It is important
to make sure you use a cleaner specifically
Note: To predrill a groove on one side of deck
board, we recommend using a 5/32" T-slot cutter.
Step 7
Install one Stowaway fastener at each
joist location along the length of the board. For
installations where deck boards are butted
end-to-end at the joist, we recommend add-
ing an 8” block and using a Stowaway hidden
fastener clip at the end of each board (fig. 7 and
fig. 8). Be sure to gap the boards as previously
described.
Step 8
Repeat the process for each board until
the outside edge of the final board is fastened
with screws. Use fascia to conceal the board
profile and inhibit board movement over time.
Please refer to the fascia installation instructions
for the approved fastening methods for fascia
boards.
Step 9
If no fascia is being used, the entire
perimeter of the deck should be fastened to the
rim joist with screws. Use two screws per joist on
the perimeter board. These screws will be incon-
spicuous once the railing is installed. Decking
should be fastened with screws when being used
as stair treads.
fig. 7
fig. 8
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