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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Before Installation: |
Q: What different types of materials could I use to build my deck?
A: There are basically four different types of deck construction materials available on the market: natural wood, composites, plastic lumber, and vinyl. Many natural woods that have been "treated" in order to withstand outdoor applications, yet require frequent maintenance in order to last any length of time. Most composites contain a combination of waste wood from wood manufacturing plants and recycled plastic (from used grocery sacks or stretch film). Most plastic lumber is made completely from recycled plastics (such as used milk containers). Vinyl decking materials are made from either unused "virgin" vinyl or recycled vinyl.
Q: Does the AURORA Decking System use virgin or recycled vinyl?
A: All AURORA Decking System components are recycled from post-industrial reclaimed vinyl pieces.
Q: Aren't products made from virgin vinyl be better than those made from recycled vinyl?
A: While virgin vinyl is preferable to recycled for some applications, recycled vinyl is preferable for applications involving frequent impact and stress. Reclaimed vinyl is heated to a higher temperature during recycling, which increases the crystalline structure of the material. The result is a stronger, more durable, product than one made from virgin material.
Q: Our family spends a lot of time outside during the summer, and plan to use our deck quite often. Vinyl seems to be so slick, is it safe?
A: The AURORA Decking System is very safe. Our unique finishing process adds a woodgrain texture that makes the decking surface slip resistant. In fact, the AURORA Decking System exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines for slip resistance when wet or dry. Also, because the vinyl planks will never splinter, the surface is safe for children's tender bare feet.
Q: The vinyl decking I've seen has a pattern cut into a glossy surface. Won't a vinyl deck surface reflect a lot of sunlight producing an awful glare?
A: Our low-gloss coloring and woodgrain texture not only increases slip-resistance, it also helps diffuse light more effectively. Consequently, AURORA Decking produces much less glare from the sun or other light sources. Even in very bright conditions an AURORA Deck looks like wood.
Q: I've heard that vinyl can get very warm. Won't a vinyl deck become too hot for bare feet when exposed to direct sunlight during the summer?
A: Actually, the AURORA Decking System's hollow design facilitates cooling during hot, summer days. You'll find that the surface of an AURORA Deck will actually be cooler than the surface of a wood deck given identical environmental conditions.
Q: We don't want to be surprised with our new deck changing color after a while. Don't all alternatives to wood fade to a gray after being exposed to sunlight for a few weeks?
A: You may be thinking of wood composites that some companies are selling as alternatives to wood decks. While wood composites will last longer than natural wood, many composites fade from sunlight and require sanding, staining, or painting to remove or hide the discolored surface. The materials used in AURORA Decking System products are non-organic, and will not significantly discolor over time. This means the colors of the AURORA Decking System products you pick up from the store will be quite similar to colors you see after being exposed to the sun for 20 years.
Q: The place where I live gets very hot and dry summers, and cold and snowy winters. Isn't vinyl likely to crack in extreme weather conditions?
A: Normal vinyl will become more brittle in cold temperatures. However, the vinyl materials used in AURORA Decking System products contain impact modifiers that enhance structural integrity; and the hollow design helps diffuse impact during any weather condition. In fact, we're so confident that AURORA Decking System products will perform in extreme weather conditions, they come with a lifetime warrantee against cracking and splintering.
Q: In what sizes and lengths are AURORA Decking System products available and how much do they cost?
A: The AURORA Decking System planks are 1½ inches thick and 5 7/8 inches wide. They are available in standard lengths of 12, or 16, or 20 feet. Contact your nearest dealer for current prices.
Q: I'm working with a limited budget and vinyl decking is more expensive than the wood decks I've looked at. Why should I spend money for a deck that only looks and feels like wood rather than buying the real thing?
A: : It's true that constructing a deck from natural wood is less expensive than a deck using the AURORA Decking System. The real savings from a vinyl deck come from the costs of repairs and annual maintenance. You'll need to frequently clean and re-stain a wood deck. You may also need to spend time and money sanding, scraping, or replacing wood deck parts as they crack, splinter, or rot over time. Depending on the size of your deck, the total construction and maintenance costs of a wood deck will surpass those of an AURORA Deck in about 7 years. After 20 years, the total costs for an AURORA Deck will only be a fraction of the money spent on a wood deck.
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| During Installation: |
Q: Can I build my entire deck from AURORA Decking System products?
A: No. The AURORA Decking System is intended for decking surfaces, and not for decking sub-structures. While the AURORA Decking System is strong and durable, it is not designed as a primary load-bearing component. Never use AURORA Decking System products as posts, beams, joists, risers, or any other primary load-bearing deck components.
Q: I've looked at some alternatives to wood decks, and many require either special equipment or complicated attachment parts. Isn't vinyl decking difficult to install?
A: We kept simplicity in mind when designing the AURORA Decking System. As a result, AURORA Decking is easier to install than any other wood, composite, or vinyl decking system we've seen. The self-spacing biscuit anchors eliminate the need for spacing tools, and easily attach to joists using ordinary deck screws. In fact, since the biscuit anchors are used between boards, you'll only use about ½ the hardware you'd need for a wood deck. You'll use the same tools to cut and attach AURORA Decking System anchors and planks that you would if you were building a wood deck. AURORA Decking System trim pieces can also be attached using ordinary wood screws, and can easily be cut using a circular saw or even tin snips.
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| After Installation: |
Q: How do I dispose of AURORA Decking System scrap pieces?
A: AURORA Decking System products contain no toxic elements and may be discarded with other construction debris. The pieces may also be taken to centers that accept vinyl scrap for recycling.
Q: Can I paint or stain an AURORA Decking System?
A: Vinyl repels most materials, which makes it so easy to clean. While some paints and stains will adhere to AURORA Decking, we recommend against coating your deck.
Q: Is a vinyl deck difficult to clean?
A: Vinyl decking is very easy to clean. Most of the materials to which a deck is normally exposed will not adhere to vinyl, which means that an AURORA Deck cleans up nicely with a solution of mild detergent and water. We also provide an extensive Care & Maintenance page, which addresses many unique cleaning problems that might arise.
Q: Do AURORA Decking System products come with a warranty?
A: We are quite proud of the AURORA Decking System, and very confident that if will perform as claimed. That's why AURORA Decking System products come with a Lifetime Warranty. If any of our products doesn't perform like we claim it will, we will replace it absolutely free.
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Innovection Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.
