Handling, Cleaning and Maintenance of Norddeck Products Transportation and Storage Transport the Norddeck decking boards on a clean and even surface; it is highly recommended to use special transportation pallets. Before the installation process the boards should be stored flat on a dry and clean surface, protected from direct sunlight and other weather conditions. You can store Norddeck decking boards under a cover to maintain a clean surface. If stored outdoors, boards should be covered with a non-transparent material. During transportation and storage of Norddeck decking, ensure that the space is well ventilated and place supporting timber under the product in order to keep it from bending. Make sure that the boards do not damage each other. Do not place longer packages on top of shorter ones. Please note that the product is heavier than ordinary wood. Handling Unload Norddeck decking boards carefully; do not slide the boards against each other when moving them. As you remove the decking boards from the pallet, first lift and then set them down; never dump the decking boards when unloading. When carrying the boards, carry on edge for a better support. Protect the surface of the boards from construction waste. Do not slide tools or drag equipment across the top of the boards during the construction process. Installation A purchaser is solely responsible for determination of the effectiveness, fitness and suitability of the Norddeck products in connection with their use in any particular application. Norddeck decking boards are not intended for use as columns, support posts, beams, joist stringers or other primary load-bearing members. The decking boards must be supported by a compliant substructure. Please follow the installation manual for a proper installation of Norddeck decking boards. The boards can be installed with standard woodworking tools. Scrap can be discarded with usual construction waste. After the installation process wash the decking boards with lukewarm water in order to remove possible dust that can appear on the surface of the product as a result of manufacturing and transportation processes. Disposal Norddeck decking boards are 100 percent recyclable. Small quantities of the product can be disposed of by burning with pure wood; larger quantities should be disposed of as any other construction waste or delivered to special landfills that are taking care of recyclable materials. LLC „GreenDeck”; Reg. No. 40103415760 Address: Bruninieku str. 28-8, Riga, Latvia, LV-1011 Tel.: +371 29 335 131; Fax: +371 66 192 848; e-mail: info@norddeck.com; www.norddeck.com Care and Cleaning Norddeck decking boards require minimal maintenance. To sustain the physical appearance of your deck, we recommend a periodic cleaning of the surface. Moreover, an unsoiled deck surface will make the clean-up after a spill much easier. In case the decking boards become badly soiled, they can be cleaned with a high pressure water jet (maximum 80 bar). The jet nozzle should be held at a minimum distance of 20 cm from the boards. To avoid causing potential damage to the boards, direct the jet along their longitudinal axis. For a periodic maintenance, rinse your deck thoroughly with lukewarm water. Soap and water solution, as well as a power washer with a fan tip nozzle can be used. The recommended maximum pressure is 100 bar. Spray in the direction of the brush pattern to avoid damaging the product. Removal of Dirt Most of the stains can be removed easily with clear water and a detergent. We recommend removing the dirt as soon as possible after it appears on the surface of the boards. If water or oil is left on the surface for longer periods of time, these can leave darkish coloured patches. These can be removed with fine-grained sandpaper. Blot the spill if it consists of an abrasive substance; do not rub the area. Then soak the stained area with warm water and blot up with a soft towel. In case the stain is still evident, mix a little amount of a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and warm water, and apply the solution to the stain using a clean towel or soft sponge. Let the solution affect the stain for 3-5 minutes. After the stain has soaked, wipe it with a clean towel or sponge. Under any circumstances do not use solvent-based detergent, as these can damage the surface of the decking board. Removing Stains Many stains can be cleaned with a soap and water solution. In case the stains on the decking board are tough, fine sandpaper together with a fine wire brush can be used; the first sands the surface and the second one re-grains the board. Scratches, nicks, cuts and grooves can be eliminated by using a wire brush. Brush in the direction of the grain of the board. The sanded or brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks but can vary depending on the location and application of the product. Mildew Norddeck products are formulated to inhibit mildew. Nevertheless, mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood and wood resins. Maintaining your deck dry and clean is the best method for preventing and combating mildew. Even if it appears clean, it is important to prevent an accumulation of pollen or debris. Rinse off your deck periodically with a tube. Ensure that water drains effectively from your deck. LLC „GreenDeck”; Reg. No. 40103415760 Address: Bruninieku str. 28-8, Riga, Latvia, LV-1011 Tel.: +371 29 335 131; Fax: +371 66 192 848; e-mail: info@norddeck.com; www.norddeck.com Removal of Ice and Snow For ice removal salt may be used. However, salt may leave a white residue on the surface of the decking board, which could be removed by rinsing the deck with water or a mild soap and water solution. A plastic or wooden shovel may be used when removing snow or ice off of the deck. Visual Appearance due to Weathering Norddeck wood-plastic composite decking boards are designed to imitate the look of real wood. Like real wood, there will be a slight difference in colour and grain pattern from board to board. This is intentional and is a part of the manufacturing process. It gives Norddeck wood-plastic composite decking boards the maximum of realistic wood-like appearance that is possible to obtain. This variation is merely visual and does not affect the performance of the product. Like any wood-based product, our wood-plastic composite decking boards will naturally weather over time and the surface pattern will weather to a consistent colour. This process may cause a temporary discoloration that will weather away. Most of the weathering process will be finished within the first year of the deck’s life. LLC „GreenDeck”; Reg. No. 40103415760 Address: Bruninieku str. 28-8, Riga, Latvia, LV-1011 Tel.: +371 29 335 131; Fax: +371 66 192 848; e-mail: info@norddeck.com; www.norddeck.com