MoistureShield Composite Decking FAQ
General
- Why does MoistureShield® have a limited lifetime warranty and other Composites have much shorter warranties?
- Because it is encapsulated through a patented process.
- How did A.E.R.T. get started in Composites?
- By manufacturing door and window components.
- How is MoistureShield priced compared to other Composites?
- We are a mid-range priced composite with top quality features and benefits, offering the best value in the marketplace.
- Can MoistureShield be painted and stained? If so, what type of paint is recommended?
- The manufacturer does not recommend painting or staining MoistureShield decking and railing. However, if you choose to paint or stain, please follow these recommendations:
Handrail can be painted or stained using two different methods:
a) Allow the handrail to weather 2-3 months in direct sun. If painting, apply an oil-based primer following the weather process. Paint using high quality acrylic latex paint. If staining, primer is not needed. Stain using a high quality oil-based stain.
b) If weather product is not an option, use a shellac-based primer and an acrylic latex paint.
Decking can be painted or stained only if allowed to weather. Use method "a" above.
- How is MoistureShield to work with compared to wood? Any special tools needed?
- MoistureShield decking can be installed using common wood working tools. Use a carbide blade with the least amount of teeth possible (fewer than 20 is recommended) to avoid excessive heat, which can lead to a rough cut.
- How do I reach someone if I have questions about MoistureShield products?
- Can you bend or shape MoistureShield?
- Yes. However, every application is different. You should contact the Customer Service Department at A.E.R.T., for guidance. The warranty does not cover the product after it has been altered in this way.
- What types of MoistureShield railing systems are now offered?
- Our railing components are now offered with a woodgrain embossing. Please check the product section for more details.
- Does MoistureShield fade?
- It will stay within the same family of colors it is in. Over time, UV rays from the sun will fade ANY decking.
- Why should I buy MoistureShield instead of a competitor product?
- Because of complete encapsulation (no rot), the variety of color selection, and the limited lifetime transferable warranty.
- What is MoistureShield made out of?
- Recycled wood fiber and polyethylene plastic.
- Will the recycled plastic used in the production of MoistureShield make it weaker than using virgin plastic?
- Why are 2 sides of the balusters lighter than the other 2?
- MoistureShield is an extruded product. Our balusters are milled products.
- What type of fastener should I use with MoistureShield?
- We recommend a 2 ¼ #7 stainless steel trim head screw.
- How can I hide the screws and get rid of mushroom?
- We recommend 2 ¼” #7 trim head stainless steel screws. Counter-sink them 1/8 inch, run your thumb slightly over the hole, and use a hammer to lightly tap the product over the screw.
- Where can I get installation instructions or installation assistance?
- What do you use to get rid of stains on MoistureShield?
- It would depend on the type of stain. Check the instructions under Care and Cleaning on the website or call 866-729-2378.
- Will MoistureShield show scratches and gouges from foot traffic and outdoor furniture being moved on it?
- Any surface will show evidence of normal wear and tear. Gouges should be no problem as MoistureShield is a dense product. Scratches from furniture cannot be removed but allowing them to weather will bring the color consistency back to a point that will make it less noticeable.
- How are MoistureShield claims handled?
- Written notice to the manufacturer within 30 days of the discovery of any claim, defect or failure covered by this warranty and before beginning any permanent repair. Call 866-729-2378 and we will guide you through the process.
- Where can I get a sample of MoistureShield?
- A local stocking dealer or by getting in touch with us through our Customer Service Department at 866-729-2378 or Request a Sample.
- Will MoistureShield burn easily? What is the fire rating?
- MoistureShield has a class C fire rating which is the same as wood.
- What is the allowable load rating for MoistureShield?
- 150 lbs. Per square foot at 16” joist span, 200 lbs. per square at 12” joist span.
- Where can I get a list of certified contractors?
- Go to the builder locator and type in your zip code to locate the builder/contractors in your area.
- How do I install the balusters to maintain even spacing?
- Will my kids get splinters when walking barefoot on the deck?
- Are there any chemicals or toxins in MoistureShield?
- Can we use a hidden fastener system like I've seen advertised?
- Yes, but we feel the use of the #7 trim head screw will be more cost effective and you get close to the same appearance.
- Which colors will hold their original color better?
- Cape Cod Gray will maintain its original color the best. However, some fading should be expected for any decking material due to age and weathering.
- How many screws do I put in each board?
- 2 screws ½” from each end of the board, then one screw per joist, 1” to 1 ½” from edge alternating sides of deck.
- I want to put a hot tub, grill, and kitchen on my deck. How much weight can it hold without falling through?
- If the application is a flat surface the sub-structure is holding the weight not the decking. If the application is installed on legs, i.e., grills or cabinets on rollers then contact A.E.R.T. 866-729-2378 to figure feasibility.
- Will my deck get slippery if it gets wet?
- Any wet surface can be slippery; MoistureShield has approximately the same coefficient of friction as smooth asphalt. It will not be as slippery as wood.
- Can I install my boards without spacing?
- No, for two reasons. Thermal expansion, proper ventilation and drainage require a ¼” gap between boards.
- Can I use MoistureShield components as structural members?
- Will the new ACQ treated lumber react with MoistureShield where they touch?
- MoistureShield has the same reaction to solvents and solutions as plastic surfaces. ACQ will not harm MoistureShield
- Can MoistureShield be installed in a submerged condition?
- Can I power wash my deck?
- Yes, using no more than 1300 PSI and keeping the wand at least 8 to 10 inches from the surface.
- Why are there ridges on the bottom?
- Ridges in MoistureShield deck boards provide three key benefits:
1) Polyethylene content in MoistureShield increases the weight above that of traditional lumber. By providing a ridged bottom, the weight is significantly reduced.
2) Allows the board to lay flat during installation.
3) Allows for added airflow surrounding joists for reduced degradation of structural decking components.
Environmental
- Is your product less harmful to human health than a comparable conventional product?
- Yes. MoistureShield® decking and accessories contain no added arsenic, or other preservatives that are likely to be toxic under normal exposure conditions. Conventional wood treating processes impregnate the wood substrate with toxic chemicals to prevent rot and decay. MoistureShield is naturally resistant to rot and decay without the toxic additives.
- Does your product contain over 25% recycled materials?
- Yes. MoistureShield decking and accessories are made with 90% recycled materials, of which, 30% is post consumer in origin.
- Does your product help conserve water?
- Yes. Since MoistureShield decking and accessories are made with 90% recycled content, water consumption is reduced or eliminated in the raw material extraction and processing stages that similar virgin based products would experience.
- Does your product help save energy?
- Yes. MoistureShield products are made with a mixture of recycled polyethylene plastic and recycled wood. Recycling one pound of wood conserves approximately 8,500 Btu’s of energy. Similarly, recycling one pound of polyethylene conserves approximately 28,350 Btu’s of energy. Consequently, building a 12’ x 12’ deck with MoistureShield saves an amount of energy roughly equal to 110 gallons of gasoline.
- Does your product help reduce fuel consumption?
- Yes. Because MoistureShield is made with 90% recycled content, the fuel consumed during the extraction and processing of virgin raw materials is eliminated. A large part of the energy savings associated with recycling polyethylene comes from the reduction of fuel use during these two stages.
- Does your product operate on a renewable form of energy?
- a. No. Our product requires no energy to operate. However, the manufacturing plants where MoistureShield is made are partially powered with biomass energy. Approximately one-fourth of the energy input for the manufacturing process is derived from renewable biomass sources.
- Is your product’s packaging reduced to a minimum?
- A.E.R.T., Inc. is always looking for ways to reduce the packaging burden and is careful to make sure that the packaging used is 100% recyclable.
- Does your product generate a minimum amount of waste?
- Yes. MoistureShield is manufactured to specific standard construction dimensions and has no wane, knotholes, or other bad spots that require cutouts and create waste.
- Is your product made from waste material(s)?
- Yes. MoistureShield is made from 90% recycled materials, of which, 30% is post consumer in origin. MoistureShield has one of the highest recycled materials content in the composite landscape decking industry.
- Does your product have some other environmental advantage that isn’t mentioned above?
- Yes. When a product such as MoistureShield decking and accessories is made from recycled materials, the entire environmental waste spectrum is positively impacted. The recycled content in MoistureShield results in reduced energy consumption, reduced landfill waste, reduced hazardous waste, reduced air emissions including greenhouse gases, reduced water consumption, and reduced wastewater.
