Frequently Asked Questions
- What is MoistureShield®?
- How is MoistureShield® manufactured?
- How long has A.E.R.T., Inc. been manufacturing composite building products?
- Is MoistureShield® a green product?
- Does MoistureShield® contain any preservative treatments?
- How does the composite MoistureShield® is made from stand up against termites?
- What is the warranty on MoistureShield®?
- Where can I purchase MoistureShield®?
- Can I get a sample of MoistureShield®?
- Does MoistureShield® come in different styles and colors?
- What board sizes are available?
- What are the recommended joist spans for MoistureShield®?
- Your installation instructions say "Install MoistureShield® decking using 2 1/4" #7 Swan Secure stainless steel trim-head screws, two screws per board per joist recommended." Yet in your training sessions you say that you can put two trim-head screws on each end of the board but you can stagger the screws between ends using only one screw per joist. If I do this, so I void my warranty?
- Will MoistureShield® rot, splinter, or decay like wood?
- Does MoistureShield® require water sealing or staining?
- When and how do I clean MoistureShield®?
- Can MoistureShield® hold up against incidental salt-water contact or spray?
- What type of fasteners should you use with MoistureShield®?
- What types of tools are required?
- Are installation instructions available?
- Is polyethylene plastic toxic?
- How is MoistureShield® rated?
- Where has MoistureShield® been installed?
What is MoistureShield®?
MoistureShield® is a long-lasting, low-maintenance decking product manufactured by A.E.R.T., a leading composite building products manufacturer. MoistureShield® is made from a 50/50 blend of recycled plastics and wood fibers. Its durability and natural, beautiful appearance make it an ideal choice for new and resurfaced decks. Back to Top
How is MoistureShield® manufactured?
MoistureShield® is a professional grade composite decking and is manufactured using unique technology that is protected under several patents. The recycled plastic is mixed with sized wood fiber and melted together in a process that aligns and encapsulates the fiber in plastic. The plastic surrounds and bonds to the wood fibers, making them virtually moisture proof. The wood fibers reinforce the plastic, making it stiffer and greatly reducing its thermal movement. MoistureShield® decking is extruded and cured slowly producing a product that will not twist or warp. This process takes more time, but the results are worth the wait. Back to Top
How long has A.E.R.T., Inc. been manufacturing composite building products?
A.E.R.T., Inc. has been manufacturing composite building products since 1988 and is the oldest successful plastic and wood composite manufacturer. A.E.R.T., Inc. first manufactured door and window components for manufacturers such as Peachtree and Therma-Tru. A.E.R.T.'s composites resist swelling, rot and termites which are particular problematic for doors and windows. A.E.R.T. introduced its decking products in 1992. Since its inception, A.E.R.T.'s composite building products have been used in millions of homes to make those homes more enjoyable and care free. Back to Top
Is MoistureShield® a green product?
MoistureShield® is a high quality, long-lasting premium decking material made with a minimum of 30% post-consumer recycled content and 60% post-industrial (pre-consumer) recycled content. MoistureShield exceeds the requirements for landscape decking published in the LEED for Homes standard (v. 1.72). This makes MoistureShield one of the greenest composite decking materials on the market today. Learn more about our Environmental Story. Back to Top
Does MoistureShield® contain any preservative treatments?
MoistureShield® does not contain any preservatives. MoistureShield® is virtually impervious to moisture and does not require preservative treatments, water sealing or staining to maintain its longevity and beauty. Back to Top
How does the composite MoistureShield® is made from stand up against termites?
MoistureShield® has been extensively tested for termite resistance. In fact, it was even buried in Formosan Termite mounds in Hawaii for over nine months and successfully withstood a continuous hostile termite exposure. Back to Top
What is the warranty on MoistureShield®?
MoistureShield® has a transferable manufacturer's Limited Lifetime Warranty against rot and termite or insect damage. This warranty applies only to residential use. Back to Top
Where can I purchase MoistureShield®?
Just check out our Dealer Locator to find one near you. Back to Top
Can I get a sample of MoistureShield®?
Yes, via our online sample request form. Please allow 10 business days for receipt. Back to Top
Does MoistureShield® come in different styles and colors?
Yes. MoistureShield® is available in seven rich colors, each enhanced by a beautiful, deep grain texture, that will make your deck stand out from the crowd. MoistureShield® is also embossed with a unique wood grain finish that gives it the appearance of real wood, but without all the maintenance. MoistureShield® has been engineered to sustain its beauty over time. Back to Top
What board sizes are available?
MoistureShield® is offered in a variety of standard deck board dimensions and lengths and can be special ordered in 20-foot lengths. Contact customer service for more information. Back to Top
What are the recommended joist spans for MoistureShield®?
MoistureShield® 5/4x6 decking should be spaced no more than 16" on center for residential applications, which is the same as wood. For applications using a 45 degree diagonal installation, the joists should spaced 12" on center. Special and commercial loading applications require an engineering load analysis to determine span distances and other structural issues. Back to Top
Your installation instructions say "Install MoistureShield® decking using 2 1/4" #7 Swan Secure stainless steel trim-head screws, two screws per board per joist recommended." Yet in your training sessions you say that you can put two trim-head screws on each end of the board but you can stagger the screws between ends using only one screw per joist. If I do this, will I void my warranty?
No, your warranty will be intact by using the above fastening pattern. The reason we suggest this method is that MoistureShield® decking will not twist or warp like regular wood decking, all you are doing is holding the deck in place. You will need to make sure that the alternating fastening pattern will meet your local building codes. Back to Top
Will MoistureShield® rot, splinter, or decay like wood?
MoistureShield® has been extensively tested under hostile conditions and has a limited lifetime warranty which is a guarantee against rot, splinter or decay. Back to Top
Does MoistureShield® require water sealing or staining?
No. MoistureShield® requires no sealing or staining, making it much easier to maintain than wood. It will require periodic cleaning as with any flooring surface exposed to normal use and the outside elements. Back to Top
When and how do I clean MoistureShield®?
After your deck is installed, clean it thoroughly using a deck cleaner such as Dekswood® Deck Cleaner & Brightener by Flood, which contains oxalic acid, as debris from construction can create temporary stains. All decks can accumulate dirt and mildew through normal outdoor exposure. Periodic cleaning is highly recommended as with all exterior building products. Use deck cleaners that are specific to your needs for such things as cleaning mildew, grease, or general cleaning. Back to Top
Can MoistureShield® hold up against incidental salt-water contact or spray?
MoistureShield® will withstand the most hostile environment, including incidental saltwater contact or spray in coastal areas. The hardwood fiber in performance deck is encapsulated to give MoistureShield® durability and long life even in the harshest conditions. The use of stainless steel screws is always recommended for applications in these environments. Back to Top
What type of fasteners should you use with MoistureShield®?
Always install MoistureShield® with stainless steel trim head screws or hot-dipped galvanized casing nails. We recommend Swan Secure stainless steel fasteners. Regular steel or electroplated screws and nails are NOT recommended due to their tendency to create rust stains on any deck. Back to Top
What types of tools are required?
Installation can be done with regular woodworking tools including hammers, rasps, levels, squares, and circular saws. Standard carbide saw blades with less than 20 teeth are recommended. Back to Top
Are installation instructions available?
Yes. Installation instructions can be downloaded here. Back to Top
Is polyethylene plastic toxic?
No. Polyethylene is non-toxic and is used for applications such as milk jugs, water jugs and grocery sacks. When burned completely under controlled conditions, it converts to carbon dioxide and water vapor. Back to Top
How is MoistureShield® rated?
MoistureShield® has a Class C fire rating, similar to wood. Residential decking has a uniform live load of 150 psf when spanned on 16-inch centers. Back to Top
Where has MoistureShield® been installed?
MoistureShield® has been installed in numerous applications from coast to coast. The initial commercial boardwalk was installed in 1992 at the South Padre Convention Center at South Padre Island, TX. Other notable installations include the Cape Cod National Seashore, MA; Fire Island National Park, NY; Springdale, AR; Aquatic Center; the Morrison Knudsen Nature Center in Boise, ID; and Knots Berry Farm, CA. Browse the photo gallery to see other installations. Back to Top
