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IN DEPTH EXTRA: Deck Fasteners

Star Drives Grow
Another trend in fastener types is a continuing move to star-drive formats. “Customers are moving in this direction because they see the benefits that having more points of contact can give them,” says GRK’s Romanski. The company is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has always offered star drives, he says. “With
six points, they get a stronger grip and can screw fasteners into many different materials with less stripping.”

Simpson Strong-Tie’s Park agrees. “Star drives are more common overall today. All of our new products are offered only with star drives, including structural screws. They have such a growing and strong following that the design makes sense. No other type of drive gets any specific requests.”

Coatings also are improving as premium-grade fasteners gain popularity. “We are always working to enhance the durability and corrosion resistance of our epoxy-coated fasteners,” says Starborn’s Crossley. “One area we focus on is making sure the coating adheres to the screw during installation. If the coating doesn’t
adhere, it can’t provide any protection.” USP’s Ruch agrees. “We’re seeing an increased use of structural screws with corrosion protection.”

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Safety concerns also are gaining a higher profile as publicity reinforces the importance of securely fastening the deck. “Structural integrity for decks is growing in importance,” says FastenMaster’s DiSanto. “It’s a unique application and needs to have the contractor’s full attention. It has created nice opportunities for dealers to help solve a challenge for their customers and add value to their sale. As the market focuses more attention on it, it opens more potential. The structural fasteners category is going to continue to grow, with lots of potential to expand the product lines as codes emphasize its importance.”

GRK emphasizes its [glossary]ICC certification[/glossary], which more contractors are seeking, Romanski says. “It gives contractors confidence,” he says. “Deck safety is becoming more important. Contractors have to be certain they are using the correct structural fasteners for each application.”

Knowing requirements is critical, says USP’s Ruch. “Contractors need to check the local codes to ensure they don’t have any surprises during the inspection process,” he says. “Deck codes vary and some areas are more stringent than others.”

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Codes also are focusing more attention on how railings are secured, too, notes Screw Products Miller. As USP’s Ruch explains, “As decks get larger and are used by more people at once, there can be a lot of force on them as more people lean against the posts.”

Packaging Options Grow
Packaging options also are evolving, as contractors look for more value and project-sized purchases. FastenMaster, for instance, has shifted to plastic buckets from cardboard packages. “We’d been focused on the recycling benefits, but we learned that durability was important to contractors,” says DiSanto. “They told us they overwhelmingly preferred plastic buckets.” FastenMaster supplemented that by turning the lid into template to locate fasteners for consistent spacing. “Our goal is to help contractors do their jobs better.” GRK meanwhile has changed its packaging to reflect its 25th anniversary and emphasize its motto of
“Speed, Quality, Confidence.”

Screw Products has created a smaller 75-count package to complement its hidden fasteners. “The popularity of clip systems means contractors don’t need large amounts of face screws, but they do need some, for the borders and the starter boards,” Miller explains. “This allows the contractor to buy the face screws he needs for the project without having to buy them in bulk. They want to buy for each project.”

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