Decking manufacturer Deckorators announced earlier this week that three of its popular composite collections are now approved for exterior cladding.
The company’s mineral-based composite decking and picture frame board collections—Voyage, Vault, and Frontier—can be installed as wall cladding horizontally, vertically, and angled in both commercial and residential projects. These collections are well known for their durability and natural appearance.
“Our MBC decking has gained a loyal following in the deck contractor community, and we’re excited to announce the approval of a cladding application,” said Chris Camfferman, managing director of marketing for Deckorators. “Now builders can get the style, unmatched structural integrity, and superior warranty of MBC decking for even the toughest exterior applications.”
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Deckorators' Voyage mineral-based composite decking in a commercial setting
Mineral-based decking results from a mix of polypropylene and calcium carbonate. The mix prevents moisture absorption and minimizes thermal movement, the company says. Eovations technology from Deckorators extrudes and stretches the polymer-mineral blend, resulting in tiny air pockets. After, boards are capped with polypropylene for a durable exterior that’s designed to handle the elements.
Deckorators says its mineral-based composite decking products offer stain and fade resistance, and virtually no thermal expansion or contraction. Voyage, Vault, and Frontier also come with a 50-year structural, 25-year stain and fade, 25-year removal and replacement limited warranty.
In addition to promising longevity, the company says its decking’s Eovations technology makes the product 35% lighter than traditional composites. It’s similar in weight to PVC, Deckorators says.
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Deckorators Voyage mineral-based composite decking collection
Homeowners and architects are increasingly interested in products that offer low to zero maintenance and high durability, according to the American Institute of Architects' Home Design Trends Survey. From the architects surveyed, 62% opted for low maintenance, durable exteriors for 2020 projects. This choice is a continuation from 2019 when that share reached 63%.
The National Association of Home Builders noted an increased use of wood as a key design trend for its Best in American Living Award winners last year. Deckorators says its products mimic the natural look of wood with improved performance.
“Wood is very clearly not an ‘accent’ to other materials,” writes NAHB. “Instead, it takes center stage in many instances, from floors and ceilings to cabinets and siding.”
There are three decking widths approved for exterior cladding use: 3.5, 5.5, and 7.5 inches. Cladding lengths offered are 12, 16, and 20 feet. Deckorators suggests using its Stowaway hidden fasteners and Starborn Pro Plugs for mounting. Builders can choose grooved and solid-edge profiles for cladding.
The Voyage decking collection features textured embossing for high traction in five different colors. Vault is known for its flat grain variegation and offers two colors: one brown, one gray. The Frontier line offers a classic, traditional look and two colors: one brown, one gray. Picture Frame Boarding offers one dark gray color with a more dramatic wood grain.
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