Saving Time and Money with Composite Decking is Just a Step-Clip™ Away

Share
March 8, 2018 - Uncategorized
If there’s one thing that both decking contractors and homeowners share it’s their desire to get the project finished – fast!  For homeowners, the sooner...

If there’s one thing that both decking contractors and homeowners share it’s their desire to get the project finished – fast!  For homeowners, the sooner that their new composite deck is installed, the sooner they’ll be able to get out and enjoy it. For deck builders, they understand that the sooner they finish one job, the sooner they can invoice the project and move on to the next one. This need for speed is particularly true in the Northeast. With weather conditions that are prone to change at a moment’s notice, the quicker that any outdoor construction project can be completed, the better it is for everyone.

That said, veteran builders have learned that while most customers might say that they want their project to be finished ‘ASAP’, this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be willing to accept a low-quality finished project either. So, the “Holy Grail” for composite deck builders (and building contractors in general) is to find, test and trust new products, processes and techniques that enable them to work more efficiently, but without sacrificing the quality of their workmanship.

Introducing the DuraLife Step-Clip™

A new, American-made, composite decking product from Duralife, accomplishes this and more. Not only will its revolutionary new Step-Clip™ system reduce decking installation time by up to 50%, the hidden fastening system also delivers the clean, high-quality finish that many homeowners are asking for.

For years, long lasting, low-maintenance, composite decking products such as DuraLife’s Hardwoods and Landscapes Collection deck boards have allowed homeowners to avoid spending countless hours sanding, scraping and staining their decks. Now, DuraLife’s exclusive Step-Clip system can provide installers with the same time-saving convenience. The Step-Clip™ system makes composite decking installation simple and safe for decking professionals and DIYers. Some of the key benefits of DuraLife’s Step-Clip system for deck builders include:  

No back-breaking kneeling or bending required – Deck installers spend much less time on their hands and knees because the Step-Clip system snaps into place using only the weight of the installer walking along each plank of decking.

Right-sized, Step-Clip strips install easily – Each 23” Step-Clip strip is designed to ‘nest’ right over a standard-sized framing joist and can be attached with a roofing nail gun or hammer.

Deck boards are automatically aligned, and spaced correctly – The precisely designed manufacturing dimensions of every clip on each Step-Clip strip automatically produces a uniformed 3/16" (4.8mm) gap between each individual decking plank. Eliminating the time and patience once required for maintaining proper spacing and alignment of each piece of decking, composite decking installation has never been easier.

Maintains jobsite momentum – Deck builders can special-cut and install any custom ‘one-off’ lengths of individual boards after the bulk of the standard sized decking has been installed, eliminating productivity delays that can occur when crews are forced to wait for special cuts to be made (to fit around posts, etc.) during a conventional deck installation. 

No joist protection tape required – By covering the area between the top of the joist and DuraLife decking, the Step-Clip strip protects the joist from water damage, rot and decay, without additional joist protection tape.

Strips are easily installed in efficient, flexible lengths - Each Step-Clip strip is 23” long and accommodates the installation of four deck boards. Instead of fumbling to line up and attach 100s of individual fasteners, simply attach a length of interlocking Step-Clip strip and go.

Designed to perform at any temperature – The DuraLife Step-Clip strip is manufactured using the same polypropylene polymer as our DuraLife Siesta and DuraLife MVP composite decking products, and has been tested to perform at temperatures below freezing (32°F) and above 100°F. See the test here!

Easy to repair and replace – Prior to final installation, each DuraLife composite decking board can be laid out in place to ensure that the look of the variegated hardwood pattern is agreeable to the homeowner. If a board is damaged and must be replaced, simply remove one of the ‘picture framed’ edge boards and slide the damaged board out lengthwise along the clips. Then insert the replacement board into the existing Step-Clip’s and snap it into place.

Same Cost + Less Time = Better Value

The total project material cost of the DuraLife Step-Clip installation system is comparable to other hidden fastening systems available from other manufacturers. However, our side-by-side tests have shown that Step-Clip composite decking installs up to twice as fast as other leading brands. Professional deck builders can now install DuraLife decking faster, and for about the same cost, while also saving on labor. With up to 50% faster install times, DuraLife decking contractors could potentially double the number of deck projects they complete this season, doubling their income, too.

Samples of the DuraLife Step-Clip and Fastenator Clip are included with every Free composite decking sample we send out. Get yours today! 

This article is made possible by DuraLife. DuraLife’s unique polypropylene and hardwood composite decking materials simply outperform all other wood and composite decking products. More solid and safe under foot, DuraLife decking is backed by a 25-year warranty. It is stain and fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and is available in the colors and deck railing options you want. Get Samples, try our Composite Deck & Railing Visualizer, or contact DuraLife now to learn more.