HEADCOTE®
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HEADCOTE® Composite  _  Usage Notes

|  Product Features  |  Colors, Sizes & Packaging  |  Usage Notes  |  Sample Applications  |
 
SELECTING A HEAD COLOR
  • Consider how you will maintain your deck as well as the likely effects of weathering when selecting a head color for your decking.
  • Composite decking may be subject to various degrees of fading. (Check with your deck board manufacturer to know what to expect.) The Option(s) suggested under our Deck Matcher tool are based on new boards.
 
PRE-DRILLING
HEADCOTE® Composite deck screws are designed to avoid the step of pre-drilling. Pre-drilling, however, may still be desirable or necessary in some instances. Please read through the following guidelines before you decide whether to opt for our composite fastener. In addition, test HEADCOTE® Composite in your decking first. And most importantly, READ THE MANUFACTURER'S INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DECK BOARD YOU ARE USING.
  • Some cellular PVC ("plastic") decking, such as Azek Deck, will accept Standard HEADCOTE® 305 (and 316) without the need for pre-drilling. As a general rule, do not use composite screws in these all-plastic products. (Check with your deck board manufacturer's installation instructions for recommendations.)
  • Highly dense composite decking material often requires pre-drilling. (Check with your deck board manufacturer's installation instructions.) For these instances, using Starborn's SMART-BIT® pre-drilling and countersinking tool together with Standard HEADCOTE® 305 (or 316) deck screws -- the SMART-BIT®/HEADCOTE® System -- is recommended.
  • For some deck board brands, installing in cold weather will necessitate pre-drilling. (Check with your deck board manufacturer's installation instructions for recommendations.)
  • Even where composite screws are adequate, occasionally very small ridges may form around the screw heads. In these instances, you may opt to use the SMART-BIT®/HEADCOTE® System.
  • Even in situations where composite screws are being used, pre-drilling is still strongly advised at the ends of each board and where deck boards meet to avoid splitting. In these instances, use SMART-BIT® in combination with your HEADCOTE® Composite screw. Note that although HEADCOTE® Composite deck screws are #10 gauge, due to their smaller head diameter you should pre-drill using a #8 Trim Head SMART-BIT® tool.
  • The SMART-BIT®/HEADCOTE® System will always guarantee the best results of any face screwing system available. The screw will be perfectly countersunk, with no mushrooming, raised edges, or rough edges.
 
HEAD COATING
  • The coating used for HEADCOTE® stainless steel deck screws has been specially formulated for durability.
  • Like all coatings in outdoor and flooring applications, it is subject to wear and tear based on exposure to the elements and foot traffic.