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Frequently Asked Questions

Before choosing composite decking, cladding or fencing for your project you may have a few questions. Whether you are unsure on how to install composite decking or how much warranty Assured Composite products have, you will hopefully find the answer on this page, and if not, simply get in touch with a member of our team and we will be more than happy to help.

FAQs

General

Do you offer samples of your composite products?

Yes, we offer free samples and free delivery of all our composite products so you can see the products before purchase. You can select these in our free samples page or when you are browsing the product. If you are a trader with us you will receive a free trade sample box of all our products where you can showcase the products to your potential customers.

Can you provide test reports for your composite products including fire ratings, slip ratings etc?

Yes we can, all our composite products have been through rigorous and in depth testing phases and results are available either in our performance tab on each product or you can get in touch with a member of our team. Please be sure that the results of our products meet the standards required for your project and if you are unsure we can provide you free samples for you to test before making your purchase.

Are all Assured Composite ® products for residential and commercial use?

All Assured Composite products can be used in residential or commercial environments but we do recommend certain products for certain projects. For example, we would recommend a solid decking board for installing a pool or hot tub on top of due to the load bearing. If you are unsure to which products are required for your project please get in touch with a member of our team where we can help you make the right choice.

 

How long is the warranty on Assured Composite® products?

We offer an unrivalled 10 year commercial and 25 year residential warranty on all composite decking, cladding, fencing and balustrade products as long as they have been installed to our installation guide lines.

How do I know how much composite I need for my project?

Simply measure your area and either get in touch with one of our team or enter your measurements into one of our easy to use calculators. The calculators will calculate how much material you will require for your project and the cost. For a more in depth quote and to reassure you that you are ordering the correct amount of material please get in touch with a member of our team.

Please note that any special offers/discounts will not be applied in the calculators.

What is the difference between capped and uncapped composite?

Capped composite has a 4 sided polymer protective shell that protects the composite making it more stain resistant and colour consistent as it is UV protected. Uncapped composite will fade in the first few months to a more natural colour then be colour consistent throughout.

Can I sand and stain composite?

We do not recommend sanding or staining any Assured Composite® product that is capped. Our uncapped products can be lightly sanded to remove stubborn staines but we do not recommend staining. You will also void any warranty the products have if sanding or staining has been applied where not advised. Please see our Help and Advice for more information.

How do I clean composite?

To clean any composite simply use hot soapy water, a soft bristled brush and a hose pipe. For a more deeper clean use a jet wash with a maximum pressure of 1500PSI. Follow the direction of the grain and rinse thoroughly. Please be aware that cleaning the composite too close with a jet wash or using a strong abrasive cleaner may damage the composite. Please see our installation and care guides in the help and advice page for more information.

Does composite fade?

Any uncapped composite will fade/weather, our composite has more anti UV in the material and will fade/weather around 25%- 50% (approx) in the first 2-6 months (approx) to a more natural colour then will be colour consistent throughout. Our capped composite is coated in a 4 sided polymer protective shell which protects the composite against the weather, this allows the composite to be UV resistant and colour consistent throughout. Our uncapped composite is our Premier and Classic ranges and our capped composite is our Superior and Elite ranges.

Installation

How do I install composite?

Every product and every project is different but installing Assured Composite products are pretty straight forward and any competent tradesman or DIYer can install with ease. Our composite decking, cladding, fencing and balustrade installation and care guides will help you but if you have any other questions please get in touch with a member of our team.

How do I fix composite corner trims and fascia?

Composite trims and fascias can be fixed in 2 ways, either pre-drill holes and countersink screws into the composite or simply use our Beko high bond strength adhesive. Please see our installation and care guides for more information for fixing and see our fixings page for coloured screws and adhesive.

Do I have to use a subframe when installing my composite cladding and decking?

The simple answer, yes you do! This is to allow ventilation so your composite cladding and decking can breathe. We recommend using our long lasting composite joists, composite battens, plastic joists or plastic posts as they have been specifically designed for this purpose but you can use other materials such as timber, steel, plastic or aluminium. If using timber joists or timber battens then we do offer joist tape and batten tape to prolong the life of the timber.

Do I have to use Assured Composite® fasteners and fixings or can I buy elsewhere?

We recommend using Assured Composite fasteners and fixings with all Assured Composite products as these have been tried and tested and we cannot guarantee the outcome of products purchased elsewhere. You will also void any warranty you have on the products purchased from Assured Composite if the fasteners and fixings have been purchased elsewhere.

How many people are needed to install composite?

Whether you are installing composite decking, cladding, fencing or balustrades we would recommend at least 2 people to make life easier but this really depends on the size of the project and how quick you would like to finish it.

 

Delivery & Collection

Can we collect our products rather than pay for delivery?

Yes certainly, simply make your purchase and select “collection” and a member of our team will be in touch once your order is ready for collection. We may require up to 48hrs to get your order ready depending on the amount of products ordered.

Do you deliver internationally?

Yes we do, please contact a member of our team who will take a few details and give you a delivery quote based on the products and quantities required.

Do you deliver to the Highlands and Northern Ireland?

Yes we do, simply make your purchase and once you have entered your postcode our basket will calculate the cost of the shipping for you.

How long do we have to wait for our products to be delivered once ordered?

This depends on the delivery option you have selected and where you are based. Once an order has been placed we aim to dispatch products within 1-3 days. Please see our estimated delivery times on our delivery and returns page for more information.

Will I need to help unload products when being delivered?

Yes, a member of our team will need help to unload products and it is the customers responsibility to provide this. We do not offer forklifts or cranes when delivering and our delivery service is kerb side only. Our team are not insured to carry products elsewhere other than kerbside. We also strongly advise to where PPE where applicable.

What if I notice damage to products or missing items when delivered?

​In the unfortunate event that your products have been damaged or gone missing during delivery please refuse delivery or indicate the problem on the delivery note and contact us within 12 hours. Our team or preferred courier will also take photographic evidence and report back to the office. A signed delivery note without notations of missing, damaged or incorrect pieces represents your acceptance of the complete order in perfect condition. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.

Composite Cladding

How do you maintain composite cladding?

To maintain composite cladding, we advise cleaning it at least twice a year or when needed. Use hot soapy water, a soft-bristled brush and wash away with a hose pipe. For a deeper clean we advise using a pressure washer with a maximum pressure of 1500 PSI and by keeping the hose gun at least 12 inches away from the cladding. When pressure washing or hosing down, follow the direction of the grain and rinse the area thoroughly. Please be aware that cleaning the composite too close with a jet wash or using a strong abrasive cleaner may damage the composite. Please see our installation and care guides in the help and advice page for more information.

Does composite cladding fade?

Yes if uncapped and no if capped! Any uncapped composite cladding will fade/weather, our composite cladding has more anti UV in the material and will fade/weather around 25% – 50% (approx) in the first 2-6 months (approx) to a more natural colour then will be colour consistent throughout. Our capped composite cladding is coated in a 4 sided polymer protective shell which protects the composite against the weather, this allows the composite to be UV resistant and colour consistent throughout. Our uncapped composite cladding is our Classic woodgrain and sanded ranges and our capped composite cladding is our Superior and Elite slatted ranges.

What is the difference between the wood grain and sanded composite cladding?

The only difference is the finish. Our Classic Woodgrain composite cladding has a 3D embossed woodgrain finish and our Classic Sanded composite cladding has a sanded finish both of which still offer a stunning modern contemporary look and boast a 10 year commercial and 25 year residential warranty.

Can I install composite cladding to my garage?

Yes as long as you use subframe battens for ventilation. We recommend using our long lasting composite battens or recycled plastic joists as these have been specifically designed for this purpose but you can use other materials such as timber, steel, plastic or aluminium. If using timber battens then we do offer batten tape to prolong the life of the timber.

Where can I use composite cladding?

You can use our composite cladding for most outdoor residential and commercial projects including garden rooms, garages, houses, sheds, fences, flats, offices etc but it is the customers responsibility to make sure our products testing standards meet the standards of the project. Free samples are available for testing before purchasing and our testing results can be found in the performance tab on each product or you can get in touch with a member of our team who will be able to assist.

Will composite cladding rot quickly like wooden cladding?

Assured Composite cladding will not rot or crack and is near on maintenance free compared to wooden cladding as long as it is installed correctly following our installation guides which can be found here. We are that confident in our composite cladding which is why we offer a 10 year commercial and 25 year residential warranty just like our composite decking, fencing and balustrade ranges.

Can I use wooden battens to fix my composite cladding to?

Yes you can but please bare in mind that wooden battens will not last as long as composite battens or plastic joists and the composite cladding you are installing. We do offer composite battens or recycled plastic joists as a long lasting alternative or even cladding batten tape that will prolong the life of the wooden battens by protecting them against water and moisture.

Do You Install Composite Cladding Horizontally or Vertically?

You can install any of our composite cladding ranges either horizontally or vertically depending on your preference. The more traditional and most common way is to install the composite cladding horizontally which gives an illusion of making the property look wider. When installing composite cladding vertically this offers a more contemporary look and gives an illusion of making the property higher.

Decking

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

Like most things that are outdoor when wet, decking boards made of composite can become slippy but not as much as a traditional wooden deck as composite decking does not absorb the water. Our decking boards offer a high anti-slip resistance compared to other decking options whether you use the woodgrain or grooved side of the boards. The grooved side of our deck boards will offer more grip to foot and are ideal for steps when installing a raised deck and around swimming pools and hot tubs.

Where can I use composite decking?

Due to being low maintenance, eco-friendly and fully certified, our composite decking boards can be used in any outdoor environment whether residential or commercial. From garden decking to commercial balcony decking our deck boards are a cost effective solution for any outdoor flooring project.

What are the benefits of your composite decking?

We hold the UK’s largest range of composite decking colours and boards which come with many different benefits. All our ranges come with an unrivalled 10 year commercial and 25 year residential warranty and are all easy to install which offers confidence before purchase. Our capped composite decking boards are now 3rd generation meaning they are more scratch and stain resistant compared to our competitors. Please see below our benefits:

  • Quality assured
  • 10 Year commercial/25 year residential warranty
  • Low maintenance
  • Eco-friendly
  • Cost-effective
  • Certified
  • Reversible – woodgrain or groove
  • Recyclable
  • Mould resistant
  • Capped or uncapped
  • Hollow or solid boards
  • Splinter free
  • Does not rot or warp
  • Low stain resistant
  • No insect damage
  • Strong and durable
  • Waterproof
  • Long life span
What are the differences between your decking ranges?

We offer 4 composite decking ranges and the differences between the ranges are whether the deck boards are capped or uncapped and whether they have a hollow or solid core.

Capped boards are covered in a polymer coating which allows them to be UV resistant, stain resistant and more water resistant as opposed to uncapped boards which will fade to a more natural colour over time. Capped decking boards are also called second generation composite decking and third generation composite decking and uncapped boards are also called first generation composite decking.

Solid core decking boards are mainly used in commercial environments where high footfall or heavy items are going to be on the deck like a hot tub, pool or large shed. Hollow boards are used for every day garden decking and light commercial use where the boards have a low footfall and offer more of an appearance.

Please see below the ranges we offer:

Premier – hollow board – uncapped, weathers to a more natural colour – residential or light commercial use – ideal for everyday life
Superior – hollow board – capped, UV protected – residential or light commercial use – ideal for everyday life 
Classic
– solid board – uncapped, weathers to a more natural colour – residential or commercial use – ideal for heavy loads and high footfall areas
Elite – solid board – capped, UV protected – residential or commercial use – ideal for heavy loads and high footfall areas

Can I install composite decking around my pool and hot tub?

Yes you can, all our composite decking ranges offer a high anti-slip resistance as opposed to a wooden deck especially when using the grooved side of the deck board. If you are installing composite decking around a pool or hot tub then you can use any of our composite decking ranges but if you are installing a pool or hot tub on top of the decking then we do recommend a solid deck board with extra joist supports underneath for load bearing.

Please be aware, like any uncapped composite decking our uncapped composite decking boards may change colour due to the solution used in the pool or hot tub. Our capped composite decking is coated in polymer coated shell and will not change colour.

Can I use timber joists for my composite decking subframe?

Yes you can but please bare in mind that wooden joists will not last as long as composite joists or plastic joists and posts and the composite decking you are installing. We do offer composite joists or recycled plastic joists and posts as a long lasting alternative or even decking joist tape that will prolong the life of the wooden joists and posts by protecting them against water and moisture.

Fencing

Why choose Assured Composite fencing?

Coming in 2 ranges, Superior and Elite slatted, our composite fence panels are made from recycled materials including plastic and wood fibres just like our composite decking, cladding and balustrades. These materials provide you with a long lasting eco-friendly fence panel that is maintenance free. Our fence panels are made to the highest possible standard and are fully UV protected. They also boast an unbeatable 10 year commercial and 25 year residential warranty giving customers peace of mind when purchasing.

Need Some Help? We’ve Got You Covered!

Explore our frequently asked questions or use our convenient search feature to locate the information you need. Alternatively give our team a call on 01664 400 140 and we’d be happy to help!

© Assured Composite 2024. All Rights Reserved. Assured Composite is a registered company in England and Wales under Company Number: 10166812. VAT Number: 244830019.
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