| General Assumptions: |
No material is 'the best' for every waterfront application. Products which do not reflect 'green' specifications may be eligible for certifications (it's just not in their literature). Square footage is used as a common denominator for price comparisons. |
| Best features: |
Subjective result of the features presented in the product literature from a clean waterfront construction perspective. |
| Best use example: |
Showcase for strengths |
| Joist Span / Load Centers: |
If decking material cannot span 24" it won't work with most dock construction. The deflection and strength at 24" o.c. point is also considered. |
| Approx. Weight |
Heavier materials may have added freight cost. The ability to handle the product with two installers is factored. |
| Approx. Production Location: |
It is a LEED criteria (green certification) to use local manufacturers -- those within 500 miles of the point of use. |
| Approx. Retail Price |
Includes freight cost to end user based on a less than truckload order. |
| Approx. Installation Cost: |
Some material is modular or comes in panels. Installation time, for comparison, is estimated by a square foot cost. |
| Recycled Specs: |
none specified |
| Anti- Skid: |
Decking for the waterfront should have a balance between a non-skid surface and abrasion from a fall. High traffic and ramp inclines need skid resistance --- too much skid resistance doesn't work with bare feet. |
| Composition Notes: |
Composite materials may be porous -- less resistance to stains. If the material composition cannot withstand extreme temperature change -- warranty issues arise. UV inhibitors (to protect the material from breaking-down in the sun) vary in application and effectiviness. |
| Flame Tests: |
Flame test will determine at what point the material is fuel for a fire. |
| Salt Tests: |
Salt spray and saltwater resistance are good indicators of long term use (even in a non-salt water environment) |
| Green Certifications: |
Clean Marina programs do not have 'certified' products per se. The EPA and the U.S. Green Building Council have various specification criteria used in throughout construction . If the product literature conforms to recognized specs -- it is noted. (see Resources for more information) |
| Warranty |
The creditability of the product is not always expressed in a warranty. If the product only has a 2 year history and a 'lifetime' warranty -- beware. Composite technology for the waterfront was introduced to the industry in the 1980s. Any warranty or product history (over twenty years) --- examine all the references. As well, the technology may be sound; but the company weak --- examine all references. |
