Product Review
A Complete Recycled Plastic Deck System
Recycled plastic lumber is commonly available for decking applications, but the supporting structures have continued to be constructed with preservative-treated lumber. U.S. Plastic Lumber (USPL) now offers a complete deck system made of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) under the Carefree brand. The brand consists of recently code-approved decking and guardrail products and the new Carefree Structural Lumber.
USPL has become the largest manufacturer of recycled plastic lumber products by acquiring more than a dozen companies over the past three years (seeEBN
Vol. 6, No. 10). Trimax of Long Island, Inc., one of the acquired companies, was a manufacturer of patented fiberglass-reinforced recycled plastic lumber and piling profiles designed mainly for marine applications (see
EBN
Vol. 2, No. 4). USPL continues to sell Trimax products directly to users while simultaneously rebranding certain profiles under the Carefree Structural name for distribution through lumberyards.
Carefree Structural Lumber is available in 2x8, 2x10, 4x4, and 4x6 profiles (38x190 mm, 38x240 mm, 90x90 mm, 90x140 mm in actual dimensions), 16 feet (4.9 m) in length. The incorporated fiberglass is chopped very fine and then extruded with post-consumer recycled resins (from milk and detergent bottles) and selected additives. Carefree Structural profiles are solid, with a density of approximately 50 pounds per cubic foot (800 kg/m2). Even though the fiberglass-reinforced timbers have a modulus of elasticity significantly higher than that for conventional plastic lumber (MOE of 420,000 psi; 295,300 tonnes/m2), Carefree Structural is not as stiff as wood timber. The name notwithstanding, the company recommends that engineering studies be completed prior to installation in structural applications. Adequate ventilation and the use of dust masks are advised when working with framing members containing fiberglass. Carefree Structural Lumber is available in light gray only.
Meanwhile, USPL’s nonstructural Carefree Decking and Carefree Guardrail Systems have recently been evaluated by BOCA Evaluation Services, Inc. BOCA International Research Report 97-63 states that Carefree Decking 2x6 (38x140 mm) planks are suitable for 24” (0.6 m) o.c. deck construction with applied loads of up to 100 psf (490 kg/m2) and 16” (0.4 m) o.c. construction for loads up to 200 psf (980 kg/m2). Note that these ratings apply only at temperatures up to 122°F (50°C), which the material may conceivably reach in hot weather and direct sunlight. The plastic lumber products were also tested for durability with respect to hygrothermal cycling, flammability, and water absorption. Carefree Decking and Guardrail products are made from 100% post-consumer HDPE. These are the only BOCA-listed 100% recycled plastic lumber products.
For more information:
U.S. Plastic Lumber, Ltd.
2600 W. Roosevelt Road
Chicago, IL 60608
800/653-2784 (toll-free)
BOCA Evaluation Services, Inc.4051 W. Flossmoor Road
Country Club Hills, IL 60478
708/799-2305
708/799-0310 (fax)
Published February 1, 2000 Permalink Citation
(2000, February 1). A Complete Recycled Plastic Deck System. Retrieved from https://www.buildinggreen.com/product-review/complete-recycled-plastic-deck-system
Comments
US Plastic Lumber is out of bujsiness accoeding to Bloomberg
Douglas White
February 22, 2017 - 7:11 pm
www.carefree-products.com does not exist.
I am wondering why this information is still on your website?
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