✅ Follow these rules to avoid common failures:

• Expansion gaps: allow 8–10mm every 3–4 meters (thermal movement 0.1–0.3%). Leave 5mm at ends.
• Joist spacing: max 400mm for wall panels, 350mm for decking (closer for heavy load).
• Fasteners: use stainless steel 304 or hot‑dip galvanized screws. Never use electroplated.
• Ground clearance: keep panels at least 10mm above soil or paving to avoid wicking.
• Cut edge sealing: apply matching sealant to all cuts to block moisture intrusion.

💡 Tip: Acclimate panels at the job site for 24 hours before installation.

✅ Yes, with proper corrosion protection. Co‑extruded WPC passes 1,500h salt spray test. Best practices:

• 🔩 Use grade 316 stainless steel hardware (resists chlorides).
• 📏 Reduce joist spacing to ≤350mm for higher wind resistance.
• 💨 Maintain a ventilated air gap ≥20mm behind cladding.
• 🧽 Rinse with fresh water twice a year to remove salt deposits.

🌍 Proven in Singapore, Bali, Miami, and Gold Coast (Australia).

🧹 Low maintenance, but not zero maintenance. Recommended yearly routine:

• Twice a year: hose down or use a soft brush to remove dust and pollen.
• For grease, bird droppings, or wine spills: clean immediately with mild detergent + soft cloth.
• ❌ Never use steel wool, bleach, acetone, or strong alkalis.
• ❌ Do not paint, stain, or wax – it will trap moisture and void warranty.

💎 In heavy industrial areas, increase cleaning frequency.

❄️ Premium co‑extruded WPC remains tough to -40°C (-40°F). NECOWOOD formulas survive 200 freeze‑thaw cycles. Precautions:

• Avoid cutting below -10°C (material can chip).
• Clear heavy snow loads (max 200 kg/m² typical).
• Use frost‑resistant substructures and flexible pads to accommodate ground heave.

📌 Real projects: Moscow commercial center, Quebec mountain cabins – over 8 winters.

🔥 B1 (GB 8624) or Class B (ASTM E84) – self‑extinguishing. Low smoke emission. For high‑rise use:

• Check local codes: many allow B1 material up to 100m height, provided fire stops are installed every floor.
• WPC cannot replace a fire‑rated wall assembly.
• Always combine with non‑combustible cavity barriers.

✅ NECOWOOD provides test reports to assist permitting.

🎨 Co‑extruded capstock limits fading to ΔE ≤3 after 5 years. Some lightening is normal. Minimize fading:

• Choose darker or rustic colors (less noticeable change).
• Install under eaves, pergolas, or partial shade.
• Keep surface free of dirt – dust retains heat and UV.
• Never paint or apply any coating – it will peel and look worse.

💡 Many architects accept even weathering as a natural patina.

⚖️ Quick comparison:

• vs real wood: WPC needs no paint/ stain, resists rot & insects – but lacks the grain of premium hardwoods. Lower lifetime cost.
• vs PVC foam: WPC is 4–6x stronger, better impact resistance, holds screws firmly – slightly heavier and more expensive.
• vs aluminum composite: WPC feels natural and warm, provides insulation; aluminum is thin, modern, but cold to touch and can dent.

🏠 Recommendation: exterior cladding & decking → co‑extruded WPC. Interior accent walls → standard WPC or wood‑plastic composite.

🌿 Yes, quality WPC is low‑VOC and formaldehyde‑free. No urea‑formaldehyde glue is used – bonding is achieved by thermoplastics (PP/PE). Advantages:

• Meets ENF level (≤0.025mg/m³).
• Contains recycled wood fiber and plastic.
• Fully recyclable at end of life (regrind and re‑extrude).
• Available with RoHS and REACH compliance.

⚠️ Avoid cheap WPC containing phthalates or mixed unknown plastics – ask for test reports (SGS / TÜV).

🛠️ Small indoor walls: DIY. Large exterior projects: hire a pro. Tools required:

• Circular saw or jigsaw (carbide blade, 60+ teeth).
• Drill with countersink bit (pre‑drill near edges).
• Level, tape measure, rubber mallet, clamps.
• Safety gear: dust mask, goggles, gloves.

📽️ NECOWOOD provides installation videos and pre‑cut accessory kits. Always respect expansion gaps and joist spacing.

📄 Structural: 15 years. Surface fade & weathering: 8 years (co‑extruded). Warranty void if:

• ❌ Incorrect joist spacing or missing expansion gaps (causes buckling).
• ❌ Non‑recommended fasteners (rust stains or pull‑out).
• ❌ Painting, staining, or applying sealants.
• ❌ Physical abuse, fire, or natural disasters.
• ❌ Lack of basic cleaning leading to permanent staining.

💡 Keep purchase receipts, installation photos, and maintenance logs for smooth claims. NECOWOOD responds within 24h.