TimberTech Legacy Collection delivers 4-sided capped composite decking with 85% recycled content and proven structural performance for Montana’s demanding climate. The 393 lb/ft² wind uplift resistance handles chinook gusts, while the polymer cap on all four sides — including the grooves — protects against moisture infiltration during freeze-thaw cycles.
This capped composite earns its premium positioning through genuine performance advantages that matter in mountain construction. The hand-scraped texture hides wear better than smooth composites, and the 30-year fade warranty backs up the UV resistance claims at elevation.
4-Sided Capping and Structural Performance
The 4-sided polymer capping changes the moisture game entirely. Most capped composites protect three sides, leaving the groove edges exposed to water infiltration. TimberTech caps all four surfaces with a polymer shell containing zero wood fibers. The Mold Guard Technology extends protection to the bottom surface where moisture typically collects.
Structural numbers tell the real story for wind-exposed decks:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Wind Uplift Resistance (solid boards) | 393 lb/ft² |
| Wind Uplift Resistance (grooved) | 184 lb/ft² |
| Weight Loading | 100 psf at 18” on-center |
| Actual Thickness | 0.94 inches |
| Actual Width | 5.36 inches |
That 393 lb/ft² wind resistance with solid boards and TOPLoc fasteners exceeds what most composites achieve. For elevated decks catching wind off the mountains, those numbers matter more than color choices.
Installation Requirements and Compatibility
Montana contractors need specific spacing requirements for proper load distribution:
| Application | Maximum Joist Spacing |
|---|---|
| Standard Residential | 16 inches on-center |
| Commercial/High Load | 18 inches on-center |
| Stair Treads (solid profile) | 10 inches on-center |
The grooved profile works with CONCEALoc or FUSIONLoc hidden fastening systems. Square-shoulder boards accept face fastening with TOPLoc color-matched screws or the Cortex hidden plug system. For perimeter boards and stair treads, the square-shoulder profile provides clean edges without exposed grooves.
Available lengths vary by profile — grooved boards come in 12, 16, and 20-foot lengths, while square-shoulder boards ship in 16 and 20-foot options. The matching fascia boards (0.58” x 11.95” x 12’) and riser boards (0.58” x 7.25” x 12’) complete the system.
Fire rating hits Class C (ASTM E84) with a flame spread index under 200. Code compliance includes CCRR-0128 and AC174 certifications. The hand-scraped texture exceeds ADA slip resistance standards — useful for commercial applications.
Recycled Content and Environmental Performance
At 85% recycled material composition, Legacy Collection exceeds most composite competitors while maintaining structural integrity. The recycled content qualifies for LEED MR Credit, along with regional materials credit when sourced from the Wilmington, Ohio facility. No added urea-formaldehyde means it qualifies for low-emitting materials credits.
The dense composite core combines reclaimed wood fibers with recycled polymers. Unlike early-generation composites that sacrificed strength for sustainability, this formulation maintains the 0.94-inch thickness needed for proper load bearing.
Compared to Trex Transcend’s 3-sided capping, the full 4-sided protection reduces long-term moisture damage potential. Trex gets credit for slightly better scratch resistance in some tests, but for Montana’s freeze-thaw cycling, complete moisture protection trumps surface hardness.
FAQ
Does the 4-sided capping really make a difference in Montana winters?
Yes. Water infiltration through exposed groove edges causes more composite deck failures than surface damage. When that water freezes and expands repeatedly through a Montana winter, uncapped edges deteriorate faster. The polymer cap on all four sides blocks that moisture pathway entirely.
What’s the real-world wind resistance of grooved versus solid boards?
Grooved boards with hidden fasteners tested at 184 lb/ft² wind uplift resistance — adequate for most applications. Solid boards with TOPLoc face fastening hit 393 lb/ft² — more than double the holding power. For exposed sites catching consistent wind, solid boards provide measurable safety margin.
How does the 85% recycled content affect durability?
Modern recycled composites match or exceed virgin material performance when properly formulated. The 0.94-inch actual thickness maintains structural integrity despite high recycled content. The polymer cap contains zero wood fibers — all virgin material where it counts for moisture protection.
Why choose square-shoulder boards for stair treads?
Grooved edges on stair noses create weak points and water collection areas. Square-shoulder boards provide solid edges without grooves, required 10-inch on-center support for stairs versus 16-inch for standard decking. The solid profile handles the concentrated loads of foot traffic better than grooved boards.
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