MoistureShield composite decking in the Big Cypress National Preserve
SPRINGDALE, Ark. (PRWEB) May 03, 2015
From rain and humidity to swamps and hurricanes, south Florida is one of the most challenging environments in the U.S. for decks and boardwalks. Adjacent to Everglades National Park on Florida’s tip, the swampy Big Cypress National Preserve experiences 128 days of rain per year and is in the infamous Hurricane Alley.
Since MoistureShield composite decking was installed at the preserve in 2004/2005, it has been subjected to approximately 700 inches of total rainfall over a decade, and was in the path of the 2005 Hurricane Katrina that later devastated New Orleans.
Despite the region’s punishing moisture and heat, which can quickly degrade traditional wood decking, after 10 years the MoistureShield decking “has held up extremely well,” said Dennis Bartalino, chief of facilities management for Big Cypress National Preserve. “Other than some moderate color fade, it is in as good a shape as when installed. The associated handrails and balusters, made of pressure-treated yellow pine, have twisted, split, and cracked, and much of that has been repaired or replaced.”
To provide the preserve’s visitors with an up-close view of alligators, turtles, birds and other wildlife, the National Park Service installed MoistureShield composite decking in approximately 6/10 of a mile of boardwalks adjacent to canals and elevated over wetlands, including at the:
- HP Williams Wayside
- Oasis Visitor Center
- Kirby Storter Wayside
As with any boardwalk serving thousands of visitors annually, safety is paramount in the preserve. Here, too, the MoistureShield decking has performed well by providing a durable and solid walking surface. As Bartalino noted, “The decking is fastened in place with exposed stainless steel screws, which have remained tightly in place, with little to no movement of the decking.”
Made with a one-of-a-kind manufacturing process that fully encapsulates wood fibers in water-resistant polyethylene plastic, MoistureShield resists moisture and insect damage. It is the only composite decking that can be used on the ground, in the ground or underwater, while still being backed by the industry’s leading lifetime warranty. With 95% total recycled content, MoistureShield is an environmentally friendly choice and is available in a range of natural wood tones and with realistic embossed wood grain.
About MoistureShield and Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (A.E.R.T.)
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies, Inc., (A.E.R.T.) is a microcap, entrepreneurial, publicly held manufacturing company. The development of new technologies and patents has enabled it to produce superior new products from recycled wood fiber and recycled polyethylene plastic for the building and construction markets. A.E.R.T. is the exclusive manufacturer of MoistureShield® composite decking. http://www.moistureshield.com