DATE: 9/12/2007
CONTACT: Susan Kohl
Sierra Communications
skohl@mlode.com
(209) 586-5887
BRISTOL, Connecticut — September 12, 2007 — Joshua Lawton, of Sydney, Australia, has successfully used Tiger Claw hidden deck fasteners to create a pristine, nail-free surface for a roof.
“We have seen some very creative decks in the time since Tiger Claw’s inception, but nothing as innovative as Josh Lawton’s roof!” said Don Martel, Tiger Claw co-inventor and customer service manager. “He has done a remarkable job and could quite possibly start a new trend in the fastener industry. We salute his creativity, innovation, dedication and outstanding building skills.”
Lawton used TC-4 hidden deck fasteners for 70mm (3") Red Ironbark, which is very dense timber. Typically Red Ironbark has been used for heavy construction and railway sleepers. With exotic woods, the TC-4 hidden deck fasteners eliminate the laborious process of pre-drilling with a counter sink bit, installing the screw, covering the screw with a wooden plug and then sanding the surface until smooth.
“The lumber we chose is one of the densest here in Australia, but is well worth the look when finished,” said Lawton. “The twist is that I didn’t fix the fasteners to the joists on a deck, I fixed them on a ceiling with a curve. This made the process much harder but I knew the hard work would pay off with unbelievable results. The roof is looking absolutely brilliant.”
Lawton’s process:
First, he put joists between to 190mm steel beams, which was the main frame member, bolted with cuphead bolts. Then he attached battens, which were 90mm x 25mm rough sawn pine. He had to cut 2/3 through the timber to allow it to curve and follow the run of the steel frame. Then he lined the batterns with fibro that he had painted black. This allowed for an even black line between the boards and also matched the color of the hidden deck fastener. Finally, he attached the Red Ironbark boards with the TC-4s, which he said, “With a little perseverance, worked beautifully.”
For photos, please contact Susan Kohl, Sierra Communications, (209) 586-5887 or skohl@mlode.com.