FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the KlevaKlip work?

KlevaKlip "Merbau Clip" is a multi-board concealed fixed clip. Working on "fixed pitch" principle, this clever clip provides a consistent finish that is obtained witout the use of nails or screws. As each board is inserted into the KlevaKlip, its "teeth" locked into place by a special fixing tool that is supplied with each box of clips.

 

The special fixing tool which is in every box of merbau clips.

Merbau special fixing tool by KlevaKlip
This mechanical holding is supported by the use of adhesive to provide a look, longevity and feel that is difficult to obtain with conventional fastening systems - with the clever advantage of not having to pre-groove your boards.
 
What size deck boards does the KlevaKlip Merbau clip require?

The Merbau clip has been designed to fit 90mm Kiln Dried Merbau/Kwila. The clip will perform to its optimum for Merbau that is sized between 89.5 and 90.5. Merbau consistently sized outside this range may prove unsuitable for use with this clip.


Can I use other types of hardwood with the KlevaKlip Merbau clever clip?

The Merbau clip has been designed to fit 90mm Kiln Dried Merbau/Kwila shrinkage rates and density.

Other types of hardwoods (eg: Yellow Balau) may prove unsuitable for use with this clip, due to the timber being "air dried", too hard, too unstable, or a mixture of these properties. Note - timber with a hardness rating above 9.0 KN on the Janka Hardness Scale will not be suitable for use with our clever clip.

 
What if my Merbau Deck Boards are not 90mm in width?

Boards that are significantly undersized. oversized, or have bends/bows/warps in excess of 10mm for every 2.5metres in length are unsuitable for use with this clip.

 
What size gap does the KlevaKlip provide between each of the Deck Boards?

When using 90.0mm Merbau hardwoods KlevaKlip will provide a gap of around 2.5m between each of the deck boards, remembering this gap may increase if the hardwood shrinks. This gap may also vary over time in different climatic conditions.


What Joist types are suitable for the KlevaKlip Merbau Clip?

Treated Pine, Kiln dried Hardwood, Metal RHS or C Purlins are suitable for use with the KlevaKlip System For Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) joists please check with your supplier for suitability. F14 unseasoned hardwoods are not to be used due to their high shrinkage rates.

 
What joist widths should I use?

Your span tables will give you correct joist sizes you require. An ideal joist width for the Merbau KlevaKlip is 450 mm.

 
What dimensions are the Merbau KlevaKlip's?

MT90 Merbau Top Fix Clips L 555mm x W 60mm

 
How do I calculate how many KlevaKlips will require for my deck?

 

As a reasonable rule of thumb guide, provided your joists are placed at the standard 450mm between centres, allow 4 clips per square metre, plus 10% for “starter joist” and wastage.

or

For an accurately calculation on your clip numbers, divide the length of your joist (in mm) by 555mm (the length of one clip), multiply this number by the number of joists in your deck, and allow 5% for “tops and tails” wastage.

 

TIP – always try and design the width of your deck so that you have full decking boards widths right across your deck. The “pitch” on the Merbau clip is 92.5mm.


Square Meters of Deck Per Box of KlevaKlips

Top Fix Clips (40 Clips) approximately 9 Square Meters

 
What adhesive is recommended when fixing Merbau deck boards to the KlevaKlip's?

Exterior-use construction adhesive

ADHESIVES FOR KLEVAKLIP MT90

Timber Type Adhesives
90mm Kiln Dried Merbau Exterior-use construction adhesive
 
How much Adhesive will I need for my deck?

Standard 400g of Adhesive will cover approximately 3 Square meters of deck



Can KlevaKlip be used for screens?

Whereas it is quite common for privacy screens to have a gap between the boards of 12 - 20mm, the KlevaKlip system provides a maximum gap of just 2.5 mm between boards. In a screening situation with the wind behind the screen, such a small gap can effectively cause the screen to act as a "sail". This can generate substantial pressures on the boards/screen - in very strong winds, this pressure can be in excess of 200kg/sqm.

Inserting boards into clips at height can be quite awkward, particularly without adequate manpower or stable footing.

Given the above information, KlevaKlip Systems P/L do not recommend the use of KlevaKlip products for screening when the screen is subject to wind velocity from behind the screen of greater than 40 km/hr, or when the screen is greater than 2.4m in height. In such instances "face fixing" of the product with screws or nails should be done.

 
Can Klevaklip be used in ceiling situations?

Due to the difficulties in fully supporting boards whilst they can correctly be inserted into a KlevaKlip, KlevaKlip Systems P/L does not recommend the use of KlevaKlip products in situations of ceilings and soffits.

 
Can I fix the Klevaklip Merbau clip directly to concrete or tiled areas?

No, KlevaKlip KT Series cannot be directly fixed to concrete or tiled surfaces. Battens made from Treated Pine, Steel or aluminium with an absolute minimum of 50mm in height and approximately 50mm in width can be fixed to the concrete or tiled surface to aid ventilation to your deck and substructure. Battens should run in the direction of the fall of the concrete or tiled surface. Avoid closing in any sides or ends of your deck to aid further ventilation.

 
Are stainless Steel Clips available for Coastal or Salt water swimming Pool areas?

Yes

 
What areas should I use Stainless Steel and Galvanised KlevaKlips?

For Corrosion Resistance Document please Click Here

 
Can I use warped bend deck boards with KlevaKlip?

Slightly warped or bent deck boards can be utilised ( max warp/bow/twist is 10mm for every 2.5 length board).

Badly warped or bent deck boards are not recommended to use with KlevaKlip. If the deck board is badly warped or bent we suggest cutting the deck board.

Please see videos on how to install Bowed boards Click Here

 
What Joist centres does KlevaKlip require?

KlevaKlip should be used as per joist centres recommended for the deck board you are fixing.

 
What are the Box quantities and whats Included in the Box?

Klevaklip Merbau Clips Boxes 40 Clips - Includes 12 x Starter clips and Nylon Fixing tool in every box

 
What are the weights and dimensions of the KlevaKlip Merbau Clip box?

KlevaKlip Merbau Clips: MT90 57cm x 19cm x 12cm 11kg

 
Can I use Klevaklip on mitre joints?

No, Klevaklip is not designed to use with Mitre joints.

 
What is the thickness of the material used in the Klevalip's?

.95mm Z275 Galvanised
.90mm 304 Stainless Steel

 
What height are the Klevaklips?

The thickness of the metal is 1mm and the ridges are around 2mm in height= Total 3mm

 
My galvanised clips have some rust spots on the edges - should I be concerned?

No - it is typical that some minor surface corrosion appears on the cut edge of galvanised products. The galvanising is still chemically bonded to the surface of the steel, therefore, provided you have installed your clips in line with the KlevaKlip Corrosion Resistance document, your surface corrosion will remain of a cosmetic nature and won't affect the performance of the clip.