Do you use joist tape when building a deck?
Joist tape works to protect your deck framing and substructure by both creating a waterproof barrier along the areas where rain and condensation tends to pool; as well as protecting the screw holes in the lumber from penetrating moisture.
What is the standard floor joist for a deck?
We recommend this joist span calculator, which has the following functions:
- Select the Lumber Species or Type – Southern Pine, Douglas Fir, Hemlock, SPF, Redwood, Cedar, etc.
- Beam Configuration – Ledger to Beam, Free Standing (joists resting on beam), or Joist Hangers (joists attached to beam sides with hangers)
- Select the Joist Size – 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, or 2×12
- On Center Joist Spacing – commonly 12”, 16”, 24”
How to install joist tape?
What to Shop for in Joist Tape
- Material - Asphalt and butyl are the two main types of joist tape. ...
- Ease of installation - Butyl tape requires little trimming because it lies directly on the boards, requiring minimal cuts and having little overlap. ...
- Thickness - The joist tape you select should be just about a perfect fit on the deck boards. ...
Should you seal the joist on a deck?
Peel-and-stick flashing tape allows the wood to breathe because it is applied as a cap directly on top of joists and beams. The tape protects screw holes from moisture by acting as a barrier. Joist tape will protect your substructure from decay to guarantee your foundation lasts as long as your deck.
What is joist tape for?
Joist tape is an affordable way to protect your deck substructure. Peel-and-stick flashing tape allows the wood to breathe because it is applied as a cap directly on top of joists and beams. The tape protects screw holes from moisture by acting as a barrier.
How important is joist Tape?
Deck joist tape will prolong the life of any garden decking area by protecting the timber substructure and allowing a long-lasting designer composite decking area to stand the test of time.
Is joist Tape the same as flashing tape?
Joist Tape, also referred to as Flashing Tape, is a thin, waterproof adhesive material that creates an impenetrable layer of protection against water, air and moisture infiltration.
Where do you apply joist tape?
0:462:36DeckWise WiseWrap Joist Tape & Ledger Tape - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut slits and wise wrap joists taped at corners and wrapped. Downward. Coming up why choice tape onMoreCut slits and wise wrap joists taped at corners and wrapped. Downward. Coming up why choice tape on adjacent runs firmly fold the tape over joist sides. And end. Continue this process on all joists.
Should I use deck joist tape?
In order to protect your deck's substructure from weathering and moisture, protective tape for your joists is a must.
What can I use instead of joist tape?
It won't make much of a difference if, 10 years down the road, the decking is in pristine condition, but the joists holding it up are rotting away....So, let's get started.Tar Paper. Save. ... Deck Joist Flashing Tape. Save. ... Seal Deck Joists. Save. ... Liquid Rubber. Save. ... Coil Stock. ... Joist Caps. ... Old Motor Oil.
Can you use Gorilla tape as joist tape?
But since it was written a new product has come onto the market that is just like the concept of Gorrila tape except perfectly designed for use as a joist protection membrane. It's called G-Tape and comes in 2" and 4" wide rolls.
How wide should joist tape be?
As a standard joist is 1.5” wide, many tapes are designed to fit this width. Most will be wider than 1.5” to allow for an overlap that creates a cap over the top of the joist.
Is deck flashing necessary?
More often than not, a major contributor is worn or missing flashing. Without flashing, there's nothing to prevent water from seeping behind the ledger board that connects deck framing to the house. The same can be said for the ledger board and flashing installation for patios as well.
Is joist protection necessary?
Joist Tape: Why It's Essential & When to Use It A composite deck means the deck boards are safe from rot, but if constructed on a timber substructure, the joists and beams still need to be protected.
How do I protect the top of my deck joists from rot?
15 ways to prevent deck joist rotVentilation Dries Deck Joist Extending their Life.Seal the Joist with a Water Repellant Sealer.Allow Water to Escape Helps Preserve Deck Joist.Overhang your decking, direct water away from the joist.Slope Joist.Flash the ledger and beam.Remove Protruding Post Railing.More items...
How do you use protective joist tape?
0:522:17Trex Protect Joist Tape - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you just kind of unroll it you peel back the silicon. Based paper so that the butyl adhesive isMoreSo you just kind of unroll it you peel back the silicon. Based paper so that the butyl adhesive is exposed. And you just press it onto the joist.
Why use joist tape?
Joist Tape: Why It’s Essential & When to Use It. In order to protect your deck’s substructure from weathering and moisture, protective tape for your joists is a must.
What is flashing tape for deck?
Deck joist flashing tape is used to protect your deck’s substructure – commonly made with traditional lumber – from moisture. As an organic material, traditional wood is highly vulnerable to mold, mildew, and rot. An effective and affordable way to protect your deck’s substructure is by using tape for your joists.
What is decking joist tape?
Joist tape is a simple and cost effective way to protect your decking substructure. The tape is easily stuck to the top of any joist and beams facing up. Once applied the chosen decking material is fixed over the top. This ultimately stops the opportunity for any water or moisture to sit on the top and penetrate into the treated timber.
Why not use HDPE plastic joists instead of Joist tape?
Of course, timber isn’t the only material that can be used for decking substructures. However, timber is and will always be the most cost effective and quickest way to build a substructure.
What type of adhesive is used for joist tape?
Types of Joist Tape: Acrylic Adhesive Flashing Tape by G-Tape G-Tape forms a watertight bond after a 24 hour period, is weather-resistant and compatible with metals, wood, plastic, and glass materials. G-Tape Acrylic Flashing Tape tears easily by hand, eliminating any fumbling with scissors or utility knives while in the middle of covering a joist.
What is Trex Protect Non-Skid Joist Butyl Tape?
Trex Protect Non-Skid Joist Butyl Tape Trex Protect Butyl Tape can be used on both horizontal and vertical board surfaces to safeguard against moisture and water-damage while providing a stronger connection for screws and fasteners.
What is flashing tape?
Joist Tape, also referred to as Flashing Tape, is a thin, waterproof adhesive material that creates an impenetrable layer of protection against water, air and moisture infiltration. Placed on the tops of deck joists, beams, and ledger boards, joist tape can also be applied to newly built structures in areas such as window and door openings.
Why use joist tape?
Joist Tape: Why It’s Essential & When to Use It. Constructing anything from wood, especially outdoors, opens up a significant vulnerability. Even constructed with treated wood or built with dense wood such as ipe, a wood deck is eventually prone to mold, mildew, and rot. A composite deck means the deck boards are safe from rot, ...
What is peel and stick deck tape?
Peel-and-stick deck flashing tape allows the wood to breathe because it is applied as a cap directly on the top of the joists and beams. The tape also protects screw holes from moisture by acting as a barrier.
How long does Trex protect tape last?
Trex Protect comes with a 20-year warranty, so it lasts as long as the decking it supports. Acrylic tape comes with only a 300-day warranty. For an average size deck, measuring 12′ x 24′, you’ll need five rolls of Trex Protect Joist Tape and one roll of Trex Protect Beam Tape. For less than a $100 investment, the deck substructure can last as long ...
What is butyl tape?
High-quality butyl tape, such as Trex Protect, is more rubbery than acrylic-based tape, allowing it to flow better around deck screws and fastener, as well as covering galvanized metal joist hangers. Easy Install: Any contractor or DIY homeowner will tell you to buy a butyl tape that is easy to install and requires little trimming.
What is flashing tape?
When choosing a flashing tape, be sure to consider these factors: 1 Material type: Flashing tape typically comes in three types: acrylic tape (G Tape), butyl, and bitumen. Bitumen, made from petroleum and asphalt, will dry out over time. Butyl-based tape is superior to asphalt adhesive (like Grace Vycor) because it creates a tighter seal, has less high-temperature oozing, endures less stain, and is stickier. Butyl rubber tape also has many advantages over the acrylic-based tape. High-quality butyl tape, such as Trex Protect, is more rubbery than acrylic-based tape, allowing it to flow better around deck screws and fastener, as well as covering galvanized metal joist hangers. 2 Easy Install: Any contractor or DIY homeowner will tell you to buy a butyl tape that is easy to install and requires little trimming. A self-adhesive butyl tape that lies directly on the boards requires minimum cuts with little overlap. 3 Quality: When applying flashing tape to your beams and floor joists, you want to be sure to purchase a tape that is not too thin and not too thick. With thin tape, you risk the long-term durability of the tape. A thick tape can be difficult to install. You want a tape that will last as long as your beams and joists. Trex Protect is available in two widths 1-5/8″ (4.12cm) for joists and 3-1/8″ (7.94cm) for double beams.
How long does a composite deck last?
According to Decks.com, more than 90 percent of a deck’s substructure starts to split and rot at around 8 to 10 years, while the deck boards (if made of composite decking) are usually warranted to last about 25 years. Ensure your deck is safely supported by its substructure for the life of the deck with minimal cost with joist flashing tape. ...
How thick is Trex Protect tape?
A thick tape can be difficult to install. You want a tape that will last as long as your beams and joists. Trex Protect is available in two widths 1-5/8″ (4.12cm) for joists and 3-1/8″ (7.94cm) for double beams.
What is deck joist tape?
Joist tape works to protect your deck framing and substructure by both creating a waterproof barrier along the areas where rain and condensation tends to pool; as well as protecting the screw holes in the lumber from penetrating moisture . Deck joist tape, also known as flashing tape or butyl tape, can help increase the longevity ...
How long does deck tape last?
Deck joist tape, also known as flashing tape or butyl tape, can help increase the longevity of your deck's lifespan by upwards of 20 to 30 years simply by applying it directly to the deck joists during new construction or during deck board replacement.
How to apply flashing tape to deck?
1. Use a Shop-Vac® or broom to remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the tops of the joists . You'll want the deck frame to be dry and relatively clear from any particles.
How many layers of flashing tape per framing?
Only use one layer of flashing tape per framing component. While overlapping ends of flashing strips is okay, applying two complete layers won't increase the watertight barrier, however, it will increase your overall cost. Keep it simple!
Can you cut acrylic butyl flashing tape?
Keeping a utili ty knife or shears on hand may make cutting the acrylic or butyl flashing tape to an accurate length easier, keeping costs low. Some flashing tape such as the Acrylic Flashing G-Tape is tear-by-hand capable, however, many other brands will require a cutting device.
Can you reposition deck joist tape?
Work slowly down the joists (beams, ledger boards, etc.) as many brands of deck joist tape cannot be repositioned once attached. Slow and steady wins the race and ensures a watertight seal. Some flashing tape such as the Acrylic Flashing G-Tape can be lifted and repositioned after attachment without any adhesion loss.
How to remove butyl tape from joists?
Remove the butyl tape backing while applying directly to the surface. Run your hand over the tape and firmly press it on to the joists. After covering all horizontal and vertical surfaces, cut the tape to length with a utility knife or scissors.
What is butyl based tape?
Butyl-based tape helps deck screws hold longer and stronger than acrylic or asphalt-based tape. Acts as a barrier between wood and galvanized metal such as joist hangers. Seals deck fasteners and prevents moisture penetration. Eliminates splitting from freeze and thaw.
