Knowledge Builders

what is the purpose of deck flashing

by Prof. Rafaela Okuneva Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Deck flashing creates a barrier to prevent moisture from entering the house in the openings you create when attaching your ledger

The Ledger

The Ledger is a daily newspaper serving Lakeland, Florida, and the Polk County area. The paper was founded on August 22, 1924 as the Lakeland Evening Ledger. In 1927, it bought its main competitor, the morning Lakeland Star-Telegram. By 1930, it was obvious that Lakeland could not …

board connection. You can buy flashing either in roll form or in rigid Z- or L-shaped 10' sheets made of stainless steel, copper or vinyl material.

Deck flashing creates a barrier to prevent moisture from entering the house in the openings you create when attaching your ledger board connection. You can buy flashing either in roll form or in rigid Z- or L-shaped 10' sheets made of stainless steel, copper or vinyl material.

Full Answer

What's the best metal to use for deck flashing?

The Best Metal Flashing for Your Deck Because copper is widely used as a metal ingredient for deck lumber treatment, it is also an excellent choice for metal flashing that will be attached to your deck. With copper, there is seldom a chance of the metal not being compatible with the deck lumber or reacting with the pressure-treated lumber.

What is the best deck lighting?

Top 5 Best Solar Deck Lights for 2021

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Do I need deck flashing?

The main benefits of flashing include: 1. Prevents Rotting. Water gives life. Also, water brings death. When a waterproof deck lacks a proper flashing system, water from the roof can easily find its way inside rough surfaces into various parts of the house. Flashing ensures instances of wood or plywood rot are unheard.

How to install simple flashing on decks?

Required Tools for this Project

  • Tape measure
  • Circular saw
  • Socket/ratchet set
  • Socket adapter
  • Deep socket
  • Caulk gun
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Drill/driver, cordless
  • Impact driver
  • Drill bit set

More items...

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Is flashing necessary for deck?

"Flashing is required where exterior porches, decks, or stairs attach to a wall or floor assembly of wood frame construction.

Why is there flashing installed under the ledger board?

How to Flash a Deck Ledger Board. If you cut out your siding to install a ledger board, careful steps must be taken to ensure that moisture cannot reach your house. Infiltrating rainwater can travel downward, sideways and even upward, so special flashings must be used.

Is deck flashing tape worth it?

Benefits of Deck Joist Tape Flashing Tape Prevents moisture penetration of joists. Protects the lumber from rot. Extends the life of the deck's substructure.

Can you install flashing after deck is built?

To add flashing, first remove the deck board that runs alongside the house. If the boards run diagonally, snap a chalk line 5-1/2 in. from the house, then set the blade in a circular saw to the depth of the decking boards and cut off the board ends. (Replace the cutouts at the end of the job with a 5-1/2-in.

Where do you put flashing on a deck?

10:3212:31How to Install and Flash a Deck Ledger, Start to Finish - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou need to have a certain distance between the siding and the finished piece of decking that couldMoreYou need to have a certain distance between the siding and the finished piece of decking that could be a half inch it could be up to two inches depending on the branded type of siding.

How is deck flashing installed?

0:373:23How to install Deck Flashing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe back for more for the second layer of water. Flashing. We are on the second step of the waterMoreWe back for more for the second layer of water. Flashing. We are on the second step of the water flashing. First we have the ledger board flashing. Now we actually have the decking board flashing.

Is flashing tape the same as joist 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.

Should deck joists be sealed?

Seal the Joist with a Water Repellant Sealer Sealing joist with a water repellant sealer will increase resistance to rot. As moisture is repelled from the wood inhibiting rot with low moisture content. Wood needs to have a moisture content above 18% for fungi to grow.

What do you put on top of deck joists?

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.

Is it normal for a deck to shake?

People walking on the deck parallel to the house will cause a sideways force, and the deck will shake. Often the decking acts as enough of a diaphragm to stiffen the deck itself against these forces. Another thing that keeps most decks from moving too much is the length of their posts, which is usually 4 ft. or less.

Why does my deck wobble?

One reason for a wobbly deck may be that the floor joists are spanning too great a distance. The easiest way to correct this problem is by installing a support beam and posts under the joists to cut the span in half.

How do you attach flashing to wood?

Install a tube of construction adhesive in a caulking gun. Apply a generous amount of adhesive along the back of both fins of the flashing. Reposition the flashing at the deck-to-wall intersection and align the cuts at the lower edge with the sides of the corresponding joists. Press the flashing firmly into place.

What is flashing on a deck?

As important as it is to cover the deck ledger, flashing also can protect the deck joists, floor joists, beams, and rim joists from developing rot and wood decay. A high-quality butyl-based tape, such as Trex Protect, blocks moisture to preserve your deck’s substructure.

What is deck flashing made of?

Deck ledger flashing can come in a variety of shapes and materials: Roll form. Rigid Z or L shaped. 10′ sheets made of stainless steel, copper, or vinyl. Avoid having galvanized steel or aluminium flashing comes in contact with an ACQ pressure-treated wood ledger board because it will corrode.

How to flash under siding?

Slip flashing under the siding. When slipping the flashing under the siding, be sure to slide the flashing to the left or right of the ledger by at least 2″. This will ensure water doesn’t infiltrate behind the flashing. Slip the back flashing under the siding at least 3″ at the top and the sides.

What is ledger flashing?

What is Deck Ledger Flashing? The ledger board can be the Achilles heel of your home’s structure if it’s not correctly installed and protected. This beam of wood, which attaches your deck to your home, runs horizontally along with your house’s framing. Water can damage your ledger board and compromise both your deck and your home.

What type of flashing is used for a ledger?

While metal flashing (such as aluminum flashing or copper flashing) and extra layers of roofing felt (tar paper) were often used in the past to cover the face of the ledger, today, vinyl Z flashing and rolls of vinyl-back flashing provide better protection.

What happens when you put a deck board on a house?

The first deck board is generally mounted slightly away from your house, leaving a small gap where water and ice can become trapped. Over time, this trapped water will cause your wood, even treated lumber, to rot.

Can water damage ledger board?

Water can damage your ledger board and compromise both your deck and your home . It’s imperative that the ledger board is waterproof and protected. Moisture is the enemy of wood. Don’t skimp on flashing anywhere you have exposure on the exterior of your home: windows, doors, shingles, and decks. The International Residential Code (IRC) ...

What is deck flashing?

Deck flashing creates a barrier to prevent moisture from entering the house in the openings you create when attaching your ledger board connection. You can buy flashing either in roll form or in rigid Z- or L-shaped 10' sheets made of stainless steel, copper or vinyl material.

Why use copper flashing?

Copper works well because it is compatible with the chemicals used in commonly sold ACQ-treated lumber and is easy to bend. Because flashing comes in different widths, make sure your flashing will be the right size to tuck up behind the house siding at least a couple of inches.

Can you use galvanized steel on ACQ ledger board?

Never use galvanized steel or aluminum flashing in contact with an ACQ pressure-treated wood ledger board because it will corrode. Vinyl flashing is the least expensive option, but it may not work as well in areas with extreme temperature fluctuations.

What happens when water is trapped in a wood deck?

Over time, trapped water leads to decay-not only in wood building materials but even in metal fasteners that hold the deck together . The result is never good, and often expensive and time-consuming to repair.

What is waterproof caulk?

It's a thin layer of waterproof material that keeps water from getting into places it doesn't belong. (Caulk is fine for filling small gaps around windows and doors, but it shouldn't be confused with flashing.) You can count on one thing-water flows unerringly toward the ground.

Is PVC good for decking?

PVC. Easy to work with and inert. Polyvinyl chloride is not affected by-treated wood, an advantage in deck building. These materials come in rolls of different widths that can be cut as needed and bent right at the job site. More recently, another type of flashing has been developed that's extremely effective.

Can flashing be used for water?

Many types to choose from. Lots of materials can be used for flashing. As long as it won't degrade from contact with incompatible materials, and is impermeable to water, it should work. While repairing his 18th century farm house, my neighbor discovered that an enterprising carpenter had used folded lengths of birch bark to waterproof ...

Does flashing work on a building?

You can count on one thing-water flows unerringly toward the ground. And as it travels, flashing carries it safely over the inevitable crevices, cracks and gaps in the building's exterior. If it's going to work, flashing must be installed so no seams face uphill. It's usually layered with other building materials.

What does flashing a joist top do?

Flashing the joist top prevents water from penetrating into the middle of the joist, where there is less chemical protection. 6. Seen in cutaway, flashing applied over the top of the joist seals the fastener shank. 7.

What is self adhesive flashing?

1. Self-adhesive flashing comes in rolls of varying widths and tackiness. In hot weather, choose a less aggressive adhesive. 2. A release cord that cuts the backing paper is embedded under the flashing to help you apply the flashing in stages. 3.

Can you inspect flashing on a deck?

By Scott Grice. If you’ve dismantled an old deck, you’ve probably had the opportunity to inspect areas of inadequate flashing. The vast majority of decks, especially if they were built more than a few years ago, are not properly flashed, yet we now know that proper flashing can have a huge effect on a deck’s longevity.

Why do we need copper flashing?

With the new codes, we have to use copper flashing because of the metals used in the new pressure-treated lumber. If you notice any white spots on the wood, no it’s not mold, it’s the copper coming out of the wood and is very normal and will wash away…. Copper deck flashing.

What happened to the deck builder?

What happened was the so-called deck builder never used any flashing and the rainwater found its way into the house. It wasn’t enough to be visible in the house until they noticed a leak on their basement ceiling and called a plumber to fix it. Well, the plumber couldn’t fix that leak.

What is the highest number on the anodic chart for decking?

Where do deck materials fall on the anodic chart? Copper, used in most pressure treated wood, is high on the chart. With the highest number being zero (Gold) copper comes in at -0.35. Stainless steel, a high quality (and expensive) flashing option, is close by at -0.55. Aluminum comes in at -0.90.

What is the ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to

Defined by IRC as "The ability of a material to withstand deterioration of its surface or its properties when exposed to its environment." A common type of deterioration is rust. This is solved by using materials that are non-iron, such as galvanized.

Does EPA require self adhered flashing?

Neither of these are required by code, but that doesn't mean they're not a good idea. Another detail from EPA eliminates metal flashing, using just self-adhered membrane.

Does flashing need to be installed like shingles?

Flashing must be installed like shingles — flashing relies on physics to do its job properly. Flashing must do its job and keep water out of the building cavity. <code>. SECTION R317 PROTECTION OF WOOD AND WOOD BASED PRODUCTS AGAINST DECAY.

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1.Why Waterproof Deck Flashing is Important - Pli-Dek

Url:https://plidek.com/waterproof-deck-flashing-important/

14 hours ago When it comes to the deck, a strip of flashing is brought down the wall of the house and over the top of the ledger (the piece of dimensional lumber attached to the house at the edge of the deck). This all-important water barrier should extend up the wall at least 4 in. Many types to choose from. Lots of materials can be used for flashing.

2.What is Deck Ledger Flashing? - Trex Protect

Url:https://trexprotect.com/blog/what-is-deck-ledger-flashing/

10 hours ago  · Purpose and Installation of Deck Ledger Flashing - PowerWorks Inspections. A properly installed deck ledger flashing can prevent water ingression in the walls and ledger board. Check out what our inspectors discover in this property. Call Now 678-857-4602. Or Book an Appointment Online.

3.Types of Deck Flashing | Decks.com

Url:https://www.decks.com/how-to/articles/types-of-deck-flashing

5 hours ago It is used for deck flashing, but this flashing (unlike other types) can be used for protecting floor tiles, roofs, fencing, goods shipping, billboards, and automotive materials. Additionally, vinyl flashing is resistant to corrosion (again, unlike other types of flashing) and is resilient to moisture damage, chemical damage, or even structural failure.

4.Flashing - What is it and why is it important? | Old House …

Url:https://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/flashing-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-important.shtml

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5.Deck Flashing: How-To - Fine Homebuilding

Url:https://www.finehomebuilding.com/project-guides/decks/deck-flashing

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6.How To Install Deck Flashing And What Type You Need.

Url:https://www.askmediy.com/deck-flashing/

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7.Deck Flashing Code Requirements - ProTradeCraft

Url:https://www.protradecraft.com/video/deck-flashing-code-requirements

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