Joist & Flashing Tape

What To Do With A Graying Wood Deck

In many decking replacement jobs, joists end up being replaced, repaired or capped. This is due to the common discovery of decay beneath the decking, usually where the fastener penetrated the joist.

Hide Composite Ends

Composites may crumble if face-fastened too close to an edge. TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends keeping screws about ¾ inch from ends and edges. At butt ends, he angles the screws slightly toward the joist.

Build Decks Using Composite And Other Low

Detailed Guide To Installing Composite Decks

Before being tweaked, the makeup of composite decks resulted in some unpleasant aging. However, the early models from before are not the same manufacturers make today. Composite decks are capped, and can last up to 25 years without fading or warping. Their outer shell also protects them from scratches, unlike wooden decks.

Replacing Wood Deck Boards With Composite Decking: Tips & Benefits

One major reason your deck could fail sooner than expected is due to poor framing. Having a solid frame is key to an even decking surface that doesn't bow over time. How joists are attached to ledger, joists to beams, beams to posts, posts to ground, etc. If the substructure is in good shape, you can go ahead and just change the decking. If it's attached to the house, make sure that connection is strong, and that the ledger board is flashed. As weedyacres said, look for joist hangers, and add them if there aren't any. Treated lumber has a 50 yr warranty , if they look in good shape use them, one thing I would check is for crowns or dips in each joist.

How To Fasten Composites Down

One of the problems that you’re likely to face is the door not lining up with the frame. It’s all too easy to drill the hinges into the wall, only to find that the door doesn’t swing freely once installed. Professionals have special tools that they use to make sure that the door is true before committing to an installation. Messy installations can leave unwanted drill holes in both your new door and your door frame. Started with a little over hang over the front edge and applied 5″ of pl400 on each strap as I put down each 20′ board all material installed tight.

It may help to use a hammer and a scrap of decking to tap the boards together when closing the joints. The first new composite board was installed flush with the outside edge of the deck. This meant I was stuck pulling nails with pliers—one at a time, up close and personal. When comparing the cost of installing Ipe versus TimberTech AZEK Vintage Collection boards on a 16’ x 20’ deck, Ipe is actually slightly more expensive. Over 10 years, the associated maintenance costs for Vintage Collection boards versus Ipe will be 24% less. It’s common sense that the less space there is between joists, the sturdier your deck will be. However, if you space your joists too close together, it will be difficult to install supporting elements such as joist hangers, blocking, and flashing.