Technical Issue

3/27/2019 at 4:08:36 PM

Hi Michael,

What your are talking about is a flashing tape. (Gtape 3040). It's been around a few years and will help with water but how much not sure because the screws for the deck boards will still penetrate the tape allowing water into/under the deck joists. Also if your installer has quoted that in their contract will be another factor.

As for spacing the boards will shrink making the gaps larger. 1/8 spacing could possibly end up to 1/4 .

3/27/2019 at 4:33:46 PM

Hi Michael,

Thanks for posting your question.

I've seen the peel-and-stick strip that you are referring to and other products such as metal flashings. Both for the same purpose of making sure that water doesn't sit on top of the deck joists and soak in, causing rot and reducing the life span of your deck. While the logic of these products seems sound to me I haven't found any research showing that they greatly improve the life of the deck's substructure. That kind of firsthand knowledge won't come out until the products have been in use for a significant period of time. It does seem like a smart idea to me. Yes, you'll still have screw penetrations into the flashings but the majority of your joists will now be protected. (Note: I would still obviously use pressure treated wood in this application.)

Your deck boards will shrink once installed. We typically install them tight to each other. That way you don't have to bother with spacers and once they shrink they will give you a reasonable gap. If you prefer something larger, than use spacers. Just keep in mind that those boards will shrink, usually about 1/4 of an inch.

Good luck in the new deck. As for that flashing, I've yet to run into a situation where putting a little more effort/investment up front was a bad thing! But its up to you.

Ethan

3/27/2019 at 5:05:30 PM

Hi Micheal, I use this product on my projects and depending on sizing etc I use either BluSkin or ice/water shield. It takes a bit more time but in my eyrs it doesnt allow wood on wood contact as that seems to be the majority of spots that the rot occurs.

3/27/2019 at 10:36:33 PM

Hi Michael,

I would not / have not used this product personally. I don't believe it extends the life of the boards that drastically. I also see it becoming an issue with the deck boards. For the best results, you want the bottom of the deck board in direct contact with the top edge of the joist. Having a layer in between only ensures the decking will come lose at some point as the tape compresses. I have no doubt you would need to screw down the decking again....prematurely if nothing else.

As far as deck board spacing...tight together works best for all wood types. I also suggest using 2x6 or 5/4 for the decking opposed to 2x4.

Best of luck with you project.

3/30/2019 at 11:10:51 PM

Just saw a Holmes & Holmes episode where they applied tuck tape to the the tops of the joists; seems like a good idea to me and something I will do on my next deck.

I quite like the CAMO fastening system which provides a somewhat concealed screw and also establishes a spacing between the boards of around 1/8".