Why Use Joist and Beam Flashing Tape
Posted on Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Categories:
Decking & Railing
Your deck is only as good as its substructure. The fact is, new composite decking is designed to last a lifetime, with warranties of 25 years in many cases. But, research shows that the wood-framed deck substructure can begin to split, rot and decay in as little as 8-10 years.
Moisture is a deck’s worst enemy. Applying a deck flashing tape shields the tops of joists, rim joists, ledger boards, stair stringers and beams from moisture. Water that penetrates the substructure through the screw holes can eventually lead to rot and decay. Joist tapes not only protect your wood substructure, they protect your investment in your new deck.
Joist and beam tapes like Trex Protect, seal deck fasteners and helps deck screws hold longer and stronger by preventing moisture penetration and defending against splitting that can result from seasonal freezing and thawing.
Trex Protect is a butyl-based self-adhesive tape that won’t dry out quickly, bleed, curl up or hold water, so it acts a moisture barrier between the wood and galvanized metal. Butyl-based tape is superior to asphalt-based tape because it creates a tighter seal, has less high-temperature oozing, endures less stain and is stickier. It’s applied as a cap (versus wrapping), which allows the wood to breathe.
The tape is self-healing, so it seals around fasteners that are used to install the decking surface. It is also critical to install the tape on both the horizontal and vertical surfaces of cut stair stringers.
Adding a deck to your home is an investment. On average, a homeowner can expect to recoup about 83% of the cost of building a new wood deck and about 65% of a composite deck* when the time comes to sell a home. Using a deck flashing tape helps to prolong the life of the deck substructure ensuring the homeowner can maximize their return on investment.
Keep in mind that all deck flashing tapes are not the same. Click here to view a comparison chart of the leading deck flashing tapes available today before you decide what product to buy. Regardless of your choice, deck flashing tape is a wise investment if you want to prolong the life of your deck.
[Source: TrexProtect ]
Tagged:decking, home improvement, remodel, resurfacing, deck safety, deck inspection