So he has two rot fighting tips for deck.
Is protecting the top of deck floor joists necessary.
Protecting joists with g tape.
The tape covers the top surface as well as the top inch or two of each side.
Using felt paper tar paper or other joist capping systems is not important.
Modified timber deck boards.
Naturally durable timber deck boards.
This is timber that has been made more durable in a process that changes the wood s physical properties e g.
These boards come in standard sizes 2 6 2 8 and 2 10 and are a crucial element in the structural stability of your deck.
The natural durability classification only applies to the heartwood though and not the sapwood.
Here are some tips to prevent joist rot.
It is not necessary to stain the underside of your deck for protection from the elements especially if you use pressure treated wood which helps keep wood boring insects out.
That way any moisture can t sit on the top of the joists soak in and gradually cause rot or premature failure in pressure treated wood.
Rolls come in a variety of widths to fit single width and double width joists.
A little diligence and inexpensive deck flashing tape help protect your deck from joist rot.
However depending on your situation you may choose to stain the underside of your deck for reassurance that your wood will be protected or for aesthetic reasons.
Discussion of codes engineering and general deck building.
Here s matt risinger s example of this.
Joists systems are the frames that the decking will be attached to.
Deck joist tape comes in rolls and can be applied to the deck s joists by peeling and sticking.
He sees it all the time.
But my friend wasn t.
Deck joists rotting from the top edge down because the deck boards and debris keep them damp for weeks after rain.
Structural post anchor installation.
Some species are classed as naturally durable and do not need to be preservative treated for use outdoors e g.
But if you are in a damp area i do believe if done properly it will add years of life to the strucuture of your deck and also to the deck board materials.
Deck joists are boards usually made out of pressure treated lumber.
The same statement applies to all structural framing members in your house but most of them aren t as exposed to moisture as deck joists.
Deck joists last longer if you protect them from rot.
There appears to be a school of thought in deck building that it is worthwhile to protect the tops of joists by covering them with a waterproof barrier.