Learn about flashing tape and the importance of deck flashing
Welcome to the final article in our three part series on flashing, and the importance of it for your home and deck. In this article, we will explore one common type of flashing called, “flashing tape,” and we will cover the ins and outs of deck flashing. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- Flashing Tape
- Deck Flashing
- Conclusion
Flashing Tape
Another commonly overlooked type of flashing is flashing tape; it is typically harder to see, but can make a huge difference when it comes to home and deck construction.
This type of flashing is used to protect rough openings. As we have mentioned a number of times in these articles – water is the BIG problem. If water is not properly shed it will wreak havoc – create dry rot, causing expensive framing damage, and if allowed to enter the home, cause the deadly black mold.
Flashing tape creates redundancy to give you that extra protection from water entering in places you do not want it!
Flashing tape is a petroleum based tape that is typically used on top of joist ledgers, rim joists, and other deck components underneath the deck boards to prevent water from sitting on top of the joists.
For example, think about the structural components of the deck, if water is captured between the deck boards and joists as it falls through the deck, it’ll eventually absorb into the wood creating damage to the wood. With the use of flashing tape, water will fall off of the flashing tape and it is unable to sit on the horizontal wood surfaces.
Deck Flashing
When it comes to decking, whether that be a ground level wrap around porch or a third story viewing deck, there are multiple areas you must flash to ensure the longevity and safety of your deck.
Whether your deck is on the third story or on the first, most likely, it is anchored to your home where it connects. This connection point is called a deck ledger.
With proper deck ledger flashing, you are protecting not only the deck from water damage, but also the walls of your home.
Deck ledgers should be flashed on the top and on the bottom, referred to as counter flashing. The area where the ledger is bolted to your wall framing is extremely vulnerable to trapping water.
The water diversion detail that eliminates the possibility of water entering your walls and rotting away your wood is the piece of flashing on top of the ledger. Counter flashing, on the bottom of the ledger, helps redirect any water that trickles down the face of the ledger, so it isn’t absorbed by the board.
Another area that needs to be flashing on deck are the deck joists. Any horizontal wood surface that will be covered by deck boards should be flashed using flashing tape.
Conclusion
No matter what kind of flashing you have on your home, we at Rogall + Co. are experts at “Watershed” and can take a look at your flashing, or lack thereof, and give you great insight on how to protect your home from the water villain.
We hope that you enjoyed the three part series on flashing, and now understand why water can be such a problem for your home, and that flashing is one of the heroes that will keep your home safe and sound.
