Deck Flashings

Deck flashing is an essential component of a deck. The type of metal used for the deck flashing has to be the same type as the metal used in the preservatives found in the wood decking. Flashing safely carries water over the deck structure by a thin layer of waterproof material that keeps it away. While installing the deck you should prevent water from affecting the ledger boards. You will have to install flashing as a barrier to keep water out. If water penetrates it can result in severe mold, decay, and expensive damage. Flashing takes care of such problems. Some deck builders also install a layer of flashing to the bottom of the ledger board. This is not required but offers an additional barrier for water that could flow into the underneath the ledger board.

When it comes to the deck, a strip of flashing is brought down the wall of the house and over the top of the ledger (the piece of dimensional lumber attached to the house at the edge of the deck). This all-important water barrier should extend up the wall at least 4 in. Lots of materials can be used for flashing. As long as it won't degrade from contact with incompatible materials, and is impermeable to water, it should work. You can use aluminum, copper, lead coated copper, lead, galvanized steel and even PVC. These materials come in rolls of different widths that can be cut as needed and bent right at the job site. A new type of flashing has been developed that's extremely effective. It's bituminous (tar like) material with a very sticky backing and is sold by different companies under different brand names. It's tough and pliable and can seal around fasteners that are driven through it. Flashing layers can keep exteriors dry and safe for many years.