Joist Protection
When planning building decks with your clients, one of the most important, but often overlooked things to consider is discussing joist protection.
As we all know when joists are left unprotected you run the risk of shortening the lifespan of timber decking as this will increase the chances of joist rot, which eventually leads to failure. When joists begin to rot, your customers will often complain about squeaking, sagging, or uneven decking.
Timber is a natural product that absorbs moisture from its surrounding area, and when the material is constantly exposed to the elements and isn’t allowed to adequately dry mould will begin to form and will eventually lead to rot.
Extending the lifespan of joists
In addition to proper installation of timber joists using joist protection will help extend the lifespan of the deck.
Here are a few available options:
Flashing Tape
Joist flashing tape provides a thin, waterproof barrier, which is applied on the top of the joist, allowing the timber to breathe on three sides while acting as a water barrier on top, where condensation often collects. The flashing tape also protects around screw holes and between the decking boards. The superior adhesion means no fixings, that can foul decking screws are required to hold down while installing, and tears just easily so no need for scissors or blades. The black colour results in the joist being virtually invisible from above.
Protectadeck
Protectadeck is a flexible High Grade PVC membrane that sits between the floor joists and decking, offering protection from severe rotting and water damage. It benefits hardwoods, treated timbers and composite decking alike. Designed for immediate water run-off, the UV-stabilised membrane effectively seals around nails beneath the deck. Installation is straightforward, making Protectadeck an economical solution for maximising the life and durability of your deck.
- 45mm x 25m, 70mm x 15m, 90mm x 12m rolls
- Seals around nails beneath the deck
- Wings on either edge help with water run-off which means zero water pooling
- Self-forming wings to shed water
- Can also be used between deck bearers and joists
Other available joist flashing tapes include Vapourseal Timber Joist Flasing Protection Tape 50mmx20m.
Decktec
Designed and manufactured in Australia, the Decktec™ system is fast and simple. Manufactured with both fixed and removable spacers, it provides for expansion and progressively straightens of every board. Combining joist protection, speed of installation and consistent straight decking which will last. After the initial set out, you can work from multiple locations on the deck positioning board with accurate results before fixing off and minimal supervision. The recessed fixing points are located so clouts finish flush and will not foul decking screw’s. The clever self-straightening system means that your boards will always be perfectly aligned. No more packers, no more wedges, just dead straight decking boards.
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Lightweight and durable, UV stabilised
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Accommodates environmental expansion and contraction
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Straight screw lines
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Setout required for first strip only
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Build around objects with certainty
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Suitable for joists up to 50mm wide
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Manufactured for 86mm, 90mm, 135mm, 140mm timber decking
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100% recycled plastic
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Weatherproof joining pads included
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Clouts included
86mm Coverage (L/M): 26.2 (carton); 6.552 (6 pack) Coverage (M2): 12.5 (carton); 3.125 (6 pack) Length: 1092mm Joists: Up to 50mm Spacers: 5mm |
90mm Coverage (L/M): 27.36 (carton); 6.84 (6 pack) Coverage (M2): 12.5 (carton); 3.125 (6 pack) Length: 1140mm Joists: Up to 50mm Spacers: 5mm |
135mm Coverage (L/M): 27.17 (carton); 6.9 (6 pack) Coverage (M2): 12.5 (carton); 3.125 (6 pack) Length: 1132mm Joists: Up to 50mm Spacers: 6mm |
140mm Coverage (L/M): 28.03 (carton); 7.008 (6 pack) Coverage (M2): 12.5 (carton); 3.125 (6 pack) Length: 1168mm Joists: Up to 50mm Spacers: 6mm |