So, you’ve decided you’re going to add some decking to your structure – whether that be your home or place of business, you’re going to want to make sure the decking is installed properly. If it’s not, moisture can seep through the gaps connecting the deck to the building, causing a lot of water damage to your home and an even bigger headache for you. But don’t worry, deck flashing exists and it’s coming to the rescue.
Did you know that deck flashing is a requirement in the International Residential Code (IRC), section R703.4 (2018 version)? Well, now you do – deck flashing is an absolute necessity when you’re building your dream deck.
To put it simply, without deck flashing, you run the risk of severe mould and decay – which can be expensive to fix – and since no one wants to spend more money than necessary, it’s imperative that the deck ledger board is waterproof and protected from the outset.
Where Do You Put Flashing on a Deck?
There are five layers when it comes to decking – the below highlights where the layers of flashing sit in relation to the deck itself.
- Deck ledger flashing: The first line of defence against water damage.
- Decking board flashing: Creates a ridge that the deck sits inside of.
- Decking: Your decking sits between the third and fourth layer of flashing.
- Borel flashing: Sits at a 90-degree, L-shaped angle, allowing water to drip off easily.
- Tape flashing: Used to seal the space between a house and ledger board to keep the water out.
When Should You Flash Your Deck?
It’s best to flash your deck as it’s being installed. This way, the deck flashing is installed properly, and any potential water damage that could occur is minimised right from the start.
Can You Add Flashing to an Existing Deck?
While it’s best to flash your deck at the time of installation, it can be added to existing decking fairly easily.
To begin, you’ll need to remove some of the decking close to the house. From there, you, or a contractor, can slide the deck flashing up and under the first layer nearest to the deck surface. This then rolls over the edge of the ledger board and the decking boards sit on top. With this in place, water should fall off the flashing to the ground, rather than dripping behind the ledger board where it can cause damage.
Types of Deck Flashing
Deck flashing can be purchased in different forms, including:
- Flashing on a roll
- Ridgid Z-shaped flashing
- Ridgid L-shaped flashing
- Both Z and L-shaped flashing can be purchased in 10” sheets of stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or vinyl.
- They come in different widths, so make sure to purchase the right size to tuck behind the house siding.
Metal Flashing at Kladworx
Here at Kladworx, we hold a range of aluminum metal flashing to help you defend your eaves, windows, doors, and decking against water damage. Our metal flashing can be purchased in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors, as well as bespoke profiles to perfectly fit your project.
Need a little guidance? No problem! Get in touch with us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution for your build. We offer tailored advice and, for those based in London or the South East, we can arrange a site survey to make sure you’re getting the right materials for the job. Let’s make your project a success!
