How To Install Deck Flashing On Existing Deck?
The flashing process is necessary for your outside structures that are made up of wood like porches, decks, and stairs. So, it provides an excellent shield to the wood of these structures against rotting and corrosion from water and insects. So, how to install deck flashing on existing deck?
We will have a detailed discussion on the ordered steps that one needs to follow to flash his deck and save it from corrosion.
How to install deck flashing on existing deck?
Installing a flash on an existing deck demands a high level of precision and professionalism. So, there is a complete step-by-step procedure that a person has to follow to achieve flashing on his deck. So, let’s get into the details of this procedure with the proper steps to be taken in order.
Collecting all the necessary tools for flashing:
First of all, make sure you have all the necessary items and tools that are required for flashing the deck. Usually, you need vinyl flashing, nails, a screwdriver, a nail gun, Water sealants, Screw Guns, Tin Snips, Siding Sealant, Lumber, aluminum, and shins. Each tool has a key role to play while the flashing process is underway.
Cutting the flash in a calculated measurement:
Now, measure the place where you are going to flash on the deck. After that measurement, cut the flashing according to the measurement. You should use a tin snip that is very reliable while cutting such precise flashing.
Scoring the flashing with a knife:
With the help of a utility knife, you need to score the flashing that you measured in the previous step. However, it is important to note that you do not cut through all the flashing. Just score it properly so that it can be bent during its placement. Do not forget to use a straight clamp with the flashing surface while scoring it precisely. Scoring the flashing is necessary on how to install deck flashing on existing deck.
Bending the flashing with the help of block:
In the next step, you have to bend down the flashing that you scored with the help of framing square or block up to 90 degrees. This bending will actually cover the corner of the walls. For this purpose, you need a pencil and square for first marking the flashing and then cutting it with tin snips. For the inside corners, you may use a clamp or straight edge and then score it with the help of a knife to bend it properly.
Careful measurements for doors:
Now, if there is a door on the wall, you need to take precise measurements. This is because you can adjust the flashing exactly around the edges and corners of the doors.
Cutting down the Flashing:
For cutting down the flashing, you need a tin snip for doing so. But you are looking to cut many layers flashing, then rack them on each other and use a knife for cutting them. Cutting properly and precisely is very vital keeping in mind how to install deck flashing on existing deck.
Slip the flashing the Siding of the Wall:
Now, you have to slip the cutting pieces of flashing inside each siding of the wall for about 2 inches. This is because water does not get in the siding after the flashing is done. Note that while cutting the flashing, keep 2 inches extra on each side for this slip.
Slipping the Siding around the door:
In the next step, you need to slip the flashing around 3 inches on the sides of the doors. You might notice a nail inside the sidebars of the doors. So for slipping in the flashing, you have to take out the nails with the help of its relevant tool.
Once you have done this, now you can slip the flashing down the sidebars and corners of the doors. Be careful while putting the nails back in the sidebars so that the flashing does not tear down. Now, you have to cut and attach the ledger and install the Z flashing there.
Nail the Flashing on the Ledger:
After placing the flashing across all the corners, sides, and edges of the wall, start nailing this flashing. But also keep in mind that you do not nail the flashing firmly so that it does not have space to move side by side. Furthermore, the nail should be placed after 12 inches on the flashing.
Flashing for Ledgers:
Now, after flashing the wall, start flashing the ledger of the deck. Where there is a long ledger, mold the flashing on it up to 4 inches. Try to cover all the corners and sides of the ledger. This is among the important steps on how to install deck flashing on existing deck.
Overlay the flashing in the corners:
Carefully place the first piece at an inside corner, making sure that its bottom edge fits firmly between the two side-by-side boards. If the space is too tight, you might need to trim the lip of the piece slightly to ensure a proper fit. Now, let’s move on to the second piece – create a notch in it as shown and slide it into place. In case this second piece doesn’t sit flat, you may have to make some adjustments or enlarge the notch accordingly.
Barricade the flashing:
To have a watertight seal, apply some gutter caulk or silicone sealer at any joints where pieces do not overlap by at least 4 inches. Additionally, do not forget to use caulk to seal the inside corner of the ledger.
Slip in the Siding:
Now comes the step of sliding in the bottom siding piece underneath the one directly above it. Keep in mind that you might face obstacles along the way and may need to cut notches or remove nails for proper positioning.
1 ¼ inches flashing:
Finally, in the last step of how to install deck flashing on existing deck, you have the option to install the bottom piece at a distance of 1 ¼ inches above the flashing. This is for once you finish with the project, it will be ¼ inch higher than a 1-inch thick decking material.
FAQs
What kind of flashing to use for the deck ledger?
For excellent results, you can use membrane-type flashings like G185 galvanized steel or copper. However, caution should be exercised to prevent copper flashings from coming into contact with galvanized steel flashing. Furthermore, if you are using a spaced ledger, you should ensure that the connection between the ledger and the building is established using bolts attached to the building’s rim joist.
What do you use for deck flashing?
When it comes to purchasing flashing, you have the option of choosing between rolls or rigid sheets. These sheets, which come in Z- or L-shaped 10-foot pieces, are generally made of stainless steel, copper, or vinyl materials. However, it is important to note that using galvanized steel or aluminum flashing should be avoided when it comes into contact with an ACQ pressure-treated wood ledger board because it will rot the wood by corrosion.
Should you use flashing on a deck?
Yes, you should use flashing on the deck to make it more sustainable. It further enhances the life and strength of the deck you installed. Basically, most of the decks are made of wood. As the decks are continually in exposure to rain, sunshine, and air; the wood of this deck starts rotting with the passage of time. Therefore, using flashing tape can avoid the wood from rotting and increase the stability and life of the deck.
When should I flash my deck?
Structures like outdoor porches, decks, and wooden stairs usually have contact with the walls of the house. Therefore, tape flashing is necessary for such wooden structures to stay intact with the wall and not rot due to water and insects outside. It means flashing basically enhances the sustainability of these porches, decks, and wooden stairs.
Bottom Line:
We have provided a complete and comprehensive guide on the method of how to install deck flashing on existing deck. Well, it is complete research-based writing and you can contact a professional carpenter and worker if you are looking to flash your deck. Hope, this guide might help you in your project.
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