What is Joist Tape and How Does it Work?<\/h2>\n
Both joists and bearers are generally made of timber, even if you install composite decking like Trex. Whether using ACQ timber or other treated lumber, during construction, you can add one economical and efficient element to prevent timber rot and extend the life of your deck: joint flashing tape.<\/span><\/p>\n You can add years to your deck’s usefulness with quality butyl tape. Use it as a sealer for the tops of your deck joists, rim joists, bearers, and the ledger board. The tape is applied directly to the top edge of the timber. The builder must do this during construction or when replacing the deck boards. That is because the tape sits below the deck boards on top of your deck’s substructure.<\/span><\/p>\n Joist flashing tape provides a thin, waterproof barrier, like using a sealant on your decking boards, but more permanent and effective. Flashing is often also used around window and door openings, roofing, and fastenings to ensure waterproofing.<\/span><\/p>\n On decks, the joist flashing tape is applied as a cap to the substructure, 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 openings created by construction hardware. The flashing tape prevents water from seeping into tiny cracks and spaces created by the fasteners and joist hangers, which can cause corrosion. Additionally, when deck screws pierce through the flashing tape, the tape can help hold the screws in place.<\/span><\/p>\n Butyl tape typically has a longer life than asphalt tape. That’s because asphalt tape starts to break down with repeated exposure to sunlight. On the other hand, butyl tape can withstand the test of time. Trex Protect, the only joist tape that comes with a 25-year warranty from Trex \u2013 the World’s #1 Decking brand \u2014 provides you peace of mind knowing that your joists and bearers will last as long as the decking it supports.<\/span><\/p>\n Butyl tape is also easy to install. That’s a plus, whether you’re a contractor or a DIY homeowner. With a self-adhesive butyl tape, it lies directly on the boards requiring minimum cuts and little overlap. A butyl tape with a non-skid surface makes it safer for the installer to walk across during application.<\/span><\/p>\n Next,\u00a0<\/strong>installing joist tape<\/a>\u00a0is a relatively simple process:<\/span><\/p>\n Trex Protect comes in three widths, making it convenient to apply to beams and joists: Use 50 mm x 20 m Joist Tape for joists, 100 mm x 20 m Bearer Tape for double bearers, and 279.4 mm x 15.24 m Rim Tape for rim joists, stairs and all flat-blocked surfaces.<\/span>\u00a0When pulling deck boards onto the deck, use a piece of plywood or wafer board to overhang the edge of the deck. This method prevents the product from rolling up and pulling up from the joist.<\/span><\/p>\n Blocking is installed between the joists to keep them upright and strengthen your substructure. Blocks, shorter pieces of wood, fill the spacing between two joists.<\/span><\/p>\n Place small pieces of blocking in a zig-zag pattern between the perimeter joists. They can also be installed level with the tops of the joists to create a solid surface. Creative decking styles, such as parquet, will require extra blocking. If you’re a DIYer, this\u00a0decks.com<\/a>\u00a0blog explains how to install blocking and bridging. You can also find helpful deck-building books on\u00a0Amazon<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/trexprotect.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Trex-Protect-installation-photo-225x300.jpg\")
Joists, the repeated horizontal structures used to build a deck frame, are located just below your deck boards. Bearers are the vertical, main load-bearing elements that stand beneath your deck and support the joists’ weight and flooring. The bearers are often secured in footings and cemented into place.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Works Best?<\/h3>\n
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Don’t skimp \u2014 buy the best quality joist tape on the market.\u00a0Check out this comparison<\/a> before you buy G-tape or Trex Protect. You want to ensure durability and ease of installation.<\/span><\/p>\nHow Can I Install Joist Flashing Tape?<\/h2>\n
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First, use our Materials Estimator<\/a> to find exactly how much Trex Protect\u00ae Joist, Bearer & Rim Tape your project requires.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Do You Need Blocking Between Deck Joists?<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
Is 140mm x 45mm Good for Deck Joists?<\/h2>\n
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A solid foundation is essential for the longevity of your deck. Thus, you should ensure you’re using the right materials, including the right-sized joists.<\/span><\/p>\n