Dry Rot and Your Deck

Dry rot is the most common problem with decks. Homeowners should ensure proper ventilation to prevent rot. Making sure dirt and leaves don’t build up between the boards and that there is no standing water or moisture build-up on the boards is good maintenance and will eliminate much of the chance for rot that requires deck repair.

What Gets Damaged?

The joists are part of the primary structural framework of any deck or wood floor. Damaged or rotten joists are a big problem, since the structural integrity of the deck is dependant upon them. Replacing one or more joists, however, is a big undertaking in most cases, because of the very nature of the joists and how they are used in the construction of the deck. Access to the joists is usually possible only by removal of the deck planking that covers them, so replacing joists is essentially an exercise in rebuilding a deck.

ATC Construction, Inc. Has the Solution

 Most decks are built on pilings or posts which are connected together with heavy beams that form the perimeter of the deck. In between these beams, forming the framing of the deck, are the joists, usually spaced on 16 or 24-inch centers to provide support for the deck planking and a place to nail the planking down. These joists are most often of dimensional lumber in the “2x” thickness that is actually 1 ½ inches thick. Depending on the length of the span between beams, these joists might be as small as 2x6 inches or as large as 2x12. We install Vycor self adhering flashing on top of all joists to ensure proper protection.