DIY Builds
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How do you protect moisture from floor joists?

Joist tape is an adhesive tape that is applied directly to the tops of deck joists and beams. Flashing joist tape acts as a barrier from moisture, preventing water from entering the tops of the lumber.

How do I setup a home office without an extra room?
How do I setup a home office without an extra room?

8 Ways to Create a Home Office Without a Spare Room A Dining Table Isn't Just for Eating. ... Think About Converting Your Closet. ... Look to the...

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What shape is best for sound?
What shape is best for sound?

The Strip shape offers better sound absorption properties than a smooth shape while offering a similar low-key design. If you are looking for a...

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Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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How Do I Keep My Deck Joists From Rotting?

The key to building a strong, long-lasting DIY deck that can last for generations is incredibly simple. Prevent harmful mold, water damage, rot, and insects from disrupting and harming your wood deck frame. This especially means protecting wood deck joists, beams, and ledger boards as they are structurally crucial to your deck space. The most common deck framing material used throughout the United States is pressure-treated pine, also known as chemically-treated lumber. Treated lumber is engineered to be more resistant to mold and wear than non-treated wood but eventually without a barrier to prevent moisture, it will become weak and damaged. Joist water damage can weaken the structural strength of your deck or porch and becomes unsafe for family and guests. Learning how to prevent deck rot, how to protect deck frame, and stop deck rot can improve your deck and help it last for generations.

How do I prevent deck rot?

There are two easy ways to prevent deck frame rot from taking over your family's outdoor space. Protecting the future and longevity of your deck joists and beams from water-damage and replacement is simple! One method involves preparing the deck frame in the beginning while the other is ongoing upkeep. 1. For existing older decks, one of the best ways to prevent and stop deck joist rot is to check your deck openings; and check often. Every few weeks or so, stop to pull out any leaves, sticks, and other debris that gathers around and between deck boards. Be especially careful to inspect the areas where the decking crosses over deck joists. When there's a build-up of debris like this in a small nook, moisture accumulates over time. As days turn into months and the temperature shifts and changes; that tiny bit of moisture becomes a huge problem for your deck joists and rot. 2. For new DIY deck construction or times when replacing old deck boards for new composite decking, take the time to add flashing and joist tape! Joist tape is an adhesive tape that is applied directly to the tops of deck joists and beams. Flashing joist tape acts as a barrier from moisture, preventing water from entering the tops of the lumber. Joist flashing tape creates a watertight seal as it bonds to the treated lumber of the deck frame and eliminates any puddling. Essentially applied as a cap to the deck substructure, flashing tape protects by allowing the wood deck framing to continue to breathe on three sides while acting as a moisture barrier on top where condensation and water tend to collect and pool. It also prevents moisture from entering the wood framing through the screw holes and openings of common construction hardware by creating a deflecting layer of protection.

Do thicker screws hold more weight?
Do thicker screws hold more weight?

You also want to consider the width of the screw that you are using. A wider screw is going to be able to handle more weight – making them better...

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Do I need a certificate for permitted development?
Do I need a certificate for permitted development?

This is an optional application that asks the council to confirm in a legal document that the proposed works would be lawful (that they would...

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Or learn more about how to install joist tape to stop deck rot and water damage in the Decks 101: How to Use Joist Tape post. You can also consider installing a deck drainage system like the Trex RainEscape deck drainage system. These specialty under deck drainage lines protect the tops and sides of deck joists and beams from rainwater and debris. These are a great method on how to prevent rot while also creating a warm, dry underdeck space for rainy day enjoyment or seasonal storage! Learn more about the basics of deck framing and building in the Deck Framing Guide and learn the specific deck part names in the Glossary of Deck Terms and Lingo. Browse more deck design and railing style notes to upgrade your backyard space and deck in the DecksDirect Railing Style Guide. The quickest way to learn if your home is more suited for a classic aluminum deck railing or a strong, composite railing line. The more you know, the better your deck and backyard projects will be! Whether you're looking at a brand new start or a summertime deck renovation; give our deck designers a call at 1-888-824-5316 or send us an email at hello@decksdirect.com. Our deck experts will help you get the information, products, and tools you need for a gorgeous deck that you created and designed!

How do I add electricity to my shed?
How do I add electricity to my shed?

To run electricity to a shed or outdoor building, start by planning out the the electrical cable routing. Next, add a GFCI outlet to the home's...

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How much does it cost to wire a 1000 sq ft house?
How much does it cost to wire a 1000 sq ft house?

The average cost to wire a 1,000-square-foot house is $1,600 to $3,800, or about $2 to $4 per square foot. The size and layout of your home will...

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How far can you build out without planning permission?
How far can you build out without planning permission?

Detached House Extension Rules 2022 Under permitted development for a detached house, you can extend up to 4m under permitted development, and up...

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Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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How long should a roof vent be?
How long should a roof vent be?

A general guideline is homeowners need one square foot of roof vent for every 300 square feet of ceiling space, if your home has a roof with a...

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