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Attaching Ledgers Another common building practice (and IRC requirement) is to use flashing to keep moisture from getting between the house and the ledger. Many contractors will install an L-shaped piece of metal here;composite lattice panels the horizontal leg covers the top of the ledger, and the vertical leg goes up the wall and is lapped by the building paper above (Figure 4). The problem is that rot can invade the deck board or the bottom of the siding when organic matter builds up in the space between the deck and the side of the house �� especially on the wind-driven side of the house. The rain hits the siding and runs down into this collection zone, where organic matter creates a kind of dam, preventing drainage. If the siding is not up off the deck, the water will soak into the backside of the siding, and from there can enter the house via capillary action. One way to overcome this problem is to use a ledger that Figure 4. Although it's common practice to bring an L-shaped flashing down the wall and kick it out over the ledger, the resulting pocket can collect debris, and rot both the decking and the siding above. Sheathing Siding Building paper Flashing Collection zone Don't Build Decks That Rot DEBRIS-COLLECTING LEDGER is larger than the joists. If you're using 2x8 joists, you need a 2x10 ledger. Bevel the top of the ledger and install it 11?2 inch higher than the joists (Figure 5). Install the first deck board 3?8 inch to 1?2 inch away from the ledger to allow the organic matter and water to drop through to the ground. Deck Boards Many carpenters use 16-penny nails to space deck boards. This creates a 1?8-inch-wide gap that forms a collection zone between boards and on top of every joist (Figure 6, page 6).wood plastic composite in indiaIt's nearly impossible to remove leaf litter from such a narrow gap. And once the organic matter is in there, it can induce rot in the deck boards and in the joists below. My way around this problem is to install decking with a wider, 3?8-inch gap. Organic matter won't collect in this larger space, but will simply fall through. (Some customers express concerns that such a wide gap will catch a woman's high heel. I've found that once I explain the benefit �� extending the longevity of the deck �� they readily accept the gap. And how many women wear stilettos to a barbecue?) The larger space also allows air to circulate and dry out the decking and joists. And on top of joists, where debris still collects, the space is wide enough to be raked clean with a screwdriver. The same rules apply to composite 5 Professional Deck Builder ? March/April 2007 Don't Build Decks That Rot Figure 5. Keeping debris from collecting against the house is key to a long-lasting ledger connection. A sloped and flashed ledger (above) sheds water and debris. A properly flashed flat ledger that's flush with the decking (left) is another easily cleaned connection.The use of outdoor wood flooring Keep siding 2 inches above the ledger with this design. 5/4 x 4 decking 3 ?8" gap, typical 2x10 ledger ripped at 45�� at the top of the board Building paper Sheathing Building paper Siding Flashing Building paper Sheathing Siding Flashing 2x6 decking 3 ?8" gap, typical Joist hanger Membrane or metal flashing 2x10 ledger bolted to house Rim joist DEBRIS-FREE LEDGERS 6 Professional Deck Builder ? March/April 2007 Don't Build Decks That Rot decking; even though captured organic matter may not affect the composites, it can still rot the framing below. Screws or nails fastened from above should be driven flush with the deck surface, not recessed where they will hold water.
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