Helpful Tips for Attaching A New Deck to A House
If you’re a home improvement buff, you know that adding a deck to your home is, in addition to being a fun weekend project, one of the best ways to add value to your property. It’s a fairly quick endeavor, and if you have all the tools you need at your disposal, you can have a brand new deck set up by your favorite deck construction lake oswego company in just a few days. Attaching your deck to your home, however, can be a bit tricky if you don’t know where to start. If you’re new to the game, here are some tips for setting up your deck the right way.
Have All the Right Tools
If you want your work to last, you need to know what tools you need, as well as the best materials for the job. If you think it’s a good idea to cut corners by buying cheap flashing or wood that isn’t pressure-treated, you’re going to have a rough surprise in store for you down the line when you deck starts to rot and detach from the house. Remember, rough weather is coming, so if you don’t use galvanized flashing, nails, joist hangers, and lag screws, your deck is in danger of coming undone after the first big winter storm.
Clean Up the Old Deck First
If your old deck rotted away, you need to remove all the debris before starting on a new project. Not only will this provide you with a clean base for attachment, you’ll be able to get a sense of how things look. If the water damage has found its way into your siding, for instance, you won’t want to waste time installing your new deck in that spot. Once you’ve ripped everything away, you can have a clean, sturdy base to work with.
Install Flashing for a Damage-Free Deck
Flashing is a hugely important part of the process. If you don’t install it, you leave your deck vulnerable to just about every form of chaos the elements can dish out. Once you’ve installed your deck ledger, you’ll need to put in a “drip cap” metal flashing over the top, with some Z flashing over it for extra protection. Remember to fill in any gaps with caulk so that you don’t provide an opportunity for moisture to creep in and start eroding your deck from within.
Use the Right Screws
Again, if you’re trying to cut corners by using materials that aren’t coated or treated in any way, you’re going to set yourself up for failure. Even if you have some extra screws lying around, there’s a reason why you need to invest in the correct type before attaching your deck. Always use galvanized or stainless-steel screws when attaching your deck to make sure you’re not creating the perfect atmosphere for rust and water damage. You should also make sure that the screws you choose, especially the lag screws, are rated for pressure-treated wood. Galvanized screws are coated in a layer of zinc that protects them from rusting and helps keep your deck free from any excess moisture.
