LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
THREE DECK UPGRADES THAT OPTIMIZE PROJECT POTENTIAL , PERFORMANCE AND PROFITS
By : Simon Thomas , TrexPro and Owner of Simon Thomas Deck & Design
2021 should be declared “ the year of the garden !” As Brits continue to spend more time at home , space is at a premium , inspiring homeowners to look outside for an escape and some extra elbow room . If your business is anything like mine , your project calendar is likely filling up for the season , if not already booked out . Since quantity of jobs should not be an issue this year , why not focus on quality and making the most of the projects you have lined up ? With homeowners more willing than ever to invest in their outdoor spaces , be sure to optimize opportunities to sell them simple upgrades that will add function and value to their decks without adding a lot of time or cost . Here are three easy and cost-effective add-ons that I suggest to all of my clients :
1 . DECK FLASHING TAPE
Today ’ s homeowners have access to high-performance garden decking warrantied to last for decades . But research * has shown that most decking substructures begin to show signs of decay within the first 8-10 years . This is because the majority of substructures are built using timber , which is susceptible to damage from moisture and exposure to outdoor elements .
Easily one of wood ’ s worst enemies , moisture contributes to mould growth and can accelerate structural deterioration . This is particularly common in the U . K . given our perennially damp and rainy climate . When joists and bearers are exposed , water can seep into screw holes and sit on the wood causing it to rot and the screws to rust . Additionally , the natural expansion and contraction of wood due to seasonal freezing and thawing can cause beams to split and weaken over time , posing serious safety concerns .
Deck flashing tape is a simple and inexpensive way to protect wood from the damaging effects of weather and time . Designed to shield the tops of timber joists , bearers and ledger boards from water damage , it also acts as a moisture barrier between wood and galvanized metal to help deck screws and fasteners hold longer and stronger for enhanced structural integrity .
My go-to product is Trex ® Protect™ Joist and Bearer Tape . I use it on every deck I build – no matter the size , design or decking material I use – because I want my work to last . It ’ s a self-adhesive butyl tape engineered specifically for use on decks . It works on both horizontal and vertical surfaces and is applied as a “ cap ” ( vs . wrapping ) to allow the timber to breathe . The peel-and-stick tape lies directly on the boards and requires minimal cuts and little overlap making application a breeze .
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* Based on a survey of 100 + builders conducted by Dri-Deck Enterprises ( now IBC , LLC )