Decking

[tjs83]

Hi after bit of advice.

I installed decking years ago, and never put any joist tape over joists. This decking is spaced off the ground by 2 inches.

Now I'm looking at installation of a summerhouse on the decking, and my issue is do I lift decking up where summerhouse will be and install joist tape, or lay a damp membrane on top of the decking where the summerhouse will be?

A dpm will surely protect the joists as the summerhouse will be on top?

Thanks for any advice.

 

[catlad]

If you put a plastic membrane down, it will trap moisture. I would counter the summer house joists to allow airflow.

 

[tjs83]

If you put a plastic membrane down, it will trap moisture. I would counter the summer house joists to allow airflow.

Hi, what do you mean 'I would counter the summerhouse joists?

If I place a summerhouse on a deck would I even need to try to protect the decking joists with a tape?

Cheers

 

[catlad]

If you put anything on the timber deck for any length of time, it will attract moisture. So, if you can raise it slightly off the deck, that will help.

 

[tjs83]

If you put anything on the timber deck for any length of time, it will attract moisture. So, if you can raise it slightly off the deck, that will help.

OK see what you mean thanks. I do believe the summerhouse will have its own joists to space off the decking. I was just seeing if I should put down some protective tape over the decking joists, but the summerhouse would be on top, so questioning whether I would need to or not?

Thanks

 

[catlad]

You can now buy plastic feet for your joists, which will minimize timber-to-timber contact. Wallbarn is one company.

 

[tjs83]

You can now buy plastic feet for your joists, which will minimize timber-to-timber contact. Wallbarn is one company.

Thanks, I will bear that in mind, so you wouldn't necessarily lift the decking to tape the joists for protection, before the summerhouse goes on top?

Cheers

 

[catlad]

Sure, if you feel the need.