Deck Rot & Decay Protection in West Michigan
A deck is only as good as the framing underneath it.
At Construction Kings, we take extra steps to protect our deck framing from moisture, rot, and decay. That is especially important here in West Michigan, where decks are exposed to rain, snow, freeze-thaw cycles, and changing temperatures throughout the year.
For our new deck builds and full deck rebuilds, we use pressure-treated lumber along with additional protection in some of the most vulnerable areas of the structure.
Two of the biggest parts of our rot-protection system are joist tape and Postsaver post protection.
Why Deck Framing Needs Extra Protection
Most deck framing is built from pressure-treated lumber because it is designed to handle exterior conditions.
But pressure-treated wood is not completely immune to moisture or decay.
Some areas of a deck are more vulnerable than others. Water can sit on top of joists and beams underneath the decking, while support posts can experience constant moisture exposure around the ground line.
These areas may be hidden once the deck is finished, but they are some of the most important parts of the entire structure.
Our goal is simple: protect the framing now instead of waiting for moisture to become a problem later.
Joist Tape on Our Deck Framing
One of the extra steps we take is installing deck joist tape over the top of the wood framing.
Joist tape creates a moisture barrier between the decking and the pressure-treated lumber underneath it.
We use it to help protect areas such as:
Deck joists
Beams
Rim joists
Blocking
Stair framing
Other horizontal framing surfaces where water can collect
Without protection, water can work its way into cracks, screw holes, and the top surface of the lumber.
Joist tape helps keep that moisture away from the wood.
It also helps seal around decking fasteners as screws penetrate through the tape and into the framing.
Why We Use Joist Tape
The top edge of a deck joist is one of the hardest areas to inspect once the deck is finished.
After PVC or composite decking is installed, that framing could stay covered for decades.
We believe it makes sense to add another layer of protection before covering it up.
It’s a relatively small part of the overall deck build, but it can help protect one of the most important parts of the structure.
Postsaver Protection on Deck Posts
The other area we pay special attention to is the wood support posts underneath the deck.
For decks with wood posts extending into or near the ground, the area around the ground line can be particularly vulnerable to decay.
This is why we use Postsaver rot protection on applicable deck posts.
Postsaver creates a protective barrier around the section of the pressure-treated post that is exposed to the conditions most likely to cause ground-line decay.
The Postsaver system uses a heat-applied dual-layer barrier that seals around the wood and helps keep moisture and decay-causing conditions away from the protected section of the post.
Postsaver also makes a deck-specific system called DeckPRO that is designed for structural deck posts.
Protecting the Parts of Your Deck You Can’t See
A lot of the details that separate one deck from another aren’t easy to see after construction is finished.
Joist tape gets covered by the decking.
Post protection may end up below grade.
Structural connections are hidden underneath the deck.
But those details matter.
At Construction Kings, we would rather spend the extra time protecting the structure while we’re building it than rely on the homeowner to deal with a preventable framing problem years down the road.
That’s why rot and moisture protection are part of how we approach our deck framing.
Built for West Michigan Weather
Decks in West Michigan experience very different conditions throughout the year.
Hot summer days can be followed by months of rain, snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Because most of the structural framing underneath a deck is still wood, controlling moisture is an important part of building a deck that lasts.
For our deck projects throughout Grand Haven, Jenison, Hudsonville, Allendale, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Coopersville, Muskegon, and surrounding West Michigan communities, we take the conditions our decks will be exposed to into consideration when we build them.
That includes protecting the framing, not just choosing a long-lasting deck board.
Low-Maintenance Decking Deserves Long-Lasting Framing
Many of the decks we build use PVC or composite decking because homeowners want a deck that can last for years without the staining and maintenance associated with traditional wood decking.
But putting a long-lasting deck board over poorly protected framing doesn’t make much sense.
The decking and railing are the parts you see every day, but the pressure-treated structure underneath them is what supports the entire deck.
That’s why we focus on both.
We pair quality decking with properly built pressure-treated framing and additional moisture protection in vulnerable areas.
Our Approach to Deck Rot Protection
Depending on the design of the deck, our framing protection can include:
Pressure-treated structural lumber
Joist tape over exposed framing surfaces
Beam and rim-joist protection
Postsaver protection on applicable wood posts
Sealing exposed cuts in pressure-treated lumber
Proper flashing where the deck connects to the home
Proper water drainage and framing layout
There isn’t one product that makes a deck last.
It’s a combination of good materials, good design, moisture management, and proper construction.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Rot Protection
What does deck joist tape do?
Deck joist tape creates a moisture-resistant barrier over the top of wood joists, beams, and other framing. It helps prevent water from sitting directly against the lumber and helps protect areas penetrated by deck fasteners.
Do pressure-treated deck joists still need joist tape?
Pressure-treated lumber is manufactured for exterior use, but it can still absorb moisture and deteriorate over time. We use joist tape as an additional layer of protection in areas that will eventually be covered by decking.
What is Postsaver?
Postsaver is a rot-protection system designed to protect wooden posts around the ground line, where moisture and decay can become a problem. The system uses a heat-applied protective barrier around the vulnerable portion of the post.
Does Postsaver work with pressure-treated deck posts?
Yes. Postsaver’s deck and structural-post products are designed to be used with qualifying pressure-treated lumber when installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
Why does Construction Kings use joist tape?
We install joist tape because we want to protect the framing underneath the deck, not just the finished surface. Once PVC or composite decking is installed, the joists underneath it may not be exposed again for many years.
Who builds rot-resistant decks in West Michigan?
Construction Kings builds new decks and complete deck rebuilds throughout West Michigan. Our deck-building process includes additional moisture and rot protection such as joist tape and Postsaver protection on applicable wood posts.
West Michigan Decks Built From the Framing Up
At Construction Kings, we don’t want your deck to simply look good when we’re finished.
We want the structure underneath it built correctly too.
From joist tape and Postsaver post protection to pressure-treated framing and proper flashing, we pay attention to the areas that will eventually be hidden underneath your finished deck.
Construction Kings builds PVC and composite decks throughout Grand Haven, Jenison, Hudsonville, Allendale, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Muskegon, and the surrounding West Michigan area.
If you’re considering a new deck or complete deck rebuild, contact Construction Kings to get started.