I am putting on a new deck or replacing a deck on my existing home. How do I make sure my logs are protected from moisture surrounding my deck?
It is of the utmost importance that the transition between the logs and the deck be an absolutely watertight joint in order to prevent your logs from rotting. This is accomplished, in part, with flashing. A cut is made into the logs 2-3 inches above the level of the top of the deck and about 2 inches deep, at an upward angle. Ice and Water Shield is then applied to the area just below the cut and extending to the lowest point of the deck framing. A coat of stain should be applied to the area where the deck is going to be attached in order to better protect this area. When the rim joist is applied, lag bolts should be driven into the logs thru the Ice and Water Shield. Once the frame of the deck is built, the flashing can be installed and then the decking. The last step in this process is to run a bead of chink or caulk along the upper edge where the flashing meets the logs. Click here for a drawing of the proper way to flash a deck to a log wall to prevent decay and rot of your log hom
