New England weather is notorious for its harsh seasonal changes. We experience freezing snow in the winter, heavy rain in the spring, and humid heat in the summer. For outdoor wooden structures like decks, this constant cycle of expanding and contracting—known as the freeze-thaw cycle—is the leading cause of structural failure.
The Danger of Trapped Moisture
When deck boards are installed directly onto wood joists, water gets trapped in the tight spaces between the boards and the joists. Because wood is porous, it absorbs this moisture. When winter hits, the trapped water freezes and expands, widening fastener holes and splitting the framing lumber.
How We Protect Your Deck: 3M Joist Flashing Tape
At Bogacli LLC Construction, we take deck building to the next level by applying specialized waterproofing flashing tape over all structural joists and ledger boards. This creates a self-sealing barrier around deck screws, ensuring water cannot penetrate the framing lumber. This simple step can double the lifespan of your deck's framing.