Deck Safety: Flashing and Ledgers

When you’re flashing starts to deteriorate, it’s time to replace it.

Flashing is a metal or plastic material used as a barrier in moisture sensitive areas. It’s usually found on the ledger board, but just because flashing is present it doesn’t mean it’s doing its job properly.

Inspect the ledger and the flashing to see if it’s damaged. Look for the obvious: decayed, soft, or rotted wood. Are there any spots where water is collecting? What about the fasteners? Are they free of corrosion? Are they even the proper fasteners?

If you inspect your ledger and see it’s not in the best shape, it’s critical you replace the it and install new flashing. Ledger board failure is the leading cause of deck collapses. Replacing a ledger can be a difficult task, which is why it’s important to contact a local licensed contractor to do the work.

If you want to go the extra mile with flashing and add a few more years to the life of your deck, consider adding flashing to the joist system.

A ledger board without the proper flashing is just a disaster waiting to happen. Inspecting for such issues will save you from a horrible accident, such as a deck collapse.