Joist tape or bitumen paint to protect low-level deck?

[jeffl_au]

To protect the joists (H3 treated pine) on a ground level deck, should I use joist tape?  Or can I use bitumen paint like this one -> https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-15l-blackseal-heavy-duty-bitumen-waterproofing-membrane_p03568...

[RSS]

Hi @jeffl_au 

I'm certainly no expert in the matter but my thoughts are...

Although flexible, I imagine the pond sealer would grip the wood and have a greater chance of tearing when subject to the wood moving over time, either from flexing (being walked on) or seasonal and daily temp and moisture changes causing movement.

The joist tape will allow the overlapping wood to move naturally, in different directions if needed, without it sticking to each piece of wood.

Enjoy working on your project.

[jeffl_au]

Apologies, I linked the wrong product.

I meant this one - https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-15l-blackseal-heavy-duty-bitumen-waterproofing-membrane_p03568...

[MitchellMc]

Hi @jeffl_au,

I'd tend to agree with @RSS's comments that the joist tape is specifically designed for that purpose and would be better suited. The Crommelin 15L Blackseal Heavy Duty Bitumen Waterproofing Membrane is only suitable for below-ground use and in non-UV exposed applications. I'm a bit concerned that there will still be some UV exposure through the gaps in your decking boards.

Please let us know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

[jeffl_au]

Thanks @MitchellMc, 

My deck will only be 2-3 cm above dirt level, should I use anything on the underside or the side of the joist?

thanks,

Jeff

[MitchellMc]

You could paint it with the Crommelin product @jeffl_au.

The best thing to do is to ensure that there will be adequate drainage under the deck. Water needs to fall through it, hit an open drainage material and then drain away. If water pools under the deck and there is no airflow, then humidity rises, and decay begins. You should consider a wider-than-normal gap on your decking boards to allow some airflow. I'd suggest at least 5mm. Your timber is treated to prevent decay in above-ground use; the humidity in the enclosed structure is what you need to prevent.

If you haven't already, check out this guide on How to build a deck.

Mitchell

[RSS]

@jeffl_au 

@MitchellMcraises some good points about drainage and airflow, I would recommend following Mitchell's points on this. 

I wouldn't recommend coating the underside of your joists as this will create a dish like affect to the joist.  It will allow water to pool and prevent airflow from drying the bottom of the joist.

RSS.

[jeffl_au]

thanks @MitchellMc (and sorry.. lots of questions!)

Where I plan to deck .. its a bit of a plateau (high point), and my deck stops where the land starts sloping downwards.

If I remove a bit of soil from the top say 50mm? and lay drainage gravel .. would that sufficient even though I don't have any pipes underneath to channel to water away to a drain?

Even without the deck today, I don't really see water pooling .. maybe only during heavy rain, but it seems to dry out pretty quickly..

thanks,

Jeff

[RSS]

@jeffl_auremoval of that top 50mm of soil would make a big difference, as the water is probably soaking in to that top 50mm and then running down the slope.  Removing the top 50mm, will also remove most of the grass/weeds and prevent them from growing back, especially with a bit of gravel.  The gravel will prevent the soil underneath from being washed away and you won't see the water sitting/flowing.  

For best result, don't put down the gravel until the posts are in.  Make sure there are no low areas next to the post, where you have compacted the soil down next.  You could use compacted soil to create a slope around the post, it doesn't have to be concrete as shown in picture.

[MitchellMc]

50mm is enough for the water to seep in, as @RSS has mentioned. It would always be best to have drainage to collect the water, but at a minimum, gravel is needed so pools of water don't splash back up and onto the underside of your decking and joists.

Mitchell