Snake Skin: Deck Tape Alternative or guaranteed Rot?

[40V-Apprentice]

Hi there,

I’ve made a deck for my parents and was going to use deck tape for the first time. The Bunnings near me had rolls of the 45mm Protectadeck but not the wider 90mm for my bearers. I want to  try using snake skin plastic damp proof course cut to about 190mm strips, nailed to the top of the bearers and folded over and nailed to the sides of the bearers. 

Am I making a mistake? Should I just try and search out wider joist tape elsewhere or just not cover the bearers in anything?

I’d hate to inadvertently cause this deck to deteriorate more rapidly in trying to prevent it!

-Dan

Thanks in advance for your help.

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @40V-Apprentice. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about deck tape.

Using plastic damp proof course (DPC) for covering the bearers is not necessarily a mistake, but it’s not the most ideal choice. DPC is typically designed to prevent moisture from rising up through the ground into the timber, and while it can work as a moisture barrier, it may not provide the same long-term durability and flexibility that deck-specific joist tape does.

Deck tapes, like the Protectadeck, are specifically designed to seal the timber from moisture and protect the structure from rot, especially in areas where water is most likely to accumulate, such as at the junction between the deck boards and the bearers. These tapes also allow for movement and expansion, which is important for the longevity of your deck. 

If you’re unable to find the wider 90mm tape locally, our team at the Special Orders desk in-store can make enquiries to see if they can order it for you or have it transferred from a nearby store.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell