I am having an existing deck/porch that is attached to my home repaired/replaced due to termite and water damage. I told the guys to replace any damaged wood they thought necessary. The replaced the ledger, but after the fact I realize there should have been some type of water shedding(tyvek) underlayment behind it. But it's too late now its done. Going forward, looking for best ideas to flash the ledger so water will not seep in and rot it again. Here are things I thought of. The lumber is PT for ground.
- Spray whole board with rainguard(its on order).
- Caulk/fill seams on top bottom with some type of roof sealant(henrys/gaco roof)
- Fashion/Shape a piece of joist tape(i have imus butyl 4/5 inch) into the top like a metal L flashing.
- Put Z metal flashing over that sealed with Loctite joint and seam and screws.
- Paint over with liquid rubber/mesh.
Now, some of the steps may or can be eliminated like step 5, but it seems like a good idea.
The thing I am thinking about is the metal flashing.
Should I use vinyl, or use some type of "copper" tape that they sell?enter image description here
I have attached pictures.enter image description here
Update:
Thanks for all answers. I basically am "duplicating" protection as its only a 20 ft run of PT. My decisions: 1. fill the crack between the ledger and house(plaster) with filler rope and through the roof sealant, which I have used before. I like it. Clear and dries like urethane or something.
2 Paint the ledger with GACO roof tape(similar to liquid rubber but silicon) 3. Install plastic Z flashing over ledger sticking on with loctite roof cement, and then seal the seam on top with mesh and the GACO. (I had to order a case of 40 plastic Z flashings online..I COULD not find anything in stock anywhere in the universe, including the big box stores…they are all out, and have no idea about shipments. Their is a big time shortage of certain items right now….I figure I will be able to sell the extra on craigslist, since I had to pay $200 for a case. I only need probably 5. But I could not waste any more time searching for the items…crazy.
Update 3/29
Here is my final solution. Caulk the gap between the ledger and house with through the roof. Add strip of 3" 3M flashing tape over that(since I had it)…install metal z flashing and glue with liquid nails fuze it max…eventually I will just paint over before decking is installed. I think its pretty secure at this point.
enter image description here
Update : Another use for 3M flashing tape…around edges of plywood sheathing flat roof. My underlayment will go over this..then my drip edge.
Best Answer
Typically, an aluminum or galvanized "z flashing" as you called it, would be installed under the siding, over the top of the ledger and down the upper lip a little. Decking is installed on top of this flashing.
(Diagram not to scale)
Done this way there is no need for any of the other products you mentioned unless you have moisture or insect concerns from below the ledger.
I would not use vinyl or copper tape for this, any cracks will prevent it from working properly so it needs to be very durable.