Gap Between Siding And Deck
Spacing on a deck refers to the small edge to edge gap between decking boards not the ends of the boards.
Gap between siding and deck. When temperatures are between 40 f and 75 f leave 1 4 inch gaps. They reccomend using vinyl side out when using flashing with decking. 3 16 gap at butt joints between horizontal sections and where the siding meets doors windows and corner trim. Basically it is an air gap created between the outer wall and the inner wall of a structure.
The eighth inch spacing provides for a safer surface for walking. Generally an acceptable gap between deck boards is between 1 8 inch and 1 4 inch. Adhesive flashing over the top of the framing helps protect the framing and seals around the screw holes but it potentially makes things worse for the decking. Smaller gaps also mean less airflow.
In the old days the builder would install the trim bring the siding up to it and caulk the corner. Now i realize that i need to leave a 2 minimum gap between decking and hardiplank siding which means 2 of gray vinyl flashing will be visible. Anchor deck joists to the ledger with joist hangers filling each hole with galvanized joist hanger nails rated for pressure treated wood. Trim boards that sit on top the siding.
Gap between the end of the ledger and the ends of siding and fill it with high quality exterior caulk to keep water from leaking behind the ends of the ledger. Below 20 f go for 3 8 inch gaps. Both sizes have their pros and cons. I have flashed my deck ledger board with that 2 sided copper vinyl stuff.
Adjust for the extra 1 16 inch at the interim temperatures. Leave a gap between the decking board closest to the house and. Smaller gaps mean fewer trip hazards or opportunities for high heels or a child s fingers to get caught in the cracks. By putting up an external siding wall and stepping it off from the inner wall by even as little as 3 8 of you prevent the outside moisture from ever reaching the inside wall in the first place.
The nail heads should be driven to the top of the siding only and not below where visible product fibers can be seen. Without the right deck spacing the boards may expand cup and buckle out of place. This keeps the siding out of debris that may collect in the inside corner of the flashing and prevents mold from growing on it. On most new homes the trim goes up after the siding is installed which creates a large gap that should not be caulked.
Siding for deck builders reusing what you remove keeps the job green and saves the trouble and expense of matching the finish.