Deck Flashing

DEAR TIM: I want to add a deck to the back of a house. With the increased use of HEAVY metals in wood to increase rot resistance, I would like to find a source for both the flashing that goes behind the house siding, over the rim joist and down its side, thus protecting rain from getting behind the house siding and the joist connectors from corrosion. What do you recommend to achieve this goal and where would you go to purchase such items? Thanks. David, Federal Way, WA

DEAR DAVID: The best thing to use is pure copper. You can buy rolls of sheet copper at wholesalers that sell roofing supplies. Real roofers use copper to make all sorts of flashings and window pans.

The copper will perform flawlessly as it is completely compatible with the chemical in the new treated lumber. The liquid chemicals used in the treated lumber contain large amounts of copper. Copper is also easy to work with, and it is easy to solder if you need to create inside or outside corners or lap joints.

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