A customer wants to replace his 3/4″ fir decking with 5/4″ composite. He’d like the new decking to fit close to the house sheathing with the house clapboard overlapping the new decking. He suggested removing the first 2 courses of clapboard around the perimeter of the deck where the deck meets the house in order that the new 1/2″ higher decking can be fitted close to the house. He then wants the clapboard replaced (with new clapboard that’s 1/2″ less tall than the old clapboard). This will allow the clapboard to cover the seam where the 5/4″ meets the side of the house/sheathing.
I’m reluctant to mess with the clapboard that sits on top of the existing 3/4″ decking. I could see myself inadvertently damaging the flashing when removing the bottom courses of clapboard. I wonder if we’d be better off to rip the edge of the new 5/4″ deck plank that will be sitting next to the house so that the angle of the 5/4 deck plank will match the angle of the clapboard and therefore fit more snugly to the house. Maybe this would create the desired effect of a less visible seam between deck and house without risking new ways for water to enter after replacing the bottom course of clapboard.
I’m open to suggestions.
Thanks,
D
Replies
That's an area that you want to be able to clean and have it get plenty of air. I keep the siding 3/4 off the decking.
Do you leave a 3/4" gap next to the deck and the siding AND a 3/4" gap above the deck and the siding?
No....you definetly want the siding to overlap the decking...for both appearance and weather resistance.
Just be very careful when removing bottom course. You shouldn't do any damage to flashing. In fact, it's a good opportunity to ensure the flashing was done properly in the first place.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Thanks, I think the gap would have been tough to sell to the owner.
sounds like a good job for a jamb saw.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Yep.. jamb saw or multimaster (or cheaper spin-offs from one of the many other brands). Lay a strip of the new decking as a guide agaist the siding and cut the siding to fit. No removing anything and a perfect fit guaranteed. Just be careful not to cut the flashing. That's what I'd do.~ Ted W ~
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