JOIST JACKETS
What is a joist jacket?
It’s a flashing system for decks, stairs and other outdoor wood structures subject to rot due to exposure of water.

What is it made of?
It’s a semi-rigid PVC shaped to fit three common sizes of joists.

How is it used?
It is placed on top of the joist and is preformed to fold down over the first 1¼” of the wood, protecting it from water. It bends around the curves and caps the joist ends. Then it is stapled in place. Decking is laid on top and fastened down with screws or nails.

Doesn’t the water still follow the screws into the wood?
No. Joist Jackets® will self-seal and close up around the screw or nail. If you take the nail or screw out, the material closes up and repels water as before.

Does it let the wood breathe?
Yes. The vulnerable tops and ends of the joists are protected but the sides are open so no moisture can be trapped. We’ve looked under test structures years later and the wood looks brand new.

Will paint or stain hurt it?
No. In fact it is easily painted or stained making the underside of a balcony or second story deck as pleasing in appearance as the top surface.

If you are using pressure treated lumber, why go the extra expense of installing Joist Jackets®?
First off, Joist Jackets® is inexpensive and easy to install even for a do-it-yourselfer. All it takes is a pair of scissors and a staple gun. Anyone can do it!

Second, there are a lot of disadvantages with pressure treated lumber, not the least of which is the toxins associated with it. Cutting in that stuff leaves you breathing dust laden with chemicals. Once you pierce the surface with a screw or a nail, you are directing water in the heart of the wood. Pressure treating only protects the exterior to a minimum depth.

So, Joist Jackets® is environmentally friendly and seals the surface of the wood. It adds to the life of the wood project by reducing the need for expensive repairs or replacement. Joist Jackets® reduces the need for harvesting more timber which ultimately will then rot out and need replacing.

What are the other advantages to Joist Jackets®?
Joist Jackets® provides a great sound-deadening quality so when you have a group of people gathered on your deck or climbing the stairs, it’s quieter.

How long does it last?
Basically, it will last for a very long time. It withstands extreme temperatures – doesn’t freeze and crack or melt or balloon. It self seals and is non-toxic. Also, bugs don’t like it.

Even synthetic decking that is reported to be practically impermeable for decking, for instance, the joists holding it up are sponges for water that will then cause rot. Joist Jackets® may be the most effective and least expensive ‘insurance’ for your deck.

How big is a roll?
A roll is 50 feet long. It comes in widths to match the size of the joists you are using.

How much does it cost?
You can protect an 8’ X 10’ deck for about $100*. (*Product only. Doesn’t include sales taxes or shipping.)

Where is it available?
It is available at a number of retail outlets or can be ordered online or by phone and shipped to you.

A.C.Q.
What is A.C.Q?
A.C.Q. stands for Alkaline Cooper Quaternary (see more indepth discussion to the left). Many decks today are built with the new ACQ pressure treated wood. If you are using either aluminum or light steel ledger flashing with new pressure treated wood, then corrosion can be 2 to 5 times higher than with old acid treated wood.

What can be done to solve the ACQ problem?
Use Ledger Jackets™ which is a deck ledger-flashing product.

LEDGER JACKETS™
What is a Ledger Jacket™?
Ledger Jackets™ are designed to  easily cover a ledger board and fit under the siding.

What is it made of?
Ledger Jackets™ are made of self-sealing, semi-rigid PVC and provides protection from rot damage. The preformed shape of the ACQ-friendly flashing installs easily and keeps water from penetrating between the house structure and the ledger board.

Why do I need Ledger Jackets™?
The wood that your house is built from is not pressure treated. When a screw or nail is driven through into the housing structure, it gives water a path to flow. After a period of time, your wood begins rotting from the inside out causing the deck to separate from the house or collapse all together. Either way, repairs are very costly.

When you use Ledger Jackets™ in conjunction with Joist Jackets® all areas of your joist and supports will be protected from rot. This adds years to the life of your wood structure.

How expensive are Ledger Jackets™?
Ledger Jacket™ will typically cost you about the price of a gallon of deck sealer.

Is it difficult to install?
Ledger Jackets™ are available in 20-foot rolls. It is easily cut using household scissors. The Ledger Jackets’™ pre-formed shape easily slide onto the ledger and is then secured with staples. Ledger Jackets™ will automatically seal itself around staples and nails so moisture will not pass through.

Where can I get Ledger Jackets™?
It is available at a number of retail outlets or can be ordered online or by phone and shipped to you. Check out Where to Buy for more information.