Plywood Rot
Plywood Rot and Copper Flashing Question
I saw your deck flashing “how to” on your blog. Thanks for the tutorial, it has been very helpful. I’m in the process of doing something similar on the deck of 1920 cedar shingled four square in Dorchester. I have two questions for you: 1) Where did you get your copper flashing from? 2) Do you handle small jobs?
I’ve laid down Grace Vycor over the ledger and am getting ready to put down 3oz. copper flashing. I bought an 8″ roll and bent a right angle so 6″ goes up against the side of the house and the 2″ sits atop of the ledger. Do you consider 3 oz. heavy enough considering the weather we get here? If not, any recommendations on where to pick up flashing?
In pulling the rotting shingling off the house I’ve found that the sheathing directly under the threshold is damp to the touch. My guess is that the the corner weaving is tired and compromised and/or the head flashing over the door no longer works. I’m not sure I have the time or the expertise to handle the door job at this time. Are you interested in taking a look at it?
Regards,
Will Allen
Hi Will,
Thanks for your questions.
The copper you’re describing sounds like ledger flashing that my lumberyard sells to cover the new pressure treated lumber. I don’t like using it and feel it’s too thin.
I buy my copper in Waltham at Harvey Industries. I buy their 10 ounce 3’x 8′ sheets. 16 Ounce Copper Sheets or 24 gauge is a heavy weight copper sheet often referred to as “roofing copper” or “roofing flashing.” It weighs approximately 1 pound per square foot. It’s often used for roofing and flashing, various art and craft projects, DIY projects such as back splashes, counter tops and range hoods.
The problem with you using the gauge copper is that you will need a metal brake to bend it.
You mention that the plywood is damp. If you take a nail punch or screw driver and jab it into the plywood does it go through?
I also recommend using the Vycor on the corners under your shingle weave as a redundancy weather layer.
Unfortunately I do not travel out your way but I know several reliable contractors who do. Email me for their names.
