Installation Instructions
for Decks with 16" On Center Joist Spacing
The DrySpace System consists of Three Parts.
Ledger F-Bracket |
Joist Cover
(with integral V-Panel installation brackets) |
V-Panel |
DrySpace installation is easiest with two people.
- This DrySpace system is designed for 16" o/c joist spacing. A 2x6 filler board can be installed to accomodate
joist spacing up to 18" o/c. The open space between the joists should not be more than 15" (Fig. A)
- Installation of DrySpace must stop a minimum of three inches before the fascia board. This allows water to exit the DrySpace panel and provide for ventilation.
- DrySpace must be installed so that water runs away from the house.
- Appliances, such as dryers and exhaust fans, should not be vented into the space between the deck surface and DrySpace panels.
Figure A |
Figure B |
STEP 1 - Determining the Correct Installation Pitch
| DrySpace must be installed with a pitch. To determine the correct pitch, see Fig. B. Mark the correct pitch on each side of the joist with a chalk line.
Measure from the bottom of the joist (Fig. C). A 16’ long Joist Cover installation will have an overall downward pitch of 2" from the house to the front
of the deck. The pitch must be directed away from the house. |
Figure C |
STEP 2 - Ledger F-Bracket Installation
| Cut the Ledger F-Bracket 1/4" shorter than the joist opening. Measure 1 1/2” from the bottom of the joist (Fig. D). Then fasten the Ledger F-Bracket to the
ledger board by driving 1" galvanized roofing nails (or deck screws) in the center of the nail slots. Do not overdrive the fastener, but make sure the Ledger F-Bracket is
firmly secured. |
Figure D |
STEP 3 - Installing Joist Covers
NOTE: The Joist Cover includes integral brackets on each side to insert and hold the V-Panel. Joist cover must stop at beam.
3a - Measure joist length. Then cut the DrySpace Joist Cover 1" shorter than the joist.
NOTE: To ensure a straight clean cut, place a scrap piece of 2x4 wood inside the Joist Cover. Cut with a miter saw (Fig. D)
3b - Slide each DrySpace Joist Cover over the joist bottom. Make sure the integral V-Panel Brackets on the outside of the Joist Cover overlap the Ledger F-Bracket (Fig. E).
Slide the lower leg of the Ledger F-Bracket into the Joist cover outside V-Panel Brackets. Align the top edge to the pitch chalk line.
3c - Nail the Joist Cover in place with 1" galvanized roofing nails in the provided nail slots. Nail both sides of the Joist Cover. NOTE: Nail tight, but don’t overdrive the nail.
Figure E |
Figure F |
Figure G |
Outside Joist Cover Installation
3d - For the two outside deck joists, the outside integral V-Panel Bracket must be removed. Trim what will be the outside portion of the Joist Cover by making a score line under the V-Panel
Bracket with a utility knife (Fig. F). Then, snap off the section with the integral V-Panel Bracket (Fig G.). Install the trimmed Joist Cover as outlined in Steps 3a, b, and c. for the
inside portion of the bracket (Fig. H). This piece can be trimmed with a piece of lumber.
Figure H |
Figure I |
Figure J |
Need to install Joist Covers on a double joist?
Remove any nails or obstructions that might be in the bottom 1 3/4" of the doubled joist. Make a 1 1/2" deep saw cut along the entire bottom of the double joist (Fig. I).
Trim what will be the inside leg of two Joist Covers just below the brackets for V-Panel installation (Fig. J).
Note: Notch (with a utility knife) 1 1/2" of both Joist Cover legs near each end. Notching the legs will help lock the combined Joist Covers in the saw cut at both ends of the cut. Check the fit of the trimmed Joist Covers.
Tape the two cut legs together with butyl rubber tape to create a sealed joint (Fig K). Then install into the saw cut. Make sure the Joist Covers follow the chalk pitch line. Nail in place (Step 3c). NOTE: Decks with a triple joist
or other obstacles will not allow use of the DrySpace Joist Cover in those areas.
Figure K |
Figure L |
3f - Apply butyl rubber tape as shown in (Fig. L) to the following areas:
- Over the corners where the F-Brackets overlap
- Along the top edge of the Ledger F-Bracket making sure to cover the F Bracket nail slots.
Panel Installation
