Critical performance standards for deck safety anticipated this Fall

NORFOLK, Neb. - Sept. 18, 2016 - PRLog -- Fall is in the air, but cooler temps are not the only thing the local lumberyard is anticipating. The American Wood Products Association (AWPA) met earlier this year and proposed changes in the above ground standard that require the use of wood treated for ground contact (UC4A) for Residential Deck Beams, Support Posts where the "components are critical to the performance and safety of the entire structure and are considered difficult to replace" http://www.lbmjournal.com/awpa-revises-standards-for-treated-wood-usage/

This change has brought up the discussion of how an underdeck could effect the underside of a deck. Could it create ground-level conditions for joists built with above-ground lumber? Many well intentioned cost cutters will try to adapt soffit or other material not made for specifically for underdecking which can cause debris to accumulate and restrict water flow causing pooling. Often times copy-cat systems seal the underdeck panels so they cannot be removed and restrict air-flow needed to keep the wood deck dry.

Zip-Up Underdecking is engineered specifically for underdecking and will not produce ground contact conditions for decks.

Zip-Up Underdecking is designed to address these issues and remove water away from the home and away from the deck itself. From the 2 inch drop rail to the easily removable panels that take water away through a properly pitched gutter system. As noted in the NADRA notes by Joel Moneyhan an underdeck system should "enhance the living space and add enjoyment to the home".  http://www.nadrablog.com/?p=2947

While speaking about these new updates Van Conners with Zip-Up noted "We are confident that when properly installed, Zip-Up Underdeck will do just that - add enjoyment to the home while enhancing a healthy outdoor living space."