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A Guide to Vinyl Deck Installation on Your Home

Redoing the vinyl decking on your home is a project that can transform your outdoor space. In this blog post, we'll walk you through some of the process of installing a new vinyl membrane.


Preparation:


The first step in the installation process is to prepare the area by removing any existing materials. This may include dismantling old railings, removing old vinyl decking, and inspecting the underlying plywood for any signs of rot or damage. If rotten plywood is discovered, it will need to be replaced to ensure a solid foundation for the new vinyl decking.


Surface Preparation:


Once the old materials have been removed and any necessary repairs have been made, the plywood surface is sanded to create an even base for the vinyl decking. This step is essential for ensuring a smooth feeling finish. This process does not change the slope of the deck. Vinyl lays to the contour of the surface below. If you have puddling or slope issues this requires a further conversation. 



Installation of Drip Edge Flashing:


Next, drip edge flashing is installed around the perimeter of the deck to provide proper termination for the vinyl decking, it also continues the envelope of the deck covering over the facia board below. Our standard flashing runs down 2.5 inches. A helpful tip is to add a 1”x2” to the perimeter of the deck. This kicks out the flashing further away from the fascia below preventing dripping water from hitting the fascia. 


Filling Cracks and Small Deficiencies:


Before laying the vinyl decking, any small cracks or imperfections in the plywood surface are filled. This step helps to create a smooth surface for the vinyl.


Laying Vinyl:


With the preparation work complete, it's time to lay the vinyl decking. The vinyl sheets are carefully measured, ordered and cut to fit the dimensions of the deck. The vinyl is then glued down to the plywood surface. View our vinyl swatch options here!





Seaming Vinyl:


When installing vinyl decking, seams are crucial for ensuring a watertight seal where sheets of vinyl overlap. These seams are carefully welded or vulcanized to create a strong and durable bond. Typically, the overlap between sheets is 3/4 of an inch, and given that vinyl comes in 6-foot-wide widths, you'll notice a seam approximately every 6 feet, depending on the orientation of the vinyl on the deck.


Caulking and Finishing Touches:


After the vinyl decking is welded, any necessary caulking is applied to seal exposed or vulnerable areas. preventing water penetration and ensuring a waterproof seal. This can include the termination points on the end of the deck or under a door., Additionally, clip is installed on the drip edge flashing to provide a finished look and added protection preventing the vinyl from curling up.


Final Inspection:


Once the installation is complete, a final lookover is done to ensure that no items were missed and that the deck meets our quality standards. Any remaining debris or materials are cleared away, leaving behind a clean and beautiful vinyl deck ready for enjoyment. You can read reviews from our many happy customers here!





In conclusion, we want to find a solution that fits your needs. We understand the importance of creating a space that is safe, maintenance-free, beautiful, and waterproof. Don't hesitate to reach out to us—we'd be delighted to hear from you and explore how we can help. Get a quote by filling out our form here.

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