Yes, DryJoist was designed to be compatible with ACQ treated lumber. It is produced with a barrier coating (a special powder-coat paint applied at the mill) to prevent ACQ contact with the bare aluminum. As a matter of fact, an aluminum decking product we manufacture called Ariddek has been used with ACQ since this lumber treatment was introduced a few years ago and can be found on some of the country’s most pretigious boat dock systems. www.WahooDocks.com

Other building products that are not compatible with ACQ recommend simply adding a felt paper or PVC barrier (sheets or strips) to prevent contact with ACQ treated lumber. The point here is that it is not difficult to use other standard metal components such as uncoated aluminum or uncoated steel while ACQ is still the standard pressure treatment for lumber.

Decking fastener manufacturers understand the issues with ACQ and have development stainless steel, coated steel and electroplated screw fasteners specifically for use with ACQ.

ACQ will soon be replaced with another treatment that is friendly to standard building materials such a aluminum, steel and steel coatings. There are mills and manufacturers that already produce and sell non-ACQ treated lumber. More can be read about these new treatments and products in web articles on the same subject.

Yes, we suggest approximately 1/8” downward pitch per foot (away from the house). This is a minimal pitch that will not be visible to the naked eye, but provides a generous slope for water to drain away from the structure. The 2”x2” Water Channel provides ample drainage and is capable of handling heavy rainfall.

Yes. DryJoist meets or exceeds the specifications and guidelines for aluminum structures as recommended by AA ADM 1 and required by the International Building Code - 2006.

Building Code Requirements – International Building Code – 2006

CHAPTER 16 – STRUCTURAL DESIGN
SECTION 1604 GENERAL DESIGN REQUIREMENTS
1604.3.5 Aluminum. The deflection of aluminum structural members shall not exceed that permitted by AA ADM1.
CHAPTER 20 – ALUMINUM
SECTION 2002 MATERIALS
2002.1 General. Aluminum used for structural purposes in buildings and structures shall comply with AA ASM 35 and AA ADM 1. The nominal loads shall be the minimum design
loads required by Chapter 16.
AA ASM 35
Aluminum Sheet Metal Work in Building Construction (Fourth Edition):
SCOPE: These specifications shall apply to the proper use of aluminum in roofing, flashing and other sheet metal work in building construction. They are not intended to cover the details or specifications of proprietary or pre-formed sheet metal systems or products, such as horizontal siding, fascia and soffit systems, curtain wall systems, corrugated or ribbed roofing and siding, etc.
(NOT APPLICABLE TO DRYJOIST AS THE SYSTEM IS STRUCTURAL)
AA ADM 1
Aluminum Design Manual: Part 1-A Aluminum Structures, Allowable Stress Design; and Part 1-B - Aluminum Structures, Load and Resistance Factor Design of Buildings and Similar Type Structures
SCOPE: The Aluminum Design Manual includes aluminum structural design specifications and accompanying commentary, a supplemental design guide, material properties, section properties, design aid tables and graphs, illustrative design examples and guidelines for aluminum sheet metal work in building construction.

(DRYJOIST MEETS OR EXCEEDS THE SPECIFICATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR ALUMINUM STRUCTURES AS RECOMMENDED BY AA ADM 1 AND REQUIRED BY THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE - 2006)

Yes. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the correct hidden fastener method when installing your decking boards.

Installing gutters or downspouts are not required although they can be installed if you would like to incorporate your deck with your landscape architecture and design.