With every deck we build, whether its timber or composite, we always use Joist Tape.
When the deck gets laid, the screws enter the joists from the board, giving water a highway into the centre of the joist. This will advance rot, due to the water penetrating deep into the wood and freezing in the winter months.
To prevent this, we use TrexProtect™ Joist tape. This is a butyl based tape, that acts like a chewing gum, sealing the screw as it penetrates so the water cannot get in to rot.
This gives you peace of mind and a 25 year warranty to match!