At just over 3 pounds each, UnderDeck Shield panels are light and easy to handle. Still, an extra set of hands makes everything go faster—fewer trips up and down the ladder, and someone there to hold the panel while you fasten it. Two people, two cordless drills? That’s the sweet spot.
For topside and underside installs, a staple gun or hammer tacker can be a real lifesaver, especially if the wind kicks up. As you set the panels in place, a few staples will keep everything from shifting until the decking goes down.
Take a closer look and you’ll notice a row of evenly spaced dimples along the edge of each panel. Those dimples show you exactly where to place fasteners for an underside install. No guessing. No “one more for good measure.” Just follow the dimples and you’ll get a clean install that holds perfectly.
If your deck has a non-standard space between joists—anything other than 16" on center—the panels will need to be adjusted. To do this, cut each panel along one of the ribs, then slide the sections together until the gap is fully covered. Once aligned, secure the panels with staples, followed by screws, and apply sealant along the overlapping seam.