Get Started With UpSide

How to Install UpSide

Installing UpSide requires a bit of planning and prep work. Please be sure to follow all local building codes and ensure all instructions are followed in detail.

How to Install UpSide Deck Ceiling

Installation Photos & Instructions

Important Prep-Work!

Install Flashing

It is strongly recommended that flashing be installed behind the ledger board, if possible. Place metal flashing BETWEEN joists extending a minimum of 8″ from the ledger board to assure proper channeling of any water away from the house and into the channels. It is recommended that the sides of the flashing along the joists be caulked.

Fishing

Step 1

Establish Pitch With QIT

The purpose of the Quick Install Track (QIT) is to provide a mounting point for the UpSide system as well as set the pitch for the system. In most instances the QIT will need to be attached to the joist, perpendicular to the ledger board. On a square deck, it is recommended to start installing the QITs from the outer joist/ trim board and work in toward the center. On a non-square deck, start on either end of the longest consecutive distance widthwise. QITs will need to be installed with a pitch going away from the ledger board/house. Set the pitch. The pitch is the amount of slope required for the system. The recommended pitch is 1″ for 8′, 1½” for 12′, and 2” for 16’. Once you determine your pitch, you can mount the outer most QITs and start working your way in. To install the QIT: Attach the long leg of the QIT to the joist at the ledger board. The flange of the QIT (short leg) needs to be flush or slightly below the lowest joist. This is done to accommodate for uneven joists. Use the #10 x 1¼” hex head screws (longer screws) in the UPSD-QIT-HW hardware kit (sold separately) to mount the QIT. The system will “fall” from the mounting point at the ledger board toward the drainage end allowing water to flow away from the ledger board. Measure your pitch down from the bottom of the joist at the drainage end of the QIT. PRO TIP: Use a straightedge or string line to install the QITs. Once the QITs near the outside of the deck have been attached and the pitch has been set, use a straight edge or string line across the ledger board end and the drainage end to ensure that the remaining QITs are mounted correctly.

Step 2

Install Edge Trim

Place a length of Edge Trim against the side fascia board with the top edge against the bottom of the Quick Install Track (QIT). NOTE: The top edge of the Edge Trim is the single leg with the slots. The overall length of Edge Trim will be equal to the length of the main channels, which should extend into your gutter by at least 2″. For 12′ and 16′ channels, you will need to use more than one piece of Edge Trim. Keep the end of the Edge Trim 1/8″ away from the main structure, under the ledger board, to leave room for the C-Channel. Attach the Edge Trim with #6 non-corrosive screws (not provided). Next, install the Edge Trim on the other end of your deck in the same manner.

Starter Strips

Step 3

Attach Starter Strips to QIT

Starter strips are mounted to the Quick Install Track (QIT), perpendicular to the joists. Start by installing a Starter Strip on the ledger board end of the QIT, 4″ away from the ledger board. The Starter Strip should run the entire width of the deck between the outside trim boards. Place the Starter Strip against the QIT flanges and install with #10 x ¾” hex head self-drilling screws (provided in the UPSD-QIT-HW Hardware Kit). A groove in the center of the Starter Strip facilitates easier positioning of the screws. Keep the Starter Strips as straight as possible. Measure, cut, and install additional Starter Strips as needed. Starter Strips should be installed every 16″ On Center from the structure to the outside edge of the deck. The maximum space between Starter Strips is 20″. Butt ends of Starter Strips may not “hang in space”. They must be cut so that both ends attach to a QIT or they must be spliced. Butt ends must also be kept aligned. It is recommended to stagger butt joints between rows of QIT. PRO TIP: Cut a small piece of leftover QIT to bridge butt joints between joists.

Step 4

Install Glide Clips

Snap several Glide Clips onto each Starter Strip. Glide Clips hold the main Channels in place. There will be one Glide Clip at the intersection of each Starter Strip and each Channel. Glide Clips can be installed as you install Channels.

 

t=Total distance of deck between side fascia boards, in our example t=167.5″

w=the UpSide Channel width (6.05″)

First, determine the number of partial Channels needed: t (167.5″) ÷ w (6.05″) = c (27.7 total Channels required)

Subtract the partial Channel (p) and 1 full Channel (f) c – (.7+1)= f (26 full channels) and p (1.7 partial Channels)

Now that you know the number of partial Channels needed, determine the width of the first Channel: [p (1.7) x w (6.05″)] ÷ 2 = u (5.1425″)

Round u to the nearest 1/8″ u (5.1425″) = 5 1/8″ u (5 1/8″) – 1/4″ (Edge Trim clearance) = x (4 7/8) x (4 7/8″) is the width of the first Channel in our example.

Step 5

Snap Channels Into Glide Clips

Determine width of first Channel. To ensure you will be able to fit the first and last Channels, you will need to determine the partial width of the first Channel. See our example calculation at right.

The first Channel will need to be cut lengthwise to fit into the Edge Trim. Be sure to leave enough room for the gutter system. The channels should extend into the gutter by at least 2″. This is needed to keep water from “wicking” back. The Channel length should also be equal to the total length of the Edge Trim. Mark the width, as determined by your calculations on the first Channel from the inner edge of the “U” (See fig “FIRST CHANNEL”). You will be cutting off the “Arrow”. Rip cut the first Channel and remove any sharp edges or burrs.

Install the first Channel. Starting near the ledger board, slide the first Channel between the 2 legs on the Edge Trim. Continue to push the first Channel into the Edge Trim until it is completely seated in place. Leave about 1/8″ gap between your main structure, under the ledger board, for the C-Channel. Snap the “U” of the first Channel into a Glide Clip on each Starter Strip.

Once the first Channel is installed, cut 2 full channels to length and install. Start near the ledger board and engage the “Arrow” into the “U” (See fig “FULL CHANNEL”). Snap the “U” into additional Glide Clips. Keep the end of each Channel 1/8″ away from the main structure, under the ledger board.

Once you reach the last Channel, measure the distance between the “U” on your last full installed Channel and the fascia trim board, subtract 1/4″, then cut the last Channel to length. Mark the last Channel from the “Arrow”, you will be removing the “U” part of the Channel. (See fig “LAST CHANNEL”). Rip cut the last Channel and remove any sharp edges and burrs. Insert the last Channel between the 2 legs on the Edge Trim. Insert the “Arrow” into the last full Channel to complete your UpSide installation.

Step 6

Install C-Channel

Slide a C-Channel between your main structure and your previously installed Channels/Edge Trim. The C-Channel does not attach with fasteners, it is a friction fit on the Channels. Tap all installed Channels toward main structure to fully seat into the C-Channel. Continue cutting Channels to length and installing into the C-Channel. As you near the end, cut the C-Channel 1/8″ short of the fascia trim board.

This will leave room to install the Edge Trim at that end of the Deck. Continue installing Channels until you get to the final Channel. You will need to rip the edge off of the last Channel at the appropriate width and install it into the Edge Trim. Now, you are ready to install your third-party gutter system.