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Optimizing Labor Costs with CAMO Structural Screws

When you’re building something that needs to last, strength is non-negotiable—but managing costs is just as important. Labor costs can quickly put a dent in your budget, but CAMO Structural Screws are here to help. With superior holding power and features designed to speed up the job, these screws are a smart and strategic choice for all your projects.

Faster, Easier Construction with CAMO Structural Screws 

CAMO Structural Screws are built to simplify your work, boost efficiency, and cut down on labor costs. Here’s how they do it:

No Pre-Drilling
One of the biggest time-savers is the ability to skip pre-drilling altogether. CAMO Structural Screws cut through wood with ease, thanks to their sharp points and unique design that minimizes splitting. Whether you’re framing or installing ledger boards, these screws let you move faster by eliminating extra prep work. Plus, less splitting means less material waste.

Easy Installation
These screws are designed with ease of use in mind. The Star Drive head reduces cam-out, meaning fewer stripped screws and less time wasted. Plus, CAMO includes the power bits you need, so you’re always ready to get the job done without fumbling for the right tool.

Exceptional Holding Power
CAMO Structural Screws are all about strength. Their deep threads and consistent thickness provide a solid grip for maximum holding power with fewer screws. When every screw does its part—and then some—to keep your structure rock-solid, your work is sped up and your overall fastener costs are cut down.

Built to Last
Featuring CAMO’s proprietary PROTECH Ultra 4 coating, these screws are built to last. CAMO Structural Screws are the only screw coating on the market tested to ASTM G198 standard, which required 2X longer testing and 3X more samples than industry standard. The advanced corrosion resistance minimizes the risk of future issues, helping you and your customers avoid unexpected repairs, replacements, and labor costs down the road.

The Right CAMO Structural Screw for Every Job

When you’re on-site, having the right fasteners is everything. CAMO offers a complete range of Structural Screws, each designed to tackle specific tasks with efficiency and strength. Whether you’re framing, securing ledger boards, or installing multi-ply beams, there’s a CAMO screw to get the job done faster and better—so you can keep moving forward without missing a beat.

  • Framing Screws: Ideal for quickly assembling walls, floors, and other structural elements, these screws are designed for fast, reliable connections in both indoor and outdoor framing. Their deep threads and sharp points drive easily through various materials, reducing the time spent on securing studs or joists. With no need for pre-drilling, they make framing faster and more efficient, helping you meet deadlines without compromising strength.
  • Ledger + Multi-Ply Screws: Designed to streamline ledger board and multi-ply installations, these screws save time by eliminating the need for pre-drilling, even through dense materials. The sharp point and aggressive thread design quickly engage multiple layers of plywood or engineered beams for faster, more secure connections. By providing high holding power in fewer steps, these screws also reduce the need for additional fasteners like lag screws or bolts, simplifying installations.
  • Multi-Purpose Screws: Available in both Flat Head and Hex Head options, these versatile screws are built to handle a wide range of scenarios from deck posts and beams to general structural applications. Their high-strength design provides secure connections and eliminates the need for specialized fasteners like lag screws and through bolts, simplifying your work for quicker, more cost-effective installations.
  • Truss Screws: Designed specifically for truss applications, these screws feature a cylinder head that easily countersinks for a flush finish. The full threading ensures a strong, reliable hold without the need for pre-drilling, even in dense materials. Perfect for fastening trusses, rafters, or other load-bearing elements, these screws deliver high holding power while streamlining the installation process.

Save with CAMO Structural Screws

CAMO Structural Screws are designed to make your job faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. With no need for pre-drilling and easy installation, you’ll reduce labor time and increase productivity, all while ensuring lasting durability. For your next project, trust CAMO to deliver the strength, speed, and savings you need.

How to Prevent Deck Substructure Rot with Joist Tape

5 Simple steps to make your deck framing last just as long as your boards. 

These days a common goal with deck building is to install long-lasting boards that require little maintenance so homeowners can simply enjoy their outdoor living space. Popular composite boards even boast 30-year warranties. While your boards can go the distance, you have to ask the question: can the deck substructure?

If you’re using steel framing, then the answer is yes. However, most of the market uses pressure treated lumber for the substructure, and for good reason. It’s more readily available, accessible, and affordable, and great fastening systems make for easy connections. But the life expectancy of pressure treated lumber is around 15 years.

Luckily, there are 5 simple steps to follow that will help you prevent rot and extend the life of your deck substructure so you can enjoy your deck for decades to come.

  1. Prepare Your Framing

You will have to cut your treated lumber to the correct size for your project. The treatment in pressure treated lumber is only on the surface level, so as soon as you cut the lumber, the cut end is susceptible to water and insect rot.

To ensure proper treatment of your lumber, make your cuts and immediately use a sealant to treat the cut ends. Liberally applying a sealant will preserve the lumber and seal out moisture it comes in contact with.

  1. Properly Flash the Ledger Board

It’s critical to prevent water and moisture buildup where the deck connects to the house through the ledger board. Fine Homebuilding lays out a step-by-step process to properly install and flash the ledger board, but you should always check with local building codes for what is required in your area.

Typically, after removing the home’s siding, you will want to apply flashing tape to the house wrap, then secure your ledger board. Flashing tape ensures that water won’t get into the sheathing, as the tape will self-seal around the fasteners. Additionally, you can use more flashing tape on the top of the ledger board to direct water away from the house or use a combination of tape and metal or vinyl flashing strips.

  1. Use Joist Tape

Since water can get trapped between the deck boards and the joists, a simple and affordable preventative measure is using joist tape. This flexible flashing membrane acts as a moisture barrier wherever water could pool. 

There are various options on the market, but CAMO Joist + Ledger Deck Tape delivers reliable and affordable moisture protection for both deck joists and ledgers. It features a high-performance butyl hybrid adhesive with a high-strength non-slip polypropylene backing. CAMO Deck Tape will self-seal around nails and fasteners, blocking water from entering the wood and preventing wood rot and lumber breakdown. CAMO Deck Tape is made in the USA, backed by a 20-year warranty, and is available in three widths for job site convenience.

Plus, it’s super easy to install. Just ensure the surfaces are clean and dry, then peel back the release paper, apply the tape to the surface and press it into place, cutting the tape at your desired length. With joists, make sure the tape overhangs the side of the joist. Be sure to cover multi-ply beams and blocking entirely, and don’t forget the rim joist. Covering the rim joist will prevent moisture and rot between it and the fascia boards.

  1. For Elevated Decks, Install a Drainage System

If your deck is elevated and you have livable space underneath that you want to utilize, consider installing an under-deck drainage system. These systems completely cover the joists and act as gutters for your deck, keeping the space below dry. Just be sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, or water may be able to seep through the seams and still penetrate the wood framing.

  1. Install Boards Correctly and Maintain Them

This step may seem like a no-brainer, but installing your boards with the correct spacing will allow for airflow and drainage of water and debris between your boards and joists. Place your boards too tightly, and you’re inviting unwanted debris to build up in the gaps, which will lead to rot.

In addition to proper installation, regularly sweeping away dirt, debris, and leaves and washing composite boards with warm soapy water a couple of times a year will preserve the life of your deck. The same applies to wood decking, but you’ll want to go the extra mile to clean, stain, or seal your deck so the boards don’t crack, split, or rot.

In the grand scheme of your deck build, some solutions like joist tape add only a few dollars to your project but are the most effective insurance to avoid substructure rot. Go the extra mile and follow these steps to build a better deck and protect your investment for years to come.

Creating a Floating Deck? Use CAMO BLOCK for Easy Installation

Building a floating deck is a great way to add extra outdoor living space without the hassle of digging or pouring concrete—and CAMO BLOCK makes it even better. These innovative blocks replace and outperform traditional cement block footings, providing a superior foundation for your free-standing deck project. Count on CAMO BLOCK for situations where traditional footings aren’t an option, and complete your new deck quickly while preserving your existing landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time DIYer, CAMO BLOCK foundation blocks make it easy to get your floating deck project off the ground fast and with total confidence.

CAMO BLOCK: The Lightweight, Heavy-Duty Solution

CAMO BLOCK takes the hassle out of creating a solid foundation for your floating deck. With lightweight convenience and impressive strength, it’s designed to save you time, effort, and frustration—providing a foundation that’s easier to handle and install than traditional cement blocks, while delivering exceptional performance. Here’s what makes CAMO BLOCK the top choice in deck blocks:

  • Easy-to-Handle: Stackable and weighing just 2.16 lbs., CAMO BLOCK is 18 times lighter than traditional concrete alternatives, making transportation and placement a breeze.
  • Strong and Reliable: Each BLOCK supports up to 1,800 lbs. with the strength needed for a secure foundation without the bulk of cement blocks.
  • Perfect Fit for Every Joist: CAMO BLOCKS are molded to fit standard joist (and post) sizes, whether you’re using 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8 wood joists or 2-inch metal joists.
  • Easy Installation: CAMO BLOCK can be set up on any solid surface and even used on uneven ground with minimal leveling—and without time-consuming site preparation. CAMO BLOCK also saves money on the materials and labor associated with traditional footings.
  • Durable: Made from polyolefin, these blocks resist cracking and chipping, even in cold weather, and the vented design promotes proper drainage to reduce the risk of mold and rot.

How to Use CAMO BLOCK for Your Floating Deck

Building a floating deck is simple, and with CAMO BLOCK, the process is even easier: No need to dig, pour concrete, or install beams or posts! CAMO makes it easy with their complete installation guide, but here’s all it takes:

1: Position CAMO BLOCKS

Remove 2 inches of topsoil, then fill with 3 inches of paver base material and compact it. If the ground is uneven, dig out to ensure each BLOCK is sitting on a level surface. Now, lay out your CAMO BLOCKS, spacing them up to 60 inches apart, based on your deck’s design (check out the CAMO BLOCK Installation Guide for the number of blocks you’ll need) and local building codes. No beams are required; the BLOCKS provide all the support you’ll need for your joists.

2: Insert Joists

Place your 2×4, 2×6, or 2×8 wood joists (or 2-inch metal joists) directly into the BLOCKS. CAMO BLOCKS are precision-molded to securely hold the joists in place.

3: Attach Decking

With the joists positioned, you can attach your decking. The weight of the decking, combined with the secure joist placement in the BLOCKS, keeps the structure stable.

If you’re installing grooved boards with clips, use CAMO LEVER to lock your boards into place so you can secure them quickly and precisely (and without an extra pair of hands). To really speed up your decking installation, attach CAMO ClipDRIVE to your drill for comfortable clip fastening while standing. For edge or face fastening, choose the CAMO DRIVE Stand-up Tool.

Build Smarter with CAMO BLOCK

Choose CAMO BLOCK and fly through your floating deck project, confident that your base is solid and reliable. Built to support your deck—and all the activities that will happen there—CAMO BLOCK makes foundation prep quick and easy, saving you time and effort. Build efficiently with CAMO for killer results and lasting quality you can count on.