Energy efficient deck framing system and method

For use in a deck framing system having structural framing members that support a deck panel structure, individual deck panels inserted between pairs of the framing members, and supporting rods extending downward through the top of the framing members, the structural framing member having a pair of horizontal flanges, a top, a flat bottom and side walls connecting the horizontal flanges with the top, the top having a pair of outer ridges and a pair of inwardly facing vertical surfaces, the top and a portion of the side wall defining a downwardly oriented groove;

• a load distributing retainer clip comprising:
• a top depressed surface and top ridges disposed outwardly therefrom to define upwardly oriented tongues;
• the upwardly oriented tongues being constructed and arranged to be received within the downwardly oriented grooves of the structural framing members and substantially conformed thereto,
• wherein the load distributing retainer clip is moveable between a deformed position and a substantially non-deformed position;
• the upwardly oriented tongues cooperating with the downwardly oriented grooves of the structural framing members so as to be insertable therein in the deformed position and to be securably received therein in the substantially non-deformed position.