-- Scotts Contracting - StLouis Renewable Energy: 10 Things to Know Before Building Your Deck

Search This Blog

Showing posts with label 10 Things to Know Before Building Your Deck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 10 Things to Know Before Building Your Deck. Show all posts

7.17.2021

Deck Builder Notes- Maintenance

If your deck is not very high off the ground: clutter, leaves, and miscellaneous debris could build up under the deck.  This build up can lead to the wood deteriorating over time because air circulation is diminished, especially in an area that has lots of rain or other issues that prohibit natural drying out of the lumber.  The two decks I saw that this pertained to were built long ago and were only 1.5 feet off the ground.

 



Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information is needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

8.02.2016

Client Wants Bling Added to Deck

Per the Clients Request to add Bling to the Deck. 

 I've came up with a few ideas:

The Pergalo looks kool but doesn't stop the midday sun light and the deck gets hot.  I can vouch for the how hot the deck got while building it during a 104 degree heat index summer temp.

The Client and I have talked about Half Lite sun screens of wood lattice or vine type plants.   With a preference for the natural look with plants.  So here is my idea of a natural sun shade that could be used until the plants become established in a couple of growing seasons.







Deck and Pergalo Before Bling
Deck and Pergalo Before Bling

Reed Fence could also be used as a sunshade for the pergalo
Reed Fence could also be used as a sunshade for the pergalo

Reed Fence as seen at Home Depot
















additional bling deck ideas


Before and After Deck Photos


Here's what it took to make the Deck Safe








Thank You for
stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

7.25.2016

Deck Safety Support Beam

In addition to the 2 prior blog posts on deck safety anchor point support.
  1. Deck Failure Prevention Building Safety Issue

  2. Deck Failure FIXED Prevented Building Safety Issue
3. The opportunity presented itself with this deck to add a Double 2x6 Support Beam.  This Support Beam cut the stress load on the Ledger board by over 50%.  It reduced the ledger board tributary load by 85%.

Support Beam is responsible 96 Sq Ft of Deck Trib Load
Support Beam is responsible 96 Sq Ft of Deck Tributary Load Stress, easily handled by Double 2x6 that are glued and screwed!
The new support beam now carries the biggest percentage of the load on the deck.

________
this blog post is not the place to teach about tributary loads.  A quick duckduckgo search pointed me to the following link:
Tributary Areas for Gravity Loads
Last Revised: 11/04/2014
If the beam is supporting a floor, roof, or wall that has a pressure loading normal to the surface, the total force on the beam equals the area of surface supported (i.e. the tributary area)...   http://www.bgstructuralengineering.com/BGSMA/BGTribArea/BGSMA_TA_02.htm



Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

7.19.2016

Deck Failure FIXED Prevented Building Safety Issue

2x12 Ledger Support Masonry Brick Wall Attachment Photos, Notes, and Annotations.


2x12 Ledger Board was attached to the freshly Tuckpointed Masonry Wall with 2- one-half inch dia lag bolts and anchors at Sixteen Inches On Center (1/2" x 6" Lag Bolts). 
2x12 Ledger Board was attached to the freshly Tuckpointed Masonry Wall with 2- one-half inch lag bolts and anchors at Sixteen Inches On Center (1/2" x 6" Lag Bolts)
2x12 Ledger Board was attached to the freshly Tuckpointed Masonry Wall with 2- one-half inch lag bolts and anchors at Sixteen Inches On Center (1/2" x 6" Lag Bolts)




Next step is the installation of the Double Ledger that will support the Deck Joists in addition to a 3rd Deck Support Point.


________
The Deck to House Attachment Point or lack thereof seems to be somewhat of a common occurrence the photos below
Because the Deck was not built to current Building Codes the St Louis Building Code Department required.
  
Photo 1 and 2: Building Code Official- Required to add 1/2 inch diameter lag bolts every 16 inches







Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

7.12.2016

Deck Failure Prevention Building Safety Issue


One of the reasons that decks collapse is the connection point at the wall, As seen in the following photo: Ledger Board is not attached to the brick wall.  

Currently: This area is supported by a cobbled up support post that rests on the Lower Stairway.  This is not to building codes and is a SAFETY Issue.

Photo Improper Deck Ledger Board House Attachment with Notes on Proper Repair
Building Safety Violation: Improper Deck Ledger Board House Attachment with Notes on Proper Repair

July 19, 2016 Update: Deck Failure FIXED Prevented Building Safety Issue


Thank You for stopping by the Green Blog. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know by posting a question or comment. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone.

9.28.2015

Deck comes to life with TPWStain



Exterior Deck Re-Stain Before~After Photos~Tips by Scotty


Notice the dull appearance of the existing worn out finish on the Oak wood grain in the before photos.

Then watch it come to life as the TWP 1500 brings out the beauty and richness of the Oak Wood Grain.





The deck was a few years overdue: existing finish,
in many places was completely worn away by the elements and
by use.  

Old Stain was worn completely out and was not protecting the lumber 
from the elements or wear and tear of normal activities.  


After the first coat of stain had ample time to be absorbed by
the Oak Deck Materials, it became apparent that a second coat of stain was
going to be needed to fully protect the lumber adding years of future use.






Third coat of stain brings out the richness of the oak wood grains.

To add even more pizzazz the Dull Grey Faux Finished Concrete Post Piers were also stained.  

To add more pizzazz the Concrete Post Piers were also stained.  
This will improve the aesthetics of the deck by having all natural earth tones that 
are pleasing to look at and blend in with the decor and surroundings.



This picture and view was when I realized that the Concrete Piers I repaired prior needed a coat of stain to blend them into the aesthetics of the Home.
http://blog.stlouisrenewableenergy.com/2015/09/deck-comes-to-life-with-tpwstain.html


To add even more pizzazz


the Dull Grey Faux Finished Concrete Post Piers were also stained.  





In the Next Video is an example of the TPWStain Blocking Moisture using the Dew from the Night before.


See all 60 deck project photos of the StLouis Town and Country Home at the G+ Deck Repair Photo Album.


Thank You for stopping by-Share and Comment below. If additional information in needed or you have a question let me know. Together we can make a difference and create a future that will benefit everyone. Build a Green StLouis Green Building Tips and Resources via: Scotty- St Louis Renewable Energy Green Blog

Connect with Scotts Contracting

FB FB Twitter LinkedIn Blog Blog Blog Blog Pinterest

Featured Post

Misc Tools, Truck, For Sale

$2,000 obo 97 Nissan Pickup 4wd AC 4cyl 5speed New Clutch / Pressure Plate, Plugs, Wires, Rotor, Dist Cap, Door Locks w/ Keys  Front Clip su...