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.

 

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Deck Repair

We build and repair decks and also bring the decks to the current building codes. 

Video and Examples 6 Warning Signs of an Unsafe Deck

Examples of repairs mentioned in this video.  Per the video, the Number 1 Cause of Deck Failure is the Ledger Board coming unattached to the home.  In StLouis, many of the decks are attached to a Masonry Building here are photos and the steps on a prior deck repair that were needed to ensure a Deck Ledger Board Collapse did not happen from a poorly attached main support board.

https://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2016/07/deck-failure-fixed-prevented-building.html

In all the Deck Repairs I perform for my StLouis Clients there is generally a crucial step missing the prior deck builders ignored: Metal Connection Brackets and Supports. h/t @SimpsonStrongTi for sharing information on the subject and why its important https://t.co/E80AfZxwiC?

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) May 16, 2019

Here is another connection point mentioned in the video and the repair that saved the homeowner $6,000 dollars.  The Client had 2 Bids as suggested:  

Rebuild Deck Bid 1............................$38,000

Replace Deck Posts Only Bid 2.........$8,000.  

I was the third bid and beat the lowest bid by $6,000.

https://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2015/08/saving-deck-and-cash.html

This was a huge deck and had a total of 37 Posts.  After viewing this image I realized the Concrete did not fit with the Esthetics of the Home. I then stained the concrete to match! Here is the link to the project photos 

This blog post: 

Saving a Deck from the Landfill (part 1 of 3 part blog series) was yet another Deck Repair by Scotty-Scotts Contracting and the deck repairs were safety issues that prevented a future Deck Collapse.

Because the Deck was not built to current Building Codes the St Louis Building Code Department required- 

"Bring the Deck to Current Building Codes or Tear it Down"

 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.

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%.

Additional Support leaves ledger board only supporting 48 sq ft of Deck Tributary 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

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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)

https://stlouisrenewableenergy.blogspot.com/2016/07/deck-failure-prevention-building-safety.html

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

"Bring the Deck to Current Building Codes or Tear it Down"

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today's project is staining this deck to preserve the lumber pic.twitter.com/G0LEZlZSbr

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) September 21, 2015

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.

#Deck-Before photos taken while waiting on USPS to deliver the stain the client special ordered. Not avail locally. pic.twitter.com/env8wSwV4Q

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) September 21, 2015

Finishing up the 2nd/3rd coat of protective stain on this huge deck pic.twitter.com/GgIv70RtMS

— Scotty (@StLHandyMan) September 26, 2015

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.

Before	After

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.

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