My house has a covered porch. The 3/4″ tounge and groove floor is level. As a result there are a couple of spots where ater pools. I’m thinking about sanding it to create a little slope so it will drain. I think even the slightest slope will help since the porch is only 4′ deep. Any suggesitons on how I could create a guide that would help me get some slope when sanding?
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I don't think you can correct the problem with sanding. To drain effectively you need a slope of 1/4" to 1' so over 4' you'll have to sand off 1" on the outside. There has to be a better way.
Can you trim 1 to 1.5" off of the posts that are supporting the outside of the porch?
Jon Blakemore
They're not posts, it has a concrete foundation. Also, I think if I could get 1/4" of fall over the four feet it would help. Since it's covered, most of it doesn't even get wet.
This idea seems almost undoable and very laborious. If,after hours of sanding, you can create a straight line to your pitch all the way across your porch.(doubtful), youll be priming and painting and the front edge of your decking will be only 1/2" thick. Dont do it.
If you deck is supported by piers, maybe you can jack up the porch while you notch the rim joist.If you can easily get under the porch , maybe you can pop up the t+g flooring at the house and sister the existing joist to support the flooring at the new height. No good solutions for this one.
One of the insulation manufacturers used to make a "trapazoidal "rigid" insulation which might do the job - I remember reading about it years ago in :The Insulation Bible" or some such. IT would create a small pitch on an otherwise flat roof. 9 had the imppressioin it was intended for factories and commercial buildings.
I have no idea who makes it (I think one of the big Pittsburg companies) and I have no idea if size or price is appropriate for you
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My mother had a flat roof re-roofed recently, and they used a tapered insulation from celotex to give it more slope. That material wouldn't be durable enough for a porch that gets constant foot traffic, it's just strong enough for a roof. The extra thickness would also be a problem at the doors and stairs.
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