First time questioner:
25 yr old deck outside Denver.
20 ft x 8 ft, about 10 ft in the air.
1 structural member parallel to house,
measures 20 ft x 13 1/2 in x 4 in, probably pine.
Said member twisting at top, toward house,
now about 1 1/2 inches out of square.
Can I fix it?
Thanks for your advice.
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Replies
Probably not.
But I would definately replace it.
Make a little sketch of what you've got. Joist and beam sizes, spacing and spans. Locations and dimensions of any posts. Dimensions of the deck, etc. and bring it down to a local lumber yard. I'll bet they'll steer you in the right direction with a prescription for replacing it and give you a stock list with everything you need including the appropriate hardware that will help prevent this drying/twisting effect from reoccuring.
If it's more than you're up to, they can probably recommend someone who will tackle the job.
Edited 6/29/2005 7:12 pm ET by dieselpig
Thanks.
I figure it's all gotta go anyway, as there are 0 bolts into the house,
appears to be all nails. I can always use the big pieces to build some
raised garden beds in the backyard......
Really... a 25 yo deck is at the end of it's expected usefull lifetime, assuming it is built of normal materials. BTW - not sure if you have read about some of the catistrofic deck failures - Chicago comes to mind. Many (most?) of these indidents involve failure of the ledger board that is connected to the house.
Matt
Considering your weather patterns, it's good that things aren't worse. Sounds like the deck would be a redo. Nothing lasts forever, eh?
Thanks to all for confirming what this used-to-be-a-framer (30 yrs ago)
thought in the first place. I have read about the deck failures and have
kept the load under 4 people since reading about them. Looks like I have
a winter project to kept me fit between ski trips.
well hey ...
who doesn't love a mid-winter deck job?
?
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Jeff -
Winter is the best-kept secret here...
NotSoFastEddie