Hey guys,
I am new to the list and have a technical question.
I have a project to do on a comercial apartment building in Phoenix , Arizona.
The existing condition is 3/4 acx Plywood decked over cantilevered sloped, ripped Joists. The deck/balcony is 48″ wide x 400′ Long. The complex almost looks like a motel layout with the second floor deck covering the first floor walkway , if that helps paint a visual picture.
This is not a great detail and basically due to bad detailing and deffered maintainance is a very unsafe condition with the plywood basically rotting out in many places.
My question is does anyone have a cost effective solution that is more practical than just paint over plywood?
Two directions I have been thinking of are as follows and comments are openly welcomed.
- Is there a sort of elastomeric , paint on slip retardant roofing product that will do the trick once I redeck in exterior plywood?
- If I can sell them composite decking instead, which one is the best bang for the buck? and is it truly maintainance free?
thanks is advance.
Ian
Replies
I can't see the value in plywood as a decking material. Seems to me it's a matter of WHEN it will next need to be replaced, not IF. Dips and low-points in the decking will collect standing water, moisture seeps into cracks, etc. I'd go with the composite stuff and sell them on the fact that the joists will have to be replaced before that stuff does. Also, water will shed more readily off the Trex than the plywood.
Just my two cents, take it for what it's worth.
There is an outfit that makes PVC pans to slip between joist on a regular 16" layout. Are the joists perpendicular to the building? this would let you use decking material with drainage.
More expensive and better would be a plywood with EPDM membrane, sleepers, and finished decking.
Excellence is its own reward!
take a look at duradek (http://www.duradek.com) You can find a dealer through the website. Walkable vinyl roof membrane that looks good & holds up well to heavy traffic.
For a variety of reasons, the property manager/owners really shouldn't skimp too much in a commercial situation such as this.
Look at http://www.grailcoat.com/deck/
Good product.