I was looking at a high end remodel job that the HO decided not to move into and it is for sale.
I was there with the buyers agent, buyer, and home inspector for a 2nd look at some problems with the house.
I noticed one thing that was not one of the problems, but I question if it is a going to be a problem.
They have a composite decking on a covered deck, but which is well exposed to the weather. The deck is only about 8 ft deep. And the decking was run parallel to the house, which is normal.
And they installed soffit material on the underside of the deck. That is one of the problem areas.
But what I noticed was that the decking material had been run tight together. And I did not remember seeing any fasteners, but there might have been. But I thinking that they used hidden fasteners.
I don’t know the brand, but it is hallow with 3 channels extruded in it.
Now this was a warm day, but not overly hot. It was 82 yesterday, but the average is 89 and low to mid 90’s is not uncommon and the record is 109.
My question is does this stuff need expansion room and how much.
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid – Shoe
Replies
Short answer - Yes.
If you can determine the brand of decking, go on-line to get a copy of the installation guide. Trex requires 1/4 - 3/8 inch spacing between pieces.
Wow. Soffit installed below. No gapping. Problems.
What idiot did this?
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According to al the MFG instructions I've seen yes it needs a gap. But I've done a little section on my own using composite from Lowes butted tight together, in fact cut a rabbet in the edges to make a lap joint so there's actually a negative clearance. Installed in the heat of summer and the 2nd year (or is it 3 now?) and have had no issues. I'm probably going to do the same for the back deck in the next month or so since I like the look. I wouldn't do this for a customers deck though since it does void the warranty.
On the deck you looked at, if there were no buckling issues I don't see how it could be a deal breaker other than not being able to get a warranty service on it, but do you have all data required to get any type of warranty service on it in the 1st place?
I've seen a tight trex deck hold water, kids loved it!http://www.tvwsolar.com
We'll have a kid
Or maybe we'll rent one
He's got to be straight
We don't want a bent one
He'll drink his baby brew
From a big brass cup
Someday he may be president
If things loosen up
like a pond? what caused it (other that not gappingit)? poorly sloped/undersized joists or..?
No slope, up against the foundation on 2 sides, and undersized joists... had everything going for it...same guys put in another, and spaced it with speed squares... different brands at each end... who would have thought they were different thicknesses? Over 30' it added up. Same deck, they used the hidden Deck Master system. Most of the screws into the trex were overdriven... from the top it looked like trex with zits<G>http://www.tvwsolar.com
We'll have a kid
Or maybe we'll rent one
He's got to be straight
We don't want a bent one
He'll drink his baby brew
From a big brass cup
Someday he may be president
If things loosen up
"On the deck you looked at, if there were no buckling issues I don't see how it could be a deal breaker other than not being able to get a warranty service on it, but do you have all data required to get any type of warranty service on it in the 1st place? "Well in this case I am not responsible for anything other than giving an opinion. Other than that I know nothing, I see nothing.I would like to see it was a little hotter. It is suppose to 93 Monday so I will see if I can get access to it.I really don't know how it was constructed, but I am assuming that the joist run perpendicular to the house and you can see that the decking runs parallel.And while it is laid tight, it still allows some water to get through.I was asked about the soffit that they installed on the bottom. It is only supported on house side and the outside edges and is about 8 ft wide. So it bellies and hold water that drips out the seams..
William the Geezer, the sequel to Billy the Kid - Shoe
I have used the brand you have there and it installs like T&G flooring without gaps and hidden fasteners. Mine was floorizon by timbertech. It still looks great after 12 years!
Look closer and you will find small drainage "cuts" in the joint seam.
Edited 8/2/2009 9:56 am ET by USAnigel