I have and existing 12 X 16 deck on the North side of my home that I want to convert to a screened porch. The deck is 16 years old, but seems to be in good shape.
I plan to replace the foundation piers and frame the roof with open timbers to match the rest of the house. I will use screen doors to finish the walls.
My basic question is should I discard and replace the deck and it’s framing or keep it in place, replacing the foundation, posts and adding walls and roofing? I will be replacing the stairs and discarding the railing.
Replies
There is a lot of missing info. Describe the existing footers/piers that are under the deck - how many, what size. Is the edge of the deck that is furthest away from the house cantilevered out over the beam? What size is that beam. I'm assuming the deck is bolted to the house?
A quick sketch would be best. If you don't have any good drawing software you can just use M/S paint or similar or even just draw something on a piece of paper and take a digi pic of it and post that. A few pics wouldn't hurt either.
Another thing to be aware of is that if you are getting a permit and inspections (which I hope you are) you may have a problem getting your existing footers passed, since the inspector won't be able to tell how deep they are and if they are are on firm subsoil.
The existing piers are undersized for a porch and will have to be replaced. The deck is bolted to the house and supported by 3 concrete piers 12 feet from the house 8 feet oc. I was thinking I could build temp supports, dig out the existing piers and replace them with bock and brick piers. The existing deck is a simple structure with 2X10 joists treated joists and treated decking. The stairs are located beside the house and will be replaced.
We will be having the inspectors by... This porch will have a good bit of wiring for lights, a fan and outlets and some plumbing for and outdoor sink.
Still lacking some info but you can probably resue the floor system you have if it is as sound as you say. I've done it before. I'm assuming the existing outboard beam is a double 2x10 and that there is no cantilever on the deck. The 12' long rim joists will have to be doubled and intermediate footers & piers installed on those 12' sides. Soundsl like the existing footers will need to be replaced too - that will be a sucky job.... How deep is your front line? Are you sure you need masonry piers - wouldn't PT 6x6s work OK? Unless you just want the look of brick piers. Not sure I'd would do that unless it can be seen from the street or maybe if it is a 500k+ house (or more depending on the home price where you live). I'd recommend that the connection to the house be 5/8s bolts with nuts and washers 16" O.C. This is not required by some building codes (it is by ours here in NC), but lags are a real variable as far as the way they were installed. For example, if they were tightened just 1 turn too far, their holding power could be reduced by 2/3s. How high off grade is the existing deck?
The deck is not cantilevered. It is 3'6" above grade at the lowest point and 4'91/2" above grade at the highest point. The 6x6 post support option is looking more appealing as I consider excavating to build brick piers. Thanks for your information... It is great to hear from someone who has done this before.