Just finished contoured deck. Typical constr. PT Doug Fir, 2×6 Heart RW, 1/8″ spacing, appros 12-14″ clearance, weed blanket. Here’s the problem, my dear wife now wants to modify and raise dirt level to same height as deck surface so there is no step down but continuous plane. My only concern is adequate venting to prevent excess humidity once deck is enclosed. Have explained possibility of accelerated ‘decay’ but……….. . Maybe I am being overly concerned, after all the deck will probably outlive both of us anyway, especially me – and it won’t be my problem anymore !!. Considering snaking in some kind of flexible piping while I still have access, attached to some kinda blower sytem on a timer. Surface area is approx 350 sq ft. Feedback appreciated. One way or another it will be as sweetwife wants, finally learned that the key to a successful, sustainable relationship lies in two words, ..”Yes, dear”. Also, in a previous discussion someone mentioned an outfit called “MENCO”, have contacted them for more info, but, anyone familiar with their products? Thanks. Patrick Monk. “MONKWORKS”
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Greetings pat,
This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.
Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.
Cheers
I also have in my mind that seemingly wealthy, but most terribly impoverished class of all, who have accumulated dross, but know not how to use it, or get rid of it, and thus have forged their own golden or silver fetters.
Parolee # 53804
I think if you focus on having good slope away from the house and have some way to drain the rain water away that gets between the decking, like an operable french drain with lots of slope, then the moisture issue isn't all that big a deal in my opinion. Since there are 1/8" gaps throughout the deck, that should facilitate enough air movement to keep it dry, but you definitly have to figure out how to get real water out of there, or you will have a rotten deck and, in my neck of the woods, a mosquito farm.
You should also have a masonry or stone retaining wall around the entire deck that supports the dirt and keeps it off of the deck framing. If you leave a 1" +/- gap between the wall and the band, that would additionally provide a little more air movement.
This sounds like a lot of work. Sure you can't talk her into a step? Maybe a nice wide continuous step around the entire deck would be an affordable, and less back breaking comprimise.