I have a 6′ x25′ balcony that is exposed to weather above and needs to look nice from below. It is constructed of large beams cantilevered into the wall on a 32″ spacing and T & G 4″ boards tightly fitted spanning the cantilevers. The surface has adequate slope to provide good drainage. On top, the surface is covered with a Masonite product. From the underside the T & G wood is stained a dark brown to match other exterior wood on the house.
The situation is that the Masonite is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. I have a quote from a contractor who will install a walkable membrane surface for about $30 per square foot – ouch! I thought about Trex (or equivalent) with a layer below of the self=sealing roofing product used in the Northeast under shingles, but am concerned about its susceptibility to UV and whether or not it seals 100%. The other approaches I know about would probably involve so much labor that the current quote would look pretty good by comparison.
Any proven good reasonably-priced ideas out there?
TIA!
Replies
http://www.gacodeckkit.com/
Here's a product I've used in your application. The site includes install instructions and links to suppliers. It's good stuff but be sure to read all the information on it before using it. It has some qualities you need to keep in mind as you're working it.
I checked the web site and the process seems pretty complex. Is this something that a homeowner with a fair amount of experience could tackle?
I don't think it would be beyond your capabilities if you know how to read a tape, cut plywood, use a putty knife, and paint. It's a catalyzed product meaning you add the catalyst to make it harden. The critical element is getting the substrate smooth and well flashed. Remember, this is a paint product but it hardens to an extremely tough surface with good resistance to wear in traffic areas. It comes with a pack of ground up walnut shells for a non-slip surface (mix in with catalyst) then paint on with a roller. It's not cheap but that's a reflection of its quality.
I checked gackodeck out, and even called them because they don't have a local distributor here in LA. Turns out the reason is because they're banned here by the smog regulations.
-- J.S.
$30/sq ft? Jeesy-Pete.
I've done similar projects with flat seam copper. I did a porch floor at a museum 5 or 6 years ago and its holding up fine under tour traffic. My current price would be around $10/sq ft.
Interesting. Our house looks a bit like it could have been designed by Frank Lloyd Wright (although it wasn't). I jst visited a Frank LLoyd Wright house in Virginia Beach for whiich theenire roof was copper - handworked to fit the curvature of the roof. Based on this, I guess that copper would be a reasonably authentic material.
Thanks for the input.
This stuff isn't cheap but should be a lot less than $30 and it works
http://duradek.com/
Ron
Duradeck is what was proposed. The tech rep said the cost on some jobs could approach $10 per hour for a job with more sq ft and less finishing detail. I didn't get a price breakdown labor vs. materials. Do you know how much the product costs?
I would go to the Duradek site & look for nother applicator in your area. That price sounds high but I haven't seen the job.
Another option... http://www.grailcoat.com/deck/
A good recommendation. Good product.
Ed,
I don't know how much the product costs as I don't install it. All I know is that I have priced it for several jobs and have not thought it unreasonable. $30/ sq ft sounds unreasonable.
Ron
I typically use "Weatherdek" or a "Duradek" in these situations. Usually over a living space.This costs around $16.00 per sq. ft. and does work nicely and also looks nice.
I wasn't sure if you use the top deck or not. If so that's what I use . If not epdm or some other material of the like will do.
I would definately use 3/4" t&g treated ply.
Masonite on a roof???? never heard of such a thing. but then again i live 27 miles out in the ocean on a barrier island.
Tyke
just another day in paradise
G.E. Ely Construction
Ocracoke,NC
Oh Yeah I forgot to say my installer comes from 75 miles away too.
TYke