What an Idiot -
I have posted about this before. (Please bear with me.)
The Genious who made my huge wraparound deck, (I'm betting it was the homeowner.)
1) Did not use galvanized nails, in pressure treated wood. (Not to mention, nails are undersized for the application.) Boards coming up.
2) Did not utilize adequate spacing between the deck boards. (Too tight, causes build up of debris, has to be cleaned out by hand, on hands and knees.)
3) Did not utilize correct/even spacing of the uprights on the deck rails. Would never meet Code up North. (If a child can get its head through it, Fail.) I believe 4" is Code.
4) Have now discovered, due to various upright 2" X 2" uprights on the deck rails coming loose, that the Idiot chose screws, that only penetrate apprx. 1/4" into the top and bottom rail. (And) That he used such oblique angles as to render some screw penetration to as little as 1/8". (Not good on a 2nd story level rear deck.)
No way, would I have a party with 20 people on my back, 2nd story level deck. (You'd be reading about us in the paper, or it would be on the news.) "Deck Collapse. X# dead, X# injured."
This thing (quite large) needs a tear off, and correctly built. I have the know how, but now at 58 yrs old, not the inclination to tackle it.
Don't you Love it when people who are not qualified to do something, do something?
:roll:
Rant Over.
Carry on...........................................................................................................................................
The Genious who made my huge wraparound deck, (I'm betting it was the homeowner.)
1) Did not use galvanized nails, in pressure treated wood. (Not to mention, nails are undersized for the application.) Boards coming up.
2) Did not utilize adequate spacing between the deck boards. (Too tight, causes build up of debris, has to be cleaned out by hand, on hands and knees.)
3) Did not utilize correct/even spacing of the uprights on the deck rails. Would never meet Code up North. (If a child can get its head through it, Fail.) I believe 4" is Code.
4) Have now discovered, due to various upright 2" X 2" uprights on the deck rails coming loose, that the Idiot chose screws, that only penetrate apprx. 1/4" into the top and bottom rail. (And) That he used such oblique angles as to render some screw penetration to as little as 1/8". (Not good on a 2nd story level rear deck.)
No way, would I have a party with 20 people on my back, 2nd story level deck. (You'd be reading about us in the paper, or it would be on the news.) "Deck Collapse. X# dead, X# injured."
This thing (quite large) needs a tear off, and correctly built. I have the know how, but now at 58 yrs old, not the inclination to tackle it.
Don't you Love it when people who are not qualified to do something, do something?
:roll:Rant Over.
Carry on...........................................................................................................................................
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I rebuilt my deck about 12-15 years ago with the TREX when it first came out. That was the best thing I ever did. Deck has faded a bit but no problems with any warping. 0 -
The sad thing is that the most expensive part was the treated lumber. They paid for that. The cost between what he bought and galvanized nails and longer screws would be negligible in the grand scheme of things. Regarding the uprights, the spacing might have been for aesthetics alone. Since we don't have kids, I have done things in and around our house there is no way I would have in the presence of kids; most notably higher temp on our water heater above the recommended 120 degrees.
Is the foundation and wood that is there good enough to basically pull it apart, and reassemble it with minor changes and appropriate fasteners?0 -
bambihunter wrote:The sad thing is that the most expensive part was the treated lumber. They paid for that. The cost between what he bought and galvanized nails and longer screws would be negligible in the grand scheme of things. Regarding the uprights, the spacing might have been for aesthetics alone. Since we don't have kids, I have done things in and around our house there is no way I would have in the presence of kids; most notably higher temp on our water heater above the recommended 120 degrees.
Is the foundation and wood that is there good enough to basically pull it apart, and reassemble it with minor changes and appropriate fasteners?
I would (perhaps) agree with "the aesthetics," aspect if the spacing was equal throughout. It is not.
The deck is old enough that rebuilding it with the same wood, would be (well,) Stupid.
I am going to buying/paying for a huge wraparound deck here, in the next year or two.
I have only listed a few, (of the inumerable) errors/poor judgment made in the assembly of this quite large deck. Adequate structural support from the bottom, two corner posts utilized at each corner/not attached/tied in to each other for structural support, etc. etc. Just Stupid stuff.
Oh well, I guess with the conditions of the wood, I would be investing in a new deck anyway. I hate when Idiots, take on a task/build something they are incapable of executing. (Correctly.)0 -
Depending on your long term plans Ken regarding that place, it may be worth investing in the synthetic decking materials.
I don't mind people trying to do things themselves unless safety is concerned and this does sound like there are some safety issues. It seems with every generation, people try to do hands-on stuff less and less.0 -
Well, you can tear it down and replace it or you can just tear it down but to let it stand with all of the "known" safety issues is less than prudent and bordering on stupid.
What you have outlined here is what is known as a "clear and present danger" anyone gets injured or killed ......... it's on you.
For your safety and that of others, you should at the very least block access to the deck until you have a game plan for fixing/replacing it.
Better to pay the money for replacement then to live with doing nothing and having someone suffer for not doing so.
Just my humble opinion .... your mileage may vary.0 -
bullshot wrote:Well, you can tear it down and replace it or you can just tear it down but to let it stand with all of the "known" safety issues is less than prudent and bordering on stupid.
What you have outlined here is what is known as a "clear and present danger" anyone gets injured or killed ......... it's on you.
For your safety and that of others, you should at the very least block access to the deck until you have a game plan for fixing/replacing it.
Better to pay the money for replacement then to live with doing nothing and having someone suffer for not doing so.
Just my humble opinion .... your mileage may vary.
Thank you Captain Obvious.
I was unaware you had inside access as to the people I have had on my deck, at any given time.
(Pretty much, me and my Dog.)
Do you work for the Government?
I have deleted my "bordering on Stupid comment." As to not offend you.0 -
Sounds like your convinced that its not structural y sound. Worse thing in the world would be to have someone injured while enjoying its use.
I had a buddy who was a an absolute gem of a person, a real Appalachian mountain man and a mountain of a man, had a cougar for a pet. While I was at his house his wife was badgering him to fix their deck, ( a good 12 feet off the ground ), he said, ah its not that bad, his wife looked at me and said, well, I feel through it the other day, at that my buddy cocked his head and with a slight grin replied, Only one leg0 -
tcattt wrote:Sounds like your convinced that its not structural y sound. Worse thing in the world would be to have someone injured while enjoying its use.
I had a buddy who was a an absolute gem of a person, a real Appalachian mountain man and a mountain of a man, had a cougar for a pet. While I was at his house his wife was badgering him to fix their deck, ( a good 12 feet off the ground ), he said, ah its not that bad, his wife looked at me and said, well, I feel through it the other day, at that my buddy cocked his head and with a slight grin replied, Only one leg
Another person (apparently) more familiar with my deck than I am.
The only people that hang out on my Deck, are my Dog and I.
Thank you Sir.0 -
Has anyone (that has commented recently) read the statement that I made, that "I would not have 20 people on my deck, at any one time?"
My Dog and I, are really pushing the envelope, wouldn't you say?0 -
Maybe there's a reason.KenK/84Bravo wrote:tcattt wrote:Sounds like your convinced that its not structural y sound. Worse thing in the world would be to have someone injured while enjoying its use.
I had a buddy who was a an absolute gem of a person, a real Appalachian mountain man and a mountain of a man, had a cougar for a pet. While I was at his house his wife was badgering him to fix their deck, ( a good 12 feet off the ground ), he said, ah its not that bad, his wife looked at me and said, well, I feel through it the other day, at that my buddy cocked his head and with a slight grin replied, Only one leg
Another person (apparently) more familiar with my deck than I am.
The only people that hang out on my Deck, are my Dog and I.
Thank you Sir.0 -
jimdeere wrote:
Maybe there's a reason.KenK/84Bravo wrote:tcattt wrote:Sounds like your convinced that its not structural y sound. Worse thing in the world would be to have someone injured while enjoying its use.
I had a buddy who was a an absolute gem of a person, a real Appalachian mountain man and a mountain of a man, had a cougar for a pet. While I was at his house his wife was badgering him to fix their deck, ( a good 12 feet off the ground ), he said, ah its not that bad, his wife looked at me and said, well, I feel through it the other day, at that my buddy cocked his head and with a slight grin replied, Only one leg
Another person (apparently) more familiar with my deck than I am.
The only people that hang out on my Deck, are my Dog and I.
Thank you Sir.
Yes there is.
Pretty much, I do not invite people over.
Although I converse here freely, I am an extremely private person. I do not need/require others to be around me, in order to feel fulfilled. I get more than enough invites to others gatherings, in order to satisfy my need to get together with folk.0 -
SW0320 wrote:I rebuilt my deck about 12-15 years ago with the TREX when it first came out. That was the best thing I ever did. Deck has faded a bit but no problems with any warping.
Good thing you bought the old TREX material. If you read the latest reviews on their product it's not so good. It appears the stuff they're selling today is about 3/16" thinner than the original material and it'll sag.0 -
Smitty500mag wrote:SW0320 wrote:I rebuilt my deck about 12-15 years ago with the TREX when it first came out. That was the best thing I ever did. Deck has faded a bit but no problems with any warping.
Good thing you bought the old TREX material. If you read the latest reviews on their product it's not so good. It appears the stuff they're selling today is about 3/16" thinner than the original material and it'll sag.
Having worked as a Carpenter, for a few years up North, I have seen quite enough issues with Trex, to know I do not wish to go that route. "Sagging," is only one issue.
As well as observing my Brothers Trex deck, at his High End house in Richmond, VA. I reserved comment.
If you like yours, I am glad for you.
Give me a properly constructed, pressure treated deck, any day. (And I have helped to construct over 30-40.) [At a conservative estimate.]0 -
KenK/84Bravo wrote:tcattt wrote:Sounds like your convinced that its not structural y sound. Worse thing in the world would be to have someone injured while enjoying its use.
I had a buddy who was a an absolute gem of a person, a real Appalachian mountain man and a mountain of a man, had a cougar for a pet. While I was at his house his wife was badgering him to fix their deck, ( a good 12 feet off the ground ), he said, ah its not that bad, his wife looked at me and said, well, I feel through it the other day, at that my buddy cocked his head and with a slight grin replied, Only one leg
Another person (apparently) more familiar with my deck than I am.
The only people that hang out on my Deck, are my Dog and I.
Thank you Sir.
I see that you are in Tennessee
I myself am a proud Volunteer
In the South conversation is generally polite.
I could have said, who is the bigger idiot the one who built it, or the one who continues to use it after they are convinced that it is not safe for man nor dog.
But, I would never say that
And you are welcome.0 -
tcattt wrote:KenK/84Bravo wrote:tcattt wrote:Sounds like your convinced that its not structural y sound. Worse thing in the world would be to have someone injured while enjoying its use.
I had a buddy who was a an absolute gem of a person, a real Appalachian mountain man and a mountain of a man, had a cougar for a pet. While I was at his house his wife was badgering him to fix their deck, ( a good 12 feet off the ground ), he said, ah its not that bad, his wife looked at me and said, well, I feel through it the other day, at that my buddy cocked his head and with a slight grin replied, Only one leg
Another person (apparently) more familiar with my deck than I am.
The only people that hang out on my Deck, are my Dog and I.
Thank you Sir.
I see that you are in Tennessee
I myself am a proud Volunteer
In the South conversation is generally polite.
I could have said, who is the bigger idiot the one who built it, or the one who continues to use it after they are convinced that it is not safe for man nor dog.
But, I would never say that
And you are welcome.
Polite, is generally reciprocated. You get what you give, Sir.0 -
tcattt wrote:KenK/84Bravo wrote:tcattt wrote:Sounds like your convinced that its not structural y sound. Worse thing in the world would be to have someone injured while enjoying its use.
I had a buddy who was a an absolute gem of a person, a real Appalachian mountain man and a mountain of a man, had a cougar for a pet. While I was at his house his wife was badgering him to fix their deck, ( a good 12 feet off the ground ), he said, ah its not that bad, his wife looked at me and said, well, I feel through it the other day, at that my buddy cocked his head and with a slight grin replied, Only one leg
Another person (apparently) more familiar with my deck than I am.
The only people that hang out on my Deck, are my Dog and I.
Thank you Sir.
I see that you are in Tennessee
I myself am a proud Volunteer
In the South conversation is generally polite.
I could have said, who is the bigger idiot the one who built it, or the one who continues to use it after they are convinced that it is not safe for man nor dog.
But, I would never say that
And you are welcome.
Again Sir, (to be polite) are you more familiar with my deck, than I am?
I would say perhaps, No.
What did I say to you Sir, that was impolite?
I have enough practical/hands on Carpentry experience, in order to judge what is safe for my Dog and I.
I do indeed thank you for your contribution, though.
Racking my brain, on you/about you, I believe we have conversed about you Daughter being a lead Engineer doiing some re-construct work at Site R/Raven Rock. (Having been stationed there for roughly 5 years.) Am I incorrect about that Sir?
Not trying to show you any dis-respect, nor receive any either.0 -
Would be a shame if you accidentally set fire to it and had to file an insurance claim. 0 -
KenK/84Bravo wrote:tcattt wrote:KenK/84Bravo wrote:
Another person (apparently) more familiar with my deck than I am.
The only people that hang out on my Deck, are my Dog and I.
Thank you Sir.
I see that you are in Tennessee
I myself am a proud Volunteer
In the South conversation is generally polite.
I could have said, who is the bigger idiot the one who built it, or the one who continues to use it after they are convinced that it is not safe for man nor dog.
But, I would never say that
And you are welcome.
Again Sir, (to be polite) are you more familiar with my deck, than I am?
I would say perhaps, No.
What did I say to you Sir, that was impolite?
I have enough practical/hands on Carpentry experience, in order to judge what is safe for my Dog and I.
I do indeed thank you for your contribution, though.
Now, I do not have the slightest desire to banter, and no, I could not possibly know anything about you, your deck or your dog.
Your response was ,(is), pure sarcasm; which I am ok with.
My "obvious" comment was a poor attempt to interject some humor into your situation; I offer my apology and well wishes.
With that, I bid you good day.0 -
guess you better not ask the chunky gal from the gas station over for evening BBQ, and whatever may transpire.............. 0 -
tcattt wrote:KenK/84Bravo wrote:tcattt wrote:
I see that you are in Tennessee
I myself am a proud Volunteer
In the South conversation is generally polite.
I could have said, who is the bigger idiot the one who built it, or the one who continues to use it after they are convinced that it is not safe for man nor dog.
But, I would never say that
And you are welcome.
Again Sir, (to be polite) are you more familiar with my deck, than I am?
I would say perhaps, No.
What did I say to you Sir, that was impolite?
I have enough practical/hands on Carpentry experience, in order to judge what is safe for my Dog and I.
I do indeed thank you for your contribution, though.
Now, I do not have the slightest desire to banter, and no, I could not possibly know anything about you, your deck or your dog.
Your response was ,(is), pure sarcasm; which I am ok with.
My "obvious" comment was a poor attempt to interject some humor into your situation; I offer my apology and well wishes.
With that, I bid you good day.
But your reply, previous to mine, was not "pure sarcasm?"
Right.
"With that, I bid you good day Sir."
No "Sarcasm" intended.0 -
KenK/84Bravo wrote:bullshot wrote:Well, you can tear it down and replace it or you can just tear it down but to let it stand with all of the "known" safety issues is less than prudent and bordering on stupid.
What you have outlined here is what is known as a "clear and present danger" anyone gets injured or killed ......... it's on you.
For your safety and that of others, you should at the very least block access to the deck until you have a game plan for fixing/replacing it.
Better to pay the money for replacement then to live with doing nothing and having someone suffer for not doing so.
Just my humble opinion .... your mileage may vary.
Thank you Captain Obvious.
I was unaware you had inside access as to the people I have had on my deck, at any given time.
(Pretty much, me and my Dog.)
Do you work for the Government?
I have deleted my "bordering on Stupid comment." As to not offend you.
I sure must have missed something here, don't know what I said that warranted the insults and have no idea to what offense you are referring.
Apologies, no further comments to follow.0 -
Damn Ken!
From what I'm reading. people are trying to help you and give what they think is good advise. Whats with all of the negativity?0 -
wiplash wrote:Damn Ken!
From what I'm reading. people are trying to help you and give what they think is good advise. Whats with all of the negativity?
You are right Brother. Yesterday was one of those days at work. I guess I was thin skinned, perceiving I was being insulted, ("bordering on stupid," ) when I more than likely was not.
I felt bad about my replies while lying in bed last night/this morning.
My apologies to all.0 -
I built my deck 31 years ago prying the boards together tight and fastening them with 16P cement coated nails. today there is gaps between the boards that you can drop a 16P nail through. my BIL spaced his and now women with pointed high heel shoes has to walk on their tip toes for fear of getting caught in the cracks 0 -
Smitty500mag wrote:SW0320 wrote:I rebuilt my deck about 12-15 years ago with the TREX when it first came out. That was the best thing I ever did. Deck has faded a bit but no problems with any warping.
Good thing you bought the old TREX material. If you read the latest reviews on their product it's not so good. It appears the stuff they're selling today is about 3/16" thinner than the original material and it'll sag.
Yes glad I did. I have looked at the new TREX for the posts and railings it is a just a cover that goes over pressure treated wood. Would not use the new TREX for posts and railings would just go with vinyl.0 -
In North Carolina you have to be licensed to be a building contractor. And I took and passed the building contractor course at the community college in Flat Rock.
And the instructor went on, and on, about NC specs for decks. Because, as you alluded to, improper decks collapse, and people die.
I have build dozens of decks and porches and I know the code by heart. First of all I never use nails, they won't hold tight with pressure treated wood, I use screws only.
Second, that problem you stated with the rails, this is so critical. Yes the spacing is 4 inches, the idea being that a crawling baby must not be able to get his head between the spindles.
Another thing, I often see this violated, the rail must be 3 feet high. This is because, you have a party, a 6 foot tall guy is drunk, he leans heavily against the railing, if the railing is 2 foot six high, it hits him mid thigh, and over the rail he goes. If the deck is 8 foot high, he lands on his head, and breaks his neck. Paraplegic. All because of faulty deck construction.0 -
Allen, we also only used screws when building decks.
We spent one cold NY/NJ winter (our choice, rather than taking the winter off.) tearing off and rebuilding decks, at the quite large Upscale Condominium complex my boss was the Property Management Contractor of. (One of several.) We also built quite a few on the large high end houses we worked on.
We were a remediation team. Coming in to correct mistakes other Contractors had made, or walked away from.
I have the know how, so seeing/owning one that was a classic of faulty decisions, irks me.
It will be torn off and replaced in fairly short order.0 -
Over the years, I have seen plenty of not only decks, but other outdoor structures self destruct with a very short life span because of failure to spend the extra money for treated lumber. 0 -
chiefr wrote:Over the years, I have seen plenty of not only decks, but other outdoor structures self destruct with a very short life span because of failure to spend the extra money for treated lumber.
Or the use of proper fastening material/hardware.
Thought behind structural integrity/support, etc. etc.0 -
Look on the positive side now you can fix it right and be proud of a job well done 0
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