Just finished contoured platform deck. Typical construction, PT Doug Fir, 2×6 Heart RW, 1/8″ spacing, approx 12″-14″ clearance, weed blanket installed. Here’s the problem, my dear wife now wants to modify and raise dirt level surrounding it to same height as deck surface so there is no step down. My 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 !! Have considered snaking in some flexible piping attached to blower system on some kind of timer ??. Surface area is approx 350 sq ft. Feedback appreciated. One way or the other it will be as she wants, long ago realised the key to a sustainable relationship lies in two words…”Yes, dear”. Also, in a previous discussion someone mentioned an outfit called “MENCO”, anyone familiar with their products ? Thankyou.
Patrick Monk. “MONKWORKS”
Replies
This sounds like a question that should be posed over at Fine Home-building, but I'll offer a DIFFERENT solution. Instead of raising the soil level around the deck, how about LOWERING the deck about 7 to 9 inches, the height of one step?? Replace all posts with concrete. This will leave just a small step down to the ground level. No matter what you do, you should place a few vents (4"diam., screened) somewhere to let excess moisture escape.
Oh yes, I'm sure I know your wife... I've married her sister.
(Running, laughing and ducking) SawdustSteve
My wife has occasionally come up with similar ideas that have resulted in a few titanic arguments. My all time favorite was when she wanted a pocket door in the bathroom that was to be installed without disturbing the wallpaper. - lol
Your wife's idea is really bad for several reasons:
I would really try to talk her out of this plan - even if I had to hire a landscaping pro to explain the problems.
Good Luck!!
P.S. SawdustSteve may have married one of your wife's sisters, but I got another one. - lol
Edited 4/24/2007 9:32 am by Dave45
Good place for critters, too.
Dave, Steve, didn't realise I had so many in-laws, when and where is the next family reunion ? Appreciate ALL feedback, keep it coming, especially as to whether installing a forced air system could mitigate the problem. Realise it could create the risque situation faced by Marilyn Monroe and the naughty wind that fluttered her skirts, but I can live with that !! Current compromise is to have one short step down on long side of deck with open riser but would still like to find effective solution to original problem. Don't think standing water would be significant problem, weed blanket is permeable, ground percs real good, and while we do have a short "rainy" season here in SF, it's not like the great North West. As for critters..well we all gotta live somewhere. Thanks compadres. Patrick Monk. "MONKWORKS"patrickmonk.rn.sf.
For what its worth when ever I see a house for sale with a deck with grading like you are describing the termite co. always call it. I had a house in Oakland CA with a redwood deck surface mounted on railroad ties (installed by the previous owner) and sure enough when we sold the house the pest co. called it so I ripped it out and the thing was just riddled with termites, they even ate the railroad ties. Of course the buggers did not eat the entire rr tie so I still had to hall the things off and they are considered toxic waste by our waste (dump) people. Anyway I would not do this you should have ventillation under the deck.
Take care and good luck with SWMBO
Troy
Good point, Troy. I've lived in San Jose since '73 and the ONLY decks I've seen that didn't have termites were well above grade and well ventilated. Get the deck close to the ground and the little buggers start chowing down before the last deck board is screwed down. - lol
I've built three decks at my houses over the years and never had termite problems - but I've always maintained a large "gap" between the ground and wood and always used heartwood redwood for the deck boards. Several years ago a neighbor had a new deck built and was bragging about the great deal he got. When I saw it, I knew why.................most of the deck boards had sap wood in them. Oh well!! - lol
Because of the cost of good Redwood I think that the trex like materials or Epe are probably better for decks now days. I tend to not like the idea of plastic wood but for this use it might be a good idea. Maybe if you are a glutton for punishment you could take the deck out and put down flagstone. Anyway good luck with you project. Troy
I'm not planning on doing anything with my deck for several years. I tore out an old deck and above ground pool about five years ago and completely re-landscaped the back yard.
The original deck had been built in '80 and I managed to salvage most of the old 2x6 redwood decking. I built a smaller deck using the old deck boards that I ran thru a brand new planer. The money I saved paid for the planer.
When/If I ever build another deck, I'll have to give serious consideration to the Trex type materials. The original stuff looked really hoakey, but it looks more natural now. It might get even better in the future.
I built my deck in 78 with pine treated with stuff that was supposed to last 30 years. It wasn't five years before I started replacing boards. The deck is 8 feet height so plenty of ventilation but it didn't stop the rot. A couple years ago I stopped using it but somehow the other half of the family didn't get the message. In short, she fell through the landing. She is good natured and didn't say much but I could tell she wasn't feeling too well for a few days. Replaced the deck with a covered porch using treated boards and lots of plastic.
Well good luck, it seems with houses and boats when you are finished you have to start over.Troy
How many sisters in law do you know of .........!
Thought there was only one, but no matter how many more surface, I still got the pick of the litter, by far, sorry guys. Update, sweetwife has agreed to lower level of dirt surrounding deck so it won't be enclosed. Appreciate all feedback, helped make my case. Gonna find some some nice salvaged floor registers to let into deck surface, install a small blower in one corner and let nature have her way. Will update y'all when creepy crawlies cause collapse. Patrick Monk.patrickmonk.rn.sf.
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