Deck dilemma

Thanks for comments on my previous deck query. We have a bigger dilemma. We have a 1-story extension with a deck on top. The extension is new, with masonry exterior walls. Per the architect’s design, the deck is supported in part by an array of columns that rest on the joists under the extension roof. That is, the deck is supported in the middle, and not just by distributing all the weight out to the exterior masonry walls. The extension roof has not done well, we have had some significant leaks, and we need to pull up the deck to get at the roof. We also don’t like how our deck has held up, with lots of warping and splintering (hence last week’s question about Timbertech). The extension is 12×22 and we would be looking at about an 11×19 deck. So here are the options we are wrestling with: 1\. Remove the entire deck, including the portions of the support columns above the roof, so the roofers can put on a good new roof, followed by framing and construction of a new deck in which the weight is districuted to the masonry walls and no weight is borne by the joists under the roof. This is what our deck guy is recommending. 2\. Remove the boards and joists but leave the columns, let the roof guys work around the support columns, then rebuild a deck in keeping with the architect’s original plans for support. Are the internal supports necessary? A good idea? Overkill? Can a good roofer work around the columns or is an uninterrupted surface necessary for a good roof. Thanks.

slopefarm

in Decks and Porches 12 years and 11 months ago

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Silvermax | 12 years and 11 months ago

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We just built an extension with a deck on top: about 14 X 16\. There is steel in the roof of the extension, so our situation may not be applicable. The extension was roofed sloping toward a drain located in the center of the roof, leading to pipes buried in the extension carrying water down to the sewer. For the deck we used bison pedals and ipe pallets 2 X 2\. The bison pedals can be adjusted so that the deck itself is level, even though the under-deck (i.e., roof of extension) is sloped. The pallets can be lifted in the event of a leak. Deck looks fabulous. We ordered the bison pedals and ipe pallets from JB Blanchard (888-510-5660; http://www.linkedin.com/in/jabeblanchard) and our contractor, MC Squared (718-386-2211) installed it.

slopefarm | 12 years and 11 months ago

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Thanks, Bruce and jim. Bruce, how pricey is it to do an iron work grid? Metal costs are pretty high these days, I think.

brucef | 12 years and 11 months ago

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I would consider iron work grid, with modular panels dropped in, decking can be trex or ipe. Result would be no roof penetration, removeable decking, and masonry to masonry support. Call Tony at A&J, he has done these before. You can use my name, Bruce

Guest User | 12 years and 11 months ago

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11 feet is an easy span for a deck if the joists are sized correctly. Chances are that the first deck had smaller joists because it had more supports, thus shorter spans, so check the size and spacing of the joists on the new deck to make sure they’re strong enough to span the 11 feet. This is the best solution as any roof penetration is a potential leak, and if you need to disassemble the whole deck to get at the penetration the next time it leaks, it will be like starting from scratch again.