Deck & Patio Questions:

Sun Porch Construction:

Question:

Should I build a sunroom/covered porch on a floating deck?

Answer:

What type of supports would I use on a deck that is over 10 ft. from ground level?:

Question:

I understand that the norm for building a deck is 4 x 4 posts; however, would steel beams be more secure when putting a deck so high off the ground?

Answer:

Good Morning, Yes steel would be stronger by far but with the cost of metal so high and the extra work involved to anchor your wood members to the structure, you might want to increase your wood post and other structural parts (girders etc) to 6x. Do some comparison shopping and see. Hope this helps. Gordon

Attaching a Deck to The House:

Question:

How do I attach the deck to the frame of the house?

Answer:

Good Morning, Typically one would attach a ledger board along the running edge of the house where you want the deck to be. It needs to be at least one size bigger than the supporting joists: for example 2x6 joist = 2x8 ledgers. You will need to attach the ledger to the house with thru bolts at least 1/2 inch in diameter about every 2 feet. I would use metal joist hangers for the joists. Remember local building codes regulate this stuff, when in doubt consult with them. Hope this helps, Gordon

Raising a deck:

Question:

I have a raised deck that is approximately 6 feet off the ground. It is attached to the house on one side and on 4X4 posts (3 of them) that sit in cement bases on the other. These cement bases have sunk due to frost and the deck will need to be raised about three inches on the side where the posts are located. We live in New Brunswick so frost is always an issue. How can we raise the deck at this height and what should be put under these blocks to prevent this from happening again?  

Answer:

Good Morning, I would imagine that at some point the settling would come to a halt? I would brace up the deck back to proper level and then put new posts that are longer. A lot of work but better than the deck failing. If you don't want to do that them get some cinder block caps and after you jack up the deck put the under the post bases. Hope this helps, Gordon

Deck insulation for a sun room:

Question:

I have an existing sunroom on my deck. I cannot get under to insulate. I would like to insulate on top. Can I put down 1" rigid pink insulation, then a vapor barrier?? Then strap the floor and put plywood on top. Put carpet on top of the plywood. What do I use to fasten the strapping to the insulation on the floor? My deck is made of cedar.

Answer:

Good afternoon, I would used a HD construction (PL 400 or ?) adhesive to glue down the insulation, then after putting the barrier and then ply I would get some long screws with washers (I use the star head ceramic torks) and screw the everything down to the deck. This will keep it from shifting and separating. Hope this helps, Gordon