Today we’re looking at a pretty large deck that while built pretty well, is in a bit of rough shape. The deck really hasn’t been extensively damaged or debilitated, but it has just aged from exposure to typical weathering elements. It’s time for an overhaul of these parts and the deck, but unlike many we see, it doesn’t really need to be fully rebuilt or replaced. It just needs a good solid tune-up.
This deck is built relatively low to the ground, unlike some typical Washington DC homes with decks that come off of the middle level of the house by the back kitchen, this particular deck is at ground level. When decks are built off the middle level of the house, in the back of the building, in most cases, they are about one level above the adjacent grade.
In more typical DC configurations, sometimes the space under the deck can be used for parking a vehicle. Often, decks are particularly needed or desired in those types of backyards where the majority of the outdoor space is needed for parking of a vehicle or as a driveway. Sometimes driveways like that will lead to a garage under the middle level of the building. In the particular case of the deck that we’re looking at today there is sufficient available space around for a yard, but the deck can still benefit the users in a few ways.
There are handful of reasons why some people build decks just above the adjacent ground level. One of those reasons is that, the deck provides a defined space that’s separate from a larger yard. Sometimes people feel better sitting or using a clearly defined space, particularly where it has a guardrail such as the deck shown here in these photographs.
Another reason that some people prefer a deck, just above the adjacent ground is that there are reduced moisture issues. Even with a typical patio, water will still pool and run through a lot of the patio during heavy rains. Decks can get wet, but the water runs right through the boards and in this case the ground below will absorb or channel that water away from the deck area, in typical or light rain conditions.
Another understandable reason to build a deck on a yard area, even just below the yard itself is that it provides a planar surface. You can build a patio that can basically achieve the same type of planar surface, but decks can be, in some cases, a little bit cheaper.
The next picture below shows a connecting structural bracket that was used to mount the guardrail post into the deck itself. Unlike a typical wood-to-wood Connection without a rabbet or dado cut into the wood, this particular method of using a plate at both the post and the substrate framing allows for better connection of driven fasteners. Generally, when an installation of a post, particularly where structural, is needed at a deck, we recommend shouldering the post to a lower joist or girder or similar framing member.
Although the nails used to secure this particular sheet metal bracket are relatively short, there’s a total of 16 nails driven through the metal plate into the post. This particular methodology is a little bit old and dated at this point, but similar types of brackets using galvanized steel are more common today which still allow for numerous fasteners to connect posts to substrate framing members.
Although the particular types of nails used, in this case, they may be hot dipped galvanized, yet they have still begun to lose their zinc covering in the oxidizing ferrous metal below the zinc galvanization is beginning to rust. Generally, in installations like this, we recommend a rated fastener. Most structural ties will require rated fasteners and most rated fasteners have a hot dipped galvanization. Hot dipped galvanization can generally last for many years longer than electrogalvanized coatings.
The next picture below shows the fastener heads more closely. In most installations today, when TECO nails or similar are not specifically required by the building code, we would generally recommend exteriorated screws, especially for typical wood-to-wood connections, as an alternative.
The next picture below shows a clear view along the side of the deck. At this location, you can see the rim joist which holds the other joist together below the deck itself. From this angle It looks interesting that one of the splice or connections we’re two joists end, seem to not be connected to a post below the deck. In this upcoming week, we’ll look at the framing below the deck itself and explain several of the principles of this Framing and structural construction.
Use a contractor, like us, who understands and cares about doing things right. Always, feel free to reach out to us here at Dupont Decks and Patios. We are happy to help with almost all steps of the deck and patio building and design process. Let us know about your ideas and talk to us if you have questions about possibilities. You can call us at (202) 774-9128. You can find us online at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com and you can email us there as well at https://dupontdeckspatiosdc.com
