.:`=-~rANdOm~`-=:. Game Servers (Read Only) > Discussion
Help: Deck Repair
Xrain:
--- Quote from: Sabb on September 17, 2013, 01:08:15 PM ---True, the nails are definitely sufficient though. Except the boards are a bitch to pry out so I do kind of wish they were screwed in but oh well. There are some minor disadvantages to using screws too however. Seems like an exaggeration but it actually allows the wood to rot a bit quicker where the screw is because the water collects ever so slightly in and around the screw head and over a long period of time causes rot to often start there. At least that's what I've been told by my shop teacher and have seen on the deck as well because there are a few screws in the deck where the boards join. At every single screw the rot was noticeably worse than any other point. Might be for some other reason but I can't think of another. They aren't sunk in too far either, just perfectly flush with the boards.
--- End quote ---
Eh, I don't think the rot is worse there because of the screws. Most deck boards are slightly domed shaped along the length of them so they shed water better, so perhaps some of the boards were put in upside-down or standard pine was used. I think the screws are a low priority on the scale of rot potential. Nails should technically be worse since they loosen ever so slightly rather quickly, so they trap would make a nice hole for water to enter the board. I think there are many other factors that would come into play in the rotting of your deck far before the use of screws or nails would. Our old deck used screws and lasted for 10 years and I think the environment they were in was probably more wet than what you guys experience. Hehe, if you are really concerned about rot and the screws, predrill all your boards then use a syringe to put stain in every pre drilled hole, then use stainless screws and drive them in. That would solve the problem! :dukenukem: (It will only take about 4 times as long)
So long as you build everything properly and stain the boards well (on all sides so do it before you put them in) you should only need to do touch up maintenance every few years. I feel like the benefits of using screws to attach your deck far outweighs any negative effect they have.
Though if you really want your deck to last just go with aluminum. It will outlive your house.
But all kidding aside, I do recommended staining your decking even if you have pressure treated.
Sabb:
--- Quote from: Xrain on September 18, 2013, 01:58:40 AM ---Eh, I don't think the rot is worse there because of the screws. Most deck boards are slightly domed shaped along the length of them so they shed water better, so perhaps some of the boards were put in upside-down or standard pine was used. I think the screws are a low priority on the scale of rot potential. Nails should technically be worse since they loosen ever so slightly rather quickly, so they trap would make a nice hole for water to enter the board. I think there are many other factors that would come into play in the rotting of your deck far before the use of screws or nails would. Our old deck used screws and lasted for 10 years and I think the environment they were in was probably more wet than what you guys experience. Hehe, if you are really concerned about rot and the screws, predrill all your boards then use a syringe to put stain in every pre drilled hole, then use stainless screws and drive them in. That would solve the problem! :dukenukem: (It will only take about 4 times as long)
So long as you build everything properly and stain the boards well (on all sides so do it before you put them in) you should only need to do touch up maintenance every few years. I feel like the benefits of using screws to attach your deck far outweighs any negative effect they have.
Though if you really want your deck to last just go with aluminum. It will outlive your house.
But all kidding aside, I do recommended staining your decking even if you have pressure treated.
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Yea that's all I have left which was planned, just applying some stain or finish. Unfortunately it's too late to stain the bottoms of it though, but oh well.
And actually that's something I found odd about the deck. It's made entirely of 2x6 lumber not 5/4 deck boards. Not sure if that's common or not but it seems unnecessary.
Xrain:
--- Quote from: Sabb on September 18, 2013, 04:56:25 AM ---Yea that's all I have left which was planned, just applying some stain or finish. Unfortunately it's too late to stain the bottoms of it though, but oh well.
And actually that's something I found odd about the deck. It's made entirely of 2x6 lumber not 5/4 deck boards. Not sure if that's common or not but it seems unnecessary.
--- End quote ---
2x4's and 2x6's are pretty common decking, especially 2x6's. It saves on the floor joists since the stronger 2x6 can span farther distances without needing support. Also 2x6's mean you can use less boards to do your deck.
I think the only decking I would use that is 5/4 would be aluminum or composite perhaps.
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