Planning Your Twin Cities Decking Project
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions answered by calling 651-989-9226. Here’s must-know information from our in-house deck specialist, Luke Panek, shared on 3.6.21.
Underdecking can be installed on the bottom side of a deck to provide a finished look and limit the amount of water the area directly below the deck receives. Underdecking is a low sloped roof absent of a rubber membrane. Therefore, it should not be considered a water drainage, rather than waterproofing system. This is particularly in the Twin Cities where the freeze/thaw cycle is so prevalent. Homeowners installing underdecking should also understand that maintenance is required to ward off organic debris and pollen can penetrate deck boards and trickle into the underdecking system. The best way to maintain this type of system is to flush them out in the spring and fall.
Homeowners rebuilding their deck can be tempted to reuse the frame and joists. While this can be tempting from a cost savings standpoint, this approach is not often advised on older decks. The best maintenance-free decks are those that are polymers or PVCs. This means they are manufactured without organic sawdust. One of the more popular manufacturers of this type of decking is TimberTech AZEK®. Decks that utilize sawdust as a component have a shorter lifespan in the Twin Cities because of the dramatic temperature and humidity changes throughout the year.
Here’s a Behind the Scenes Look at a Decking & Porch Project by Lindus Construction:
For homeowners considering building their own deck, there’s lots to consider prior to making a final decision, as there are many intricacies involved. One of the trickiest is the installation of the deck stair stringers. While big box stores sell deck stair stringers, they may or may not work with the deck that is being built. The calculations for stair stringers must be 100% accurate and there cannot be any variation in the spacing between the stairs, making the cutting process difficult. This portion of the decking project should be entrusted to an experienced craftsman. Homeowners should also take the time to research their deck railing options to ensure that their final selection is something they will enjoy for years to come. Vertical cable railings offer picturesque views. Horizontal cable railings on decks high off the ground can be problematic because they can be easily climbed by small children, creating a fall hazard.
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