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Building a Deck? ... Build a Safe One!
Building a new deck or replacing
an older one will prove to be and excellent investment,
however there are certain pitfalls that a person should
be aware of. Be sure to spend some time checking these
before beginning construction.
Spend a little extra time in planning
the layout of the deck so it will be large enough for
all your planned activities. It is important that the
layout blends or goes well with the surrounding area,
consider the angles of the sun and shading.
Take your sketches and ideas of what
you want to your local lumber dealer or favorite supplier
and be sure to consider their suggestions and ideas.
They can probably draw up a plan for you and give you
a pretty close estimate of the materials needed and
the cost. As decks become more popular, suppliers and
contractors are more familiar with the construction
methods and will make sure that you choose the right
type and makeup of materials.
Most decks are still being constructed
with treated lumber, however there is a new player on
the scene. A new composite board that requires no sealers
or painting is being used by some builders, however
it will increase the cost of materials about 80 to 100
percent. If your pocketbook allows it you might want
to opt to use this new material.
Before the year 2003 the pressure treated
wood was treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA),
however the EPA forced manufacturers to stop using this
process, still allowing lumber companies and dealers
to sell out their inventory of CCA products. The problem
that popped up after several years of these treated
timbers being in the ground caused a leaching of arsenic
into the surrounding soil. There was concern that this
would present a danger and health risk to children and
persons who came in contact with the contaminated soil.
Today most manufacturers have changed
the treatment process and are using a compound called
alkaline copper quat (ACQ). Other treatment compounds
are being considered for approval by the EPA, one of
them being acid copper chromate (ACC). These new products
are considered to be safe for such use as decks and
mailbox posts.
Just because the manufacture of treated
lumber using CCA was halted it doesn't mean that you
need to destroy your deck if you used that material.
A good coating of a name brand oil based sealer or paint
will seal the wood and make it safe. This should be
done every couple of years to be safe.
New methods of fastening the ACQ treated
wood is necessary. No longer will regular metal nails
of screws hold up since the copper in the material will
corrode the unprotected steel fasteners. The recommended
screws are poly-coated and any nails should be at least
the hot-dipped nails not the hot galvanized nails or
screws. Joist hangers and connectors should be of the
(TZ) type which means they are triple zinc coated with
a thicker galvanized coating.
The type of flashing between the concrete
pillars or foundation should be of copper or a copper
coated material. Do not use aluminum flashing as it
will corrode due to the copper used in the treatment
of the lumber.
Because wood is a porous material and
can be damaged by the UV rays of the sun it is important
that you protect your deck by cleaning it with a power
washer and giving it a good protective coating every
two years or so. You made a large investment when you
had your deck built and a little care will afford you
many years of pleasure.
Railings are important on decks and
can be constructed of the same treated material. There
are other choices for railings such as metal and vinyl.
Pre-fab spindles are now available at most material
suppliers and are easy to install.
Special lighting in the area of the
steps are an important factor not only to enhance the
beauty of the deck but also ad security. Any steps should
be well lighted for safety sake. Safe low voltage lighting
systems are popular and the cost is well worth the benefits.
Most communities have ordnances or regulations
covering decks and swimming pools and it is very important
that you check with the code official in you town or
community before starting construction. There are financial
penalties if you do not have an official permit before
any construction begins.
1howto.com
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