Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Decks splitting apart
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samiam
05-25-04, 01:12 PM
Hello,
I have an upper and lower deck that are settling apart causing the step down to the lower deck to split away from the upper deck. Its seems that only nails were used to secure the steps to the deck. Is there better solution to securing the steps?
Thanks,
Sam
I have an upper and lower deck that are settling apart causing the step down to the lower deck to split away from the upper deck. Its seems that only nails were used to secure the steps to the deck. Is there better solution to securing the steps?
Thanks,
Sam
lefty
05-26-04, 05:10 AM
Your problems start with the footings. They are too small and/or too shallow.
The deck wasn't framed properly. Multi-level decks have to be built as one deck -- each level is just an extention of the next -- NOT as seperate decks that are just nailed together. If the two levels are more than one step difference in height, the deck is built, THEN the stairs added between the 2 levels.
As long as one of your decks is moving, you are going to have problems. The solution is to add more, LARGER footings to stop the decks from moving, add framing that ties the 2 decks together (through bolt it!), THEN redo the stairs. Not cheap and not easy, but cheaper and easier than replacing the deck.
The deck wasn't framed properly. Multi-level decks have to be built as one deck -- each level is just an extention of the next -- NOT as seperate decks that are just nailed together. If the two levels are more than one step difference in height, the deck is built, THEN the stairs added between the 2 levels.
As long as one of your decks is moving, you are going to have problems. The solution is to add more, LARGER footings to stop the decks from moving, add framing that ties the 2 decks together (through bolt it!), THEN redo the stairs. Not cheap and not easy, but cheaper and easier than replacing the deck.