What Caused This Wood Deck Failure?

[Rustyiron]

Not that you couldn't figure it out, but I'd be happy to help you out internet style.

 

[Runner]

Not that you couldn't figure it out, but I'd be happy to help you out internet style.

Thanks Rusty
If I can come up with the goods, I'll take you up on that.

 

[Runner]

Welp, 20cu yd dumpster showed up on time and the deck fit with plenty of room to spare. Presto-change-o now we are back to a patio....

After checking my stash, it appears I have enough spare siding to patch everything back to pre-deck-disaster condition. Now, just need a crash course in siding installation.....

 

[2manyrocks]

Hope you have a siding hook tool.

Since you have a backhoe, you might think about installing a large enough drain tile (yellow) to carry away any runoff water without it backing up into the space under your house and extending the concrete apron (red) to make your patio larger.

Or is there anyway to redirect the swale (blue) and extend your patio concrete?

 

[ponytug]

@Runner To add to @2manyrocks thought, putting that uphill downspout into a pipe to emerge / daylight beyond the concrete would be great for drainage...

All the best,

Peter

 

[Runner]

Hope you have a siding hook tool.

Since you have a backhoe, you might think about installing a large enough drain tile (yellow) to carry away any runoff water without it backing up into the space under your house and extending the concrete apron (red) to make your patio larger.

View attachment 876800

I had a vinyl siding removal tool until thieves broke into my shop and stole all my tools in 2011. Now, I need to run over to Lowe's and pick up another one....

2, you are reading my mind. I am actually thinking about running a couple of 6" pipes in the swale, then bringing the patio straight out, all the way to the rock wall.

One thing I like about having the patio stop where it is, I can get through there with my ZT mower now. Ever since 2011, I have not been able to do that.

Great minds think alike

 

[Runner]

@Runner To add to @2manyrocks thought, putting that uphill downspout into a pipe to emerge / daylight beyond the concrete would be great for drainage...

All the best,

Peter

Yes it would! Good suggestion.

 

[ultrarunner]

My knee jerk response to your problem was the "trapped moisture" until I asked myself then wtf is "treated lumber" good for?
I'm not sold on that conclusion and thinking more about poor treatment. Who keeps the little plastic information tag stapled to the end of every stick anyway for possible warranty issues 10 + years away.
They've played with the formula so much in the past 20 years I don't trust any of it sourced at Harry homeowner big box stores.

It was 40 year warranty 40 years ago and not a single post or joist failure and it’s been 40 or close to from my 1985 summer of deck and fence building.

 

[2manyrocks]

California climate may have helped? I've heard your cars don't rust out.

unless there are some underground utilities to contend with, one thing I'd do is to add an underground drain to the gutter downspout so rainwater isn't being dumped out to just run back under your house.

 

[Runner]

California climate may have helped? I've heard your cars don't rust out.

unless there are some underground utilities to contend with, one thing I'd do is to add an underground drain to the gutter downspout so rainwater isn't being dumped out to just run back under your house.

View attachment 876807

So far (for the last 18 years) the swale has handled the water perfectly, i.e., never a drop of water in the basement or even close to it. However, if I mess with that situation, like by extending the patio, I will absolutely have to address maintenance of the water flow.