Building 55' Bridge Across Creek - Utility Poles

[fried1765]

There is a special tape that some people use to flash deck joists. I'm not a fan of metal or paper flashing the tops of joists because it's hit or miss on how well it works. While it does shed some of the water that comes from rain, it also retains moisture that is formed from condensation. That moisture remains under the flashing longer because it's protected from the flashing. The tape is supposed to help this because it's attached completely to the joist. On my jobs, I do not flash the tops of my joists.

Butyl flashing tape is an excellent way to protect the tops of any type joists.
It does need to be wide enough to allow water to be shed well over both sides of the joist tops.

 

[gable74]

Good call. Not going to be able to cut 120' of 2" thick oak with a cordless circular saw, so I may have to lug the generator down there. I will line the centers up and rip the ends when I am done.

Thanks.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Why not use a chalk line once all the boards are installed, and use a chainsaw.

 

[gable74]

Why not use a chalk line once all the boards are installed, and use a chainsaw.

Might be able to use my sled and guide with the chainsaw. I will look at that option as well. Thanks.

 

[Carl_NH]

Very nice looking bridge and project!

Also if the decking has one straight edge, and your support beams are +-2" width variance, you can predrill through a stack of deck boards right on the trailer with a longer bit rather than drilling one at at time.

 

[EddieWalker]

I would think that a chainsaw would give you a ragged looked edge to the cut deck boards. Even a framing saw blade will give you some tear out. I almost always use a finish blade for everything.

 

[K5lwq]

I have built a lot of things making all the cuts with a chainsaw. But I am no carpenter that is a fact.

 

[Gordon Gould]

Back in the day I've worked with framing crews from up north. They were hired for their speed. A chain saw was there go-to tool. A sharp chain makes a decent cut. I would try it.

gg

 

[K5lwq]

My FIL moved in with us a couple weeks ago and loves to sit outside. I put a retractable awning up for him and had to stab out from the house to make it work. All the cuts were with the chainsaw. So far no one has even noticed. Lol
I think it will hold.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I figured as much lol......no worries

Gonna set up the saw and stand tomorrow and start cutting some deck boards. I saved a few bucks at the mill by not having them cut to length (so long as they were 84" or more). Kind of wish I had him cut them as I am looking at having to make 200+ cuts on this 2" lumber now....LOL. Might stop on the way home and pick up a new blade or two.

A lot easier to cut them on the saw and stand than in place on the bridge.

Just set your first board then set another one temporarily down down bridge say 30 or 40 feet. Cut yourself three spacers. 1/2" plywood works good. Nail one into the end grain of each plank and string a line between the nails. Then go a head and screw your boards down using the line and your 3rd spacer as a guide. The spacer keeps you from pushing the string out as you place planks. Every once in a while check how square your boards are. Hold a framing square against a board edge so the other leg runs along the line and check/set it square. If your way off, not likely, set the correction over several boards to make it unnoticeable. Work your way down the bridge this way.

gg