Expanding Ipe Deck Gaps - Proper Installation Advice needed
digm
16 years ago
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john_hyatt
16 years agoRelated Discussions
Ipe decking questions
Comments (5)"2. I was hoping to use the Deckmaster hidden fastening system that screws into the deck boards angled from below? Does anyone have any experience with this? Would prefer not to face screw the boards in place. Do I have to worry about increased cupping using this method?" Do not even think of using these on any project, especially Ipe. Deckmaster is about the worst hidden fastener system on the market. The design is all wrong. (think placement of fasteners) the holes are where they are. Worry about cupping. You can't place 2 screws 3/4" in from the edge of the boards. Then, when you drive the fastener (from below) how is the board held tight to the joist? This is a major PIA. Standard top screwing has many advantages, no disadvantages when you're talking Ipe. If you MUST have the look of invisible fasteners, choose another system. A couple of other little tips: 1. NEVER drill a pilot hole into the joist. No matter how you attach the decking, hidden fasteners or top screws, the joist should not ever be pilot drilled. Pressure treated lumber is very green (wet) and it shrinks significantly. Therefore, a drilled pilot hole becomes larger. As the seasonal wet and dry cycles occur, the decking pulls against the screws. Some will come loose from the pilot holes. The only chance a screw has of staying put, is to go directly into the undisturbed wood fiber. And longer screws are not better, The longer the screw, the more it sticks up when the joist dries out. 1.5" embedment is ideal. 2. Finish is not necessary on Ipe. It will go gray naturally, no matter what finish you put on. The only way to keep the wood it's original color is to finish it 3 times the first year, refinish it twice a year for the next 3 years, and then annually after that....See MoreAzek decking and Ipe rails
Comments (7)Would love to see the photos, but when I click on it the only thing I get is a cat food commercial. I'm fairly new to this, what am I doing wrong? We are about to embark on a deck redo also and have looked extensively at Azek. I'm going to do the floor in Acacia color and the railing in Kona (because there is no railing in Acacia). To tie it together I'm going to have the second board in from the outside be in Kona and the Kona color railing will go on the outside board which will be the Acacia.....just trying to change it up a bit. Your comments are letting us know we are on the right track....especially about the ketchup and wine as we entertain outside a lot. Thanks for the informative post....See Moreipe deck help...need advice asap
Comments (3)HI Ya George! I dont really care all that much for the 4th not for what its there for the caps poping off all over, just makes me a little jumpi so I am hiding out in the office. Rule of Thumb the fasteners should go into the frame at least 1/2 the depth of the decking, of course the L metal cant do that because the decking is not really fastened to the frame there in is the problem. Using any more than 2 fasteners per conection will have no effect one way or the other far as movement goes, but it just might split out the ipe. Take a close look at that L metal, hold it in your hand,while doing that recall the ipe bill you just paid, inspect the thin area the screws are going into, remember the coated cans you see on the freeway ramps that were missed by the clean up guys after several months, then ask your Contractor if you could drift on over to the many ipe jobs he has out 5 years old or so done with that L metal, Keep in mind us ol boys over here make a living doing decks there would be no trashing if they worked we would be selling the S#i$ out of them. Then make your plan as to how to countiune.Side Note>> I would come closer to using pt 2x2s joist sisters installed with ss screws and 490 adhesive leval with the joists and adhesive on the decking at least you would have a fighting chanceCross Ventalation is very important to any decking X 10 with ipe Air in Air out. T&G ipe skirting gives a very good look. When using solid skirting install screen vents in the skiting, they look like soffit vents in your overhang, we put a router detail on them pretty cool look you can see them on my site. Air in Air out. Do Not Seal All Four Sides with any decking ever for a lot of reasons. Ipe is a very tough long lived nice looking material. It will not put up with uneven traped moisture,lack of ventalation,or flimsly conection while laying flat to the sun. J...See MoreWhite flashing showing between IPE Decking
Comments (3)John, curious as to why on the comment on joist flashing. We don't use it very often, but I can't see any harm, only the benefit of sealing around screw penetrations. Ron, unless the manufacturer says that you can paint it, I would not. Unfortunately, you will see it until dirt covers it. Vycor is black, and less noticable. Mark...See Moredigm
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