Azek TnG Porch Board for second story deck?

14 years ago

Well, we are into winter now, and my indecision leaves me without the new deck I hoped to have done this year.

The final piece of the plan was how to keep the patio dry underneath. I looked at Timbertech Dry Space, UnderDeck, Dry-Snap as solutions, each has fans and naysayers. One of the supposedly experienced AZEK installers said if I went with the T & G porch board, I wouldn't need any underdeck system. I was suspicious, because if that was the case, it would seem to be a great marketing point for AZEK Porch, but I havent' seen anything about it nor any info on here or elsewhere. Also, even though AZEK continues to improve its products, it is still PVC and will have at least minimal expansion and contraction, no?

Thanks to any and all who care to comment.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

john_hyatt
14 years ago
T&G decking drains the same way face fastened decking does, thru the gap. No it will not act as a roof.
A Roof of some kind has got to be installed under the decking. I use a modified torch down.

www.deckmagazine.com,in the forum area,beware of azek decking. An ongoing thing but basicly axek has the same faults any manmade decking has with the addition of expansion and contraction that has to be allow for.

Mis infomation has plauged manmade from the begining and is still being put out by some salesmen /advertising. They have to sell this stuff. Folks feel the have to buy it. So on and on it goes. J.
lvpaguy2
Original Author
14 years ago
You are the Jon Mon on Contractor Talk, right?

I lurk there to get info, but obviously can't post as a HO.
I have to tell you, it is incredible to see how you guys take such pride in your work and keep trying to get better.

Where I live, no one takes their work that seriously. I ask questions about the woods you use and the techiques you employ, and they either tell me I'm full of it or they never come back. I always think that if any of you came to this area, you'd get rich and run the fakers out of the valley.

Anyway, thanks for the input. And if you are ever anywhere near the Lehigh Valley in PA, Coronas will be on ice.
Related Discussions
Making windows fit in 2nd story with porch
Q
Comments (15)
It's OK to use a few Andersen 200 series windows but I would try to get at least the 400 series Tilt Wash for the rest of the house. I don't know where you live but in a cold climate you need 2x6 studs just to meet the energy code. If you dropped the entire porch roof structure another 4" from what I originally recommended and the bottom of the truss overhang is high enough for the trim boards everything should work. The only way to know is to draw a wall section very carefully. I could do that if I knew the truss support and roof eave detail. Trusses save money and many houses discussed on this forum have used them but I have never used them nor have I seen them used for a single-family house; it's a multi-family developer technique in the northeast perhaps because attic space is of such great value.
...See More
Second story deck ... dry underneath?
Q
Comments (15)
1/4" drop per ft. is not enough for proper drainage. I would go with a 1/12 pitch minimum. For a deck 24' away from the house you need enough clearance to bring it down 2'. Do not use corragated metal if you mean that wavy stuff, it does not seal well at all. I use rainguard roofing that is painted all ready, not the galvalum, as it holds up better. The rainguard has a double hump at the overlap which makes for a good seal. If you have to cheat a little on the pitch then seal the overlaps with a good silicon sealer or NP1 sealer. You can always frame in the area from above the metal roofing to the rim joist on the deck & cover it with siding. This can be a problem tho cause leaves that get thru the cracks in the decking can clog up at the end of the roofing where it's closed off. Al
...See More
Second thoughts: pine beams
Q
Comments (8)
Thanks for the input! I've had a couple of discussions with The Woodworker, and it wasn't too hard to convince him to start looking for a good deal on Ipe instead. After reading a few dozen postings, I'm going to email George @ eastteak; please feel free to make suggestons if there's anyone else I should contact as well. One thing, though: John -- could you clarify, please? "X 100 using caulk"? Thanks to all for making our advice and expertise available through this forum! What an invaluable asset it is, and such a HUGE relief! The only way we can afford to build at all is if we do a lot of it ourselves, and since I barely know the right end of a hammer to hold, I've lot a lot of ground to make up. ------------ Trilby (what I lack in competance I make up in enthusiasm -- and research!!)
...See More
Azek Decking Material - What do you think about it?
Q
Comments (195)
SIGNIFICANT WATER POOLING ACROSS NEW DECK SURFACE We recently had a deck built with TimberTech Azek and it looks great. The product was recommended by our contractor and Big Creek Lumber. It is not cheap, nor was the installation ($40,000+). We had realistic expectations, but now we have problems. PROBLEMS: We have significant water pooling/cupping from a couple rains and some heavy mist. (I've also noticed dried dirt marks left behind when it finally dries, but that's a secondary issue.) CUSTOMER SERVICE: I reached out via phone to a representative from the website. He assured me that some "beading" was natural and over time this would stop. When it didn't stop, I reached out to my contractor because this is not "beading"; this is pooling. I waited a few more weeks and after more pooling from heavy mist and fog, I reached out to my contractor. My conscientious contractor said he has used this material before and has not seen or heard of the issue from any of his clients. He promptly gave me his rep's name and number. The rep said she's had no issues over the past 2 years and she would check—with someone—at the company. She emailed saying that "beading" was normal at first. I sent her deck photos of: Pooling/cupping from rain comparing my neighbor's dry, non-cupping, deck (with another composite-type product). So side by side, at the same time of day, with same weather conditions and sun exposure, my neighbor's deck was dry while mine was significantly pooling with standing water along the entire surface. I also sent a photo of significant pooling/cupping from heavy mist. I have asked the rep for a timeline of when this should stop or resolve itself. I haven't heard back yet and am concerned. A site search brought me to this page with the following: TimberTech's stated superiority over wood decking cupping. Product promotion that helps prevent cupping. Suggestions to dry your deck with a squeegee or mop when there is standing water. Dangers of "standing water," becoming slick (falling danger) and damage to the wood substructure. In summary, the site does not come out and admit pooling/cupping, but it talks about dangers and care of standing water. WHERE TO GO FROM HERE: I'll be calling the rep and asking for a site visit asap, unless anyone else has a suggestion.
...See More
john_hyatt
14 years ago
That would be me. There are a great bunch of Contractors over that way. We have major grins and learn from each other.

We are a high strung breed,outliers. Some Contrators over there are in the PA area however I know just what your up against I bid across them over here as well.

If I drift on over to my yankee Brother in NJ some day I will take you up on the cool one. JonMon
jnacc
14 years ago
Have a look at evolution-deck.com - allows a maintenance free deck made from stone, concrete, or other no maintenance material. The steel structure can receive a rubber membrane like a roof, and pavers adhered ontop.
These structures are manufactured from recycled steel, require no maintenance, and will not warp, check, split or rot. EvolutionDECK structures are a complete structure and sub-floor platform allowing for the use of natural stone, tiles, pavers, or other maintenance free finishes in any pattern. Conventional wood decks are certain to devalue over time, whereas an evolutionDECK system appreciates with the value of your home. The evolutionDECK system is pre-engineered to comply with Building Codes in Canada and the United States. EvolutionDECK structures come with an unmatched 30 year strutcural warranty. 1-800-725-5228

Here is a link that might be useful: website

Azek TnG Porch Board for second story deck?

Comments (4)

john_hyatt

lvpaguy2
Original Author

Related Discussions

john_hyatt

jnacc

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Azek TnG Porch Board for second story deck?

Comments (4)

john_hyatt

lvpaguy2Original Author

Related Discussions

john_hyatt

jnacc

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

lvpaguy2
Original Author