IPE question - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

bmcquin · 04-08-2009, 12:37 PM

Hi All,
I am in the process of working up a quote for an IPE deck and need help with regards to a question that was posed to me.

The deck in question can and will be flooded over from time to time for sometimes as long as 3-4 days.
My question is, are there any side effects to IPE being submerged for a prolonged period of time and if so what might the side effects be?
Quick history on the deck: elevated from 12"- 48" above grade, open on three sides, decking will 1x6 over 2x8 joists 16" o.c. fastened with S.S. #10x2 1/2" screws 2 per joist.

Thanks for your help!

John Hyatt · 04-08-2009, 03:55 PM

Not real sure on that one none of my Projects sit under water. Your frame and fasteners lay out seem right. I think I would be more woried about the fame conections than the ipe though. J.

**genecarp** · 04-08-2009, 04:03 PM

Can not say definatively, however common sense would assume a shorter life span as one side effect. i would also be concerned about mold or mildew forming due to the lenth of time submerged and saturation.

**BuiltByMAC** · 04-08-2009, 05:16 PM

Is this a freestanding deck or is it being built on the side of a house boat?

That's just an odd design parameter - multiple floodings. I have no info re: IPE underwater but ya mind fillin' us in on 'why' it gets flooded so often? With multiple floodings up to 4' over grade, how does the house foundation look?

Mac

Screwitdown · 04-08-2009, 05:18 PM

Getting wet or being under water probobly wont hurt it, just make sure the ends are sealed, because if it dries to quickly it splits the ends bad. Even up North

One good thing is you wont have to worry about it floating!!

neolitic · 04-08-2009, 05:19 PM

Sun deck on a submarine.

curapa · 04-08-2009, 06:05 PM

What about using teak? I know nothing about using it myself but I know they make decking out of it and it lasts a long time when cared for properly, even in salt water. That reminds me, I need to go out and tend to the teak on my boat

bmcquin · 04-08-2009, 06:57 PM

Wow, I didn't realize that this topic would become such a great game of "Guess where the deck is located"

John: I even called your go-to-guy George and he was able to put my mind to rest............... but that still leaves the HOA board.......

Curapa: I don't think I want introduce another decking choice as the HOA board is rather large and have trouble reaching a consensus.

Gene: That is a concern I've brought up to the HOA. I also reminded them that would be a problem with any material.

Screw: I agree with you and yes the ends will be sealed.

Neo: good guess but sorry........

Mac: it is freestanding a pool that sits down in retention bayou, well not all the way down but damn near! The pool really becomes a bee-u-teefull green whenever the flooding happens.

Thanks guys for the help!

deckman22 · 04-08-2009, 08:33 PM

Ipe is pretty tough stuff, it should do fine. Go with SS where ever you can, double hot dipped galv. at a minimum & don't expect those to last very long under those conditions.

John Hyatt · 04-08-2009, 11:17 PM

Yo B M C, if I was going to use Anything on a project like that it would be ipe, hmmmm well actually it would be another S American lumber but they dont ship it over here, I cant see ipe being harmed by being under water every now and then and even the drying out thing wont hurt the wood itself far as breaking it up and of course the mold is only going to make it slick the Sulfer in ipe makes it pretty much bullet proof to anything organic.

I would not bother sealing it with anything, finish on ipe is cosmetic anyway,but I do sugest using 3'' bugle head ss screws with a predrill thru the ipe not the pt frame just snug them up dont try to tork them down also using 5/4 material might be a plus.

The George is a good man, same with his Co, if youall talk again say Hay for me!!!

Side Note>>> when I first started with Ipe the Johh Mon sunk a few shorts in a 5 gal water bucket with rocks,then layed them out in the Okie sun behind the shop. I got tired of doing it after a few months cause they looked the same in or out.<<< J.

Hold on to your Lug Nuts!! its time for an Overhaul

4thGeneration · 04-10-2009, 11:23 PM

Should have built with cypress. At least it grows in water. Why spend the mega dollars on Ipe and not even be able to fully enjoy it. Besides, Ipe' has to be on a regular maintenance contract by a pro if you want it done right every year, give a little maybe, but under water alot may even cut that time.

deck king · 04-10-2009, 11:51 PM

Ipe was used for propeller shaft bearings of submarines and for bearings in oil wells being drilled in the oceans. because of the hardness & density ( and the fact that steel bearings would rust in salt water) and the woods ability to retain moisture allowed it to self lubricate. It's always a good idea to seal any wood that is exposed to the elements, for Ipe and variety of Iron woods it's more cosmetic than structural.

deckman22 · 04-11-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thGeneration

Should have built with cypress. At least it grows in water. Why spend the mega dollars on Ipe and not even be able to fully enjoy it. Besides, Ipe' has to be on a regular maintenance contract by a pro if you want it done right every year, give a little maybe, but under water alot may even cut that time.

Have you priced cypress lately, cost darn near as much as ipe, why not use the best if in the same price range.

Regular maintenance contract? Ipe needs nothing, unless you are selling regular maintenance contracts, then of course it does. Give me a break.

deck king · 04-11-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deckman22

Have you priced cypress lately, cost darn near as much as ipe, why not use the best if in the same price range.

Regular maintenance contract? Ipe needs nothing, unless you are selling regular maintenance contracts, then of course it does. Give me a break.

I've never used cypress. The last I heard of cypress was about 10 years ago and it was actually an Alaskan Cedar, is this the same thing?

neolitic · 04-11-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deck king

I've never used cypress. The last I heard of cypress was about 10 years ago and it was actually an Alaskan Cedar, is this the same thing?

Other than being wood,
the two have absolutely nothing
to do with each other.

John Hyatt · 04-11-2009, 11:14 AM

Dumb da Dumb Dumb. J.

deck king · 04-11-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hyatt

Dumb da Dumb Dumb. J.

John, you continue to insult me as you show everyone here your lack of knowledge of the trade you claim to be a professional at.
Alaskan Yellow Cedar ( chamaecyparis nootkatenis) also known as.....
"Nootka Cypress or "Sitka Cypress.
Now, go look in the mirror and read your last post.

deckspec · 04-11-2009, 06:51 PM

shouldn't be a problem

bmcquin · 04-29-2009, 05:23 PM

Here is an update to my original question.
I have found out that 1x6 IPE decking when submerged for 48 hrs and then placed in the sun does not suffer any ill effects.
I know this because I made a 4'x4' mock-up with some IPE, treated pine frame and s.s. screws, threw it a pool and let it sink to the bottom.
I then told the HOA pull it out whenever you'd like throw it in the sun and call me after you notice it does exactly like I told you it would, NOTHING!

Well they were tickled and I just signed a contract with them for a rather large IPE deck and rails!! Oh! Happy Days!

John Hyatt · 04-29-2009, 05:30 PM

Way to go BM!!! any job now days is a good job

J.