Today's Damage - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

redwood · 08-05-2009, 09:51 PM

Here are some shots of a 1200 sq. ft arbor that we are tearing down. It's about 6 years old. Beams, all consisting of 4x12's, were in a 4' x 4' grid. Crossing beams were notched into each other. That was a lot of work, but I'm sure that it looked good when they were finished. Unfortunately, these notched 4x12's were spanning about 18 feet, and many of the joints had begun to rot.

RobertCDF · 08-05-2009, 10:27 PM

Tell people "FYI painting joists, beams, and redwood decking will rot it..." Water gets in.... cant get out.

slowforthecones · 08-05-2009, 10:32 PM

hrm... wonder who did that job.... 6 years and looks really messedup.

Scribbles · 08-05-2009, 10:36 PM

i cant beleve it is that bad in just 6 years.

redwood · 08-05-2009, 10:51 PM

I wish I could find the pictures, but, we rebuilt a 3 story apartment complex, that had damage like that after only 5 years. It kept me busy for 2 years. In that case, it was all in the construction details, or lack of.

I caution people against painting these structures, but they sometimes just want that look. The scary thing is that the paint seems to hide a lot of serious damage, before it's too late.

This job also had a lot of notches, where water sits. You guys that notch your posts to allow beams to set in them, better make sure you keep the water out. I don't know if I posted one of the pics, where a notched beam had sunk about 1 1/2" into a notched post.

I have learned so much about correct building techniques, by seeing these failing structures. Especially the young structures that have failed long before they should have.

Another thing about this job that should be a lesson to all. There was ton's of caulking. Every joint. Guess what, it didn't keep the water out. Caulking is for painters, not for waterproofing.

slowforthecones · 08-05-2009, 11:00 PM

redwood...i really like the redwood garage doors you have built....you posted some pics here. What are the costs for one of those. I am doing a re-build of a san francisco residence with a garage addition. My client is looking for garage doors to meet the stupid s.f. planning comission satisfaction.

John Hyatt · 08-06-2009, 06:03 AM

I am starting a repair on a 6x6 redwood structure I built 12 years ago. 17 ' span on the 6x6 with half lap joint over the posts,lex ann coragated roofing. There must have been a screw alowing water to drip right into the joint rotted that con ht redwood 6x6 right out in one spot.

No paint on this one, supperdeck finish. I have gone with twp latley but that constant drip in one place did it, slow leak is the worst. I have gone to the lex ann sheet roof with two part channel >> Thanks Mac !! << now and the Wallet is understanding but I also have learned attention to very small detail is Everything. J.

tcleve4911 · 08-06-2009, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwood

There was ton's of caulking. Every joint. Guess what, it didn't keep the water out. Caulking is for painters, not for waterproofing.

Agreed.
We've done lots of exposed outdoor structures that are still standing.
How are you going to prevent this from happening again?
What will your details consist of?

Just curious
T

deckman22 · 08-06-2009, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwood

I have learned so much about correct building techniques, by seeing these failing structures. Especially the young structures that have failed long before they should have.

You got that right, you tear enough stuff down you learn how not to do things.

I replaced decking once that was 5 years old, spf 2x4's.

redwood · 08-06-2009, 09:43 AM

There won't be any notches for water to sit in. Blocking will be blocking. UV resistant modified bituthane over the seams.

The owner wants the structure painted again, but this time it will be painted prior to assembly, so that all surfaces will be covered.

LEVELBEST · 08-06-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scribbles

i cant beleve it is that bad in just 6 years.

That is exactly what I was thinking too.....