We expected damage, but not as much as shown by the structural parts shown here. The ends of the joists looked awful:
Damage to the ends of joists.
Not to be outdone, the aprons (rails?) between the support posts showed terrible damage. Carpenter ants did their thing, unrelentingly:
Damage to structural aprons.
Many boards showed this damage:
Check it out!
As a result, it was time to consider total replacement. I asked Dave to prepare a new materials estimate, to include a complete wrap-around deck, and a full extension over the patio area that will receive the pavers, in front of the Family Room where he is sitting:
Time for a new estimate.
The additional lumber was delivered yesterday morning (Sunday morning!); it does not include the railings at this point:
New material ordered, and delivered!
The following photo shows most of the lumber that will make up the new deck areas:
Most of the new deck.
Demolition started, with the portion of the deck in front of the Living Room removed first (far left in this photo):
South portion demolished in front of Living Room.
The local dumping area, just outside our new office area:
A part of the old deck removed, just outside the Living Room.
Work will continue today, with the removal of the huge board against the siding just outside the Living Room. Then, install flashing, and felt behind the new board. Then start building the new portion of the deck. We will approach the build in sections, as this makes the most sense at this point.
A note to all my readers: If you have an old wooden deck, please inspect all the structural components.
— Al Navas
About Al Navas
Dadgum bugs! It is amazing the damage they can do.
You are right, Jeff – but, they have to eat…