Subject: (Deck joist rot)
Date: Thu, 30 Jul 1998I found your page while searching for help in repairing a deck on my home. The deck is a 4 x 8 cantilever built atop floor joist extensions. The joists are 20 years old and rotting. There are 8 joists. One is rotting from the bottom up and is probably about half gone. Another has some serious rot at the outer end. The rest have small pockets of rot on the top and bottom (as determined with an ice pick. No disassembly yet to get full picture).
Clearly your products can help, but I am confused as to quantities. I had thought to not only repair the existing rot, but to prevent future problems if possible. What do you suggest?
Thanks.
Tim T.
P.S. Great boat. My dad built a boat using the West System stuff and suggested GIT ROT. It was in searching for that product that I found your page. I always wanted a 'vette.
Tim,
If you're going disassemble your deck, you'll be able to save most if not all the rotted wood with two applications the Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer (CPES). Quantities are hard to predict, because everything depends on how much the wood absorbs. It can sometimes be surprising. Most folks start with what they consider an appropriate amount (2-gallon unit for you?), and then if they see it's going faster than they thought they re-order. Our products are always in stock and we ship same day as order. If there are vacancies in the wood and you can make gravity work for you, we suggest going in on top of 2 applications of CPES with our Layup & Laminating Resin. If that's not possible, the Epoxy Filler works well. Both will bond at the molecular level with the CPES impregnated wood for a strong finished structure.
As for future problems, applying the CPES to the wood joints is essential, including nail/screw holes if possible. If the deck is disassembled this is no problem. If not, it can still be applied at the joint intersections. If the wood is dry, CPES will penetrate and wick an amazing distance. CPES can be applied to open surfaces as well, but that's not usually where the rot problems start.
Come back if you have more questions. Save the deck and buy the 'vette?
Doc