Hi all,
Long time visitor – first time poster. Three years ago, my wife and I bought a 1969 rasied ranch with some unique elements. 4′ overhangs of T & G fir on exposed beams, 11″ cedar board on board vertical siding, and a second story deck with a 25′ gullwing (not sure if that is the correct term) overhang covering it. Because I am one of those demented people that drives enjoyment from constent house remodeling/improvement, I am embarking on some major upgrades to the exterior this summer…
1.) replace board on board cedar with fiber cement lap and shake using the cedar for wide trim and freize board between exposed beams.
2.) replace roof – shingle over current single layer.
3.) build gable over entryway.
4.) screen in second story deck.
Now that you have the background, here is my question.
I need to find a way to prevent bugs from entering the screen porch through the floor while maintaining decent esthetics, as it is seen from below, and have both sides accessable for restaining. I plan to re-use the existing decking (2×6 PT pine that spans 4′). One option is to staple screening below and trim. This would require me to remove and replace it for re-staining and doesn’t look the best from below. The option I am considering is removing the deck boards, cutting a slot in the sides the length of the boards in which a PT spline would float allowing movement and good access to both sides for restaining, and refastening leaving a 1/8″ gap B/T boards. Lots of work, but I am willing. Let me know what you think. Thanks!
Replies
I think 4 feet is a very long span for 2x6 PT pine. Doesn't it bounce a lot?
I think you would find that when you have it removed for milling spline slots, you have lost a third to "attrition" and that lots of what is left will be so splitery and full of metal that it will be dangerous to mill.
I think that if you do remove and remil with slots and splines, you will have significantly changed the internal tensions in the wood grain and openned it up to more moisture intrusion.
There must be some sort of product out there like a caulking backer rod that is woven like a fine cedar breather material that you can just pack into the joints and saver all that work. Otherwise, rip out some wood (maybe out of the old cedar siding you plan to remove) strips about 3/8" x 2" and tack them up from under. Sounds like you're willing to invest the time.