FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

water proofing problems with a deck s…

| Posted in Construction Techniques on March 3, 2002 06:20am

*
Im looking at a house to buy and redo. It has a huge deck that serves as a carport. It has marine carpeting on top of plywood. Looks like some tar is present. YThere is some damage inderneath to the plywood in one place.
The worst of the worst is this carpet. It is wrinkled badly. this has caused it so pull off the walls, where this tar looking stuff is visable next to the house. I think it was built up to drain away from the house which looks like sh… what I need to know is what to do with it for it to serve as a covered carport and a deck …..and be water proof. This was built on a very fine home ,…..20 years ago.I would appreciate your help.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. poundcake | Feb 28, 2002 03:52pm | #1

    *
    Tim,
    Is there a chance we could see some pictures? Maybe that would help with responses.

    1. Tim_Mooney | Feb 28, 2002 05:10pm | #2

      *It will take a few days to get pics as Im working a hetic schedule. I will have to remove the carpet. What will be able to go down next? I have thought about the torch rubber floor, but Im wondering about adhesion to the tar. Also,Im wondering about carpeting over the rubber. I thought there is some of you that have done this before and done the research for it since its a very good use of a deck. However;I know this town very well and there isnt another one to look at. Actually this was my fathers idea 20 yrs ago.I have never seen another one.He came up with bright ideas with the houses he built sometimes, some havent been so bright. I could go back with deck boards easy enough, but this deck was dry underneath , a very nice feature to sit and look at the mountains with nice furniture sitting out side .It is on the veiw end of a two story a frame. Then the deck wraps around the house half way on both sides.Its a four thousand square footer., sitting in a very nice older neibor hood, looking off the end of the mountain. So it needs to be water proof to enjoy it and nice looking.

      1. Mad_Dog | Feb 28, 2002 05:12pm | #3

        *Tim,It's a bad situation that's gone worse by bad repairs.Flat or low-sloped roofs used as decks over usable space have got to be one of the most problematic situations in house construction. There is no cheap, easy or quick fix to this. There are complicated layering methods but without knowing much more, the best advice I can give from here is to consider the deck a roof and treat it as such, and not walk on it once you've "roofed" it.If you need to keep it as a deck there are some good articles in FHB. If nobody else can find them for you, I'll look them up later when I've got more time. But this system is much more costly and still subject to further problems.What you have now seems to be a cobbled up mess, which won't help at all; you'll likely have to rip it all out or add ply over the top.Good luck,MD

        1. Tim_Mooney | Feb 28, 2002 06:28pm | #4

          *I appreciate the response. I know you are qaulified in your answer. I have read many of your other replies in other posts. This is the second post; the first got no replies at all. Ive been working on taxes this morning and I have been thinking about this post more than my work at hand. I think you have also explained to me why noone wants to touch it. I dont reply either if I feel there are others out there that are more knowledgeable. The posts Ive answered, I pretty much feel Ive been there done that enough to answer. Judeging from my knowledge about this town having no other decks like this one around has lead me to believe that it wasnt a good idea also. I need to fill in this blank also.This house has too many costly repairs already to think about spending a lot of money on this deck. It would probably be the best to tear it off and go back with deck boards. I just thought there might be something out there I didnt know that I could make use of on this house. Fact is ;I want the house for the adjoining lots around it. I have made up my mind to auction the house as is ,where is and like it is , if Im the successful bidder. So my price to buy will reflect that. thanks again ,Tim

          1. George_Roberts | Mar 01, 2002 03:32am | #5

            *You can use EDPM membranes. They are waterproof rubber made for this purpose. They glue together.

          2. Cliff._Johnston | Mar 01, 2002 06:51am | #6

            *Tim,We do this type of waterproofing for a living. Check out the attachment. The Sealoflex CT is the best material that I have come across yet. It is an elastomer that is reinforced with a polyester fabric. You build it in place making it 100% adhesive to the underlayment. Sheet goods such as EPDM are OK until they get a leak. The problem is then to find the leak as the water can travel between the sheet goods and the eventual spot where it comes down on your furniture, etc..The Sealoflex CT is both water and vapor proof. If you want to call the factory they have an 800 number: (800) 770-6466. Ask for Rob.Good luck,Cliff.

          3. Brian_Smith | Mar 01, 2002 07:28am | #7

            *check with local paint store for their decking systems. name common here in san diego/so cal is excel(cote/coat?). referred to as *** herein...basically...replace ply where damaged and nail where loose. clean off. trowel on *** masonry product (basically DAP cement masonry repair/floor leveller material variant) to 1/8" to 1/4" thickness. lay fiberglass mat. with paint roller, apply adhesive on fiberglass. spray with *** texturecoat. with paint roller, apply latex "epoxy" deck sealer.suggest a coving bead along the deck and house. what wall material are we talking about?brian

          4. Tim_Mooney | Mar 01, 2002 04:01pm | #8

            *Its rough native stone Brian.Can I lay carpet back over any of these?thanks guys

          5. Terry_Smiley | Mar 02, 2002 04:50am | #9

            *TimI'm curious about the nature of a wood deck, covered in plywood and carpet, that can support a car. IMHO the only way to park a car on a roof, and have a watertight roof, is to install the roof membrane on a concrete and steel structure. Over this you pour a second layer of concrete to protect the roof membrane. This is a very expensive design , but parking a car on framing and plywood????? Insurance? There is no cheap, easy design for this problem.Terry

          6. Mad_Dog | Mar 02, 2002 04:29pm | #10

            *Terry,Tim's carport is i underneaththe deck. The cars are on ground level.

          7. Terry_Smiley | Mar 02, 2002 09:09pm | #11

            *DOH!!!The doctor warned me about counting my meds out properly, and not taking to many of the pretty ones.SorryTerry

          8. splintergroupie_ | Mar 02, 2002 10:48pm | #12

            *Tim, i put 45 mill EPDM on a deck on the walkout side of the basement where i have my wood shop. I spray lacquer under it, so i'd soon know if it leaked. I also did another for my new shop that is a 24 x 16 carport cum spray booth, part of a waterprrof deck/catwalk system i ran almost all the way around the house. I ran the EPDM up the wall for flashing, used term bar where the siding was already on; will tuck it under the new siding on the next job. Indoor/outdoor carpet to protect the surface, but i don't have any BBQ's up top, only foot traffic, people and dogs. No problems, but you don't want to mix asphalt and rubber products, though, so the residue from the previous carpet adhesive would be a problem. Same goes for the next carpet. Also, you want to be able to replace it, so anchor it with carpet tape at the edges and planters! And don't get the cheap stuff that stretches! Can you flip the ply and use the unglued side? Or re-sheathe; 20 years is a lot to expect of a sheet of wet ply.The first one i did was a balcony in an inside corner against a brick wall and i have a little trouble sealing against the brick--have to go up every so often and redo it, as there's a valley there and it gets built up with snow and ice sometimes, too. That one has a regular wood deck on top, but the only leaking seems to be at these term bars, which i should have set higher on the wall. I haven't got any idea what to do for rough stone, though.

          9. Tim_Mooney | Mar 03, 2002 01:48am | #13

            *So there is people doing this. Well, I will tell ya;that must have been the problem here, because the tar is built up against the house ,asking the water to please exit away from the house.What I have got in my head is that this would have been a better idea in new construction than now. It could have been flashed properly. I can see that the only problem with this job is they had no way to flash it. Whats worse is there is about 24 feet of wall and windows that catches rain and drains down to the carpet . Its must be a lot of water. I want to thank every one again as I have copied this all to file. This is a great thing to be able to come here and trade ideas, get some , or give them . You all have been great to give your time.happy trails ,Tim

          10. splintergroupie_ | Mar 03, 2002 06:20am | #14

            *Tim, how about a free-standing carport that doesn't have to be flashed. You would let the water drain off the inside edge instead, with a gutter to carry the water to the side. Not perfect, but an idea to throw out......maybe way out, LOL!

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data