Anybody looking for something to do Sat?

I’m embarrassed to admit how long it’s been this way. I took a tree down years ago and it leaned up against the deck railing and bent it. I assumed it was minor cosmetic damage and never really paid much attention to it.



Due to a couple reasons, I took a much closer look yesterday. Definitely a structural issue.

It’s progressively gotten worse, and being able to see the nails that have pulled out (from above) is definitely new.





The good news is I think it’s almost all salvageable. I just need to use some ratchet straps or something else to pull that board in an reattach with screws. The ends are still where the should be, but the middle isn’t even making contact anymore. There’s a clear dip in the deck. (We rarely ever use it, mainly me out there on the grill).



So if anybody is bored this coming Saturday and wants to come help me think through it, let me know. A bottle jack would probably be handy.

The helper needs to provide a bottle of Jack?

Consider using Simpson brand joist hangers.

Jeppo said:

The helper need to provide a bottle of Jack?

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That's exactly how I read that. I was also considering his audience.

Button Pusher said:

Consider using Simpson brand joist hangers.

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D'oh!

Least it isn’t a mobile home

Button Pusher said:

Consider using Simpson brand joist hangers.

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Would those work with the existing piece in place that the notches fit around? I’d assume the thickness of the brace wouldn’t make a noticeable difference due to everything settling over the last 20 years anyway.

That looks like a bit more work than hanging a jeep hardtop lift.

Obviously built temp structure from below to lift joists back into place. I suppose that hangars could be used to pull the bearing beam back into place, but I’d probably use clamps and move it kinda slowly. Then jacks on top to pivot the railing back to vertical and straight. I’d plan on leaving the bracing in to hold that railing vertical for a year, and if you use cheap C-clamps on the bearing beam I’d leave them for a good while as well.

I’m just making this up, and since I’ll be fishing I can’t be much help other than to provide unsolicited and uneducated suggestions from afar.

Buddy. Your gonna at least replace that top plate/handrail right?
Iffin you wanna make the railing straight.

Also that single band (why no double?) That has the nails pulled out from the jousts will never come back. Screws won't hold in the end grain of your joists.

New band "I insist a double band to prevent issues" then a new top plate/ hand rail is the minimum I see getting away with from the pics I see...


Just found the double band

Tough with a broken screen cell phone:/

Trevillian said:

Buddy. Your gonna at least replace that top plate/handrail right?
Iffin you wanna make the railing straight.

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Yes. The top 2x4s will get replaced all the way around. As will a couple deck boards, but I’ll determine that once it’s all back level.

Working plan in coming together, at least in my head. Gotta stop by Harbor Freight and Lowes/HD in the next couple days.

BigWaylon said:

Yes. The top 2x4s will get replaced all the way around. As will a couple deck boards, but I’ll determine that once it’s all back level.

Working plan in coming together, at least in my head. Gotta stop by Harbor Freight and Lowes/HD in the next couple days.

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Your gonna have to remove and replace the front band. Screws will pull out of the end grain of the floor joists.. Even if you do force the band back in.

I can think of a couple “scab” options but the minimum imo is temp bracing up the deck. Cutting the joists back from where the nails were set (nonsplit ends) then installing a new band. Since your losing a deck board anyway. 5 1/2 back on the joists, new band (maybe new posts depending on condition) then new front railing. Done and done.

If I was closer I’d totally swing by to give my useless opinion and Bmob

12T bottle jack...$23.99 after coupon at Harbor Freight today. That (along with a couple 4x4s) should lift it up the couple inches I need. Then the actual work begins.

@BigWaylon,

I had separation of my deck band joist a while back as well and was able to repair it. If you want to discuss in detail you can PM me.

Basically, I used a bottle jack to take the load off the band joist and used ratchet straps and a large hammer with a padding block of wood to hammer the joist back on to the 4x4 posts. I rebuilt the band joist with exterior deck screws to hold it together. Then I used screws like these to attach the joists to the band joist. I also used them to attach the band joist to the posts where it had shifted.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/HeadLOK-0-...ior-Exterior-Structural-Wood-Screw/1000451257

It hasn't moved since.

I'm available in a supervisory capacity only since I'm allergic to any actual "work". I'm very skilled in your project and can count higher than 24 which by the way, is the exact number of cans in a case of beer, but I'm sure you knew that. I can also be responsible for inventory control of said refreshments and would be willing to administer breathalyzer tests before anyone departs. Citations and arrests are optional.

Let me know what time I should show up.....

Making progress. Here’s a zoomed in look at the one wider board (from the pic above) that’s notched.



And I’ve gotten it this close:



And just from getting that done, the rail is much straighter up top:



(But definitely getting replaced anyway)

Consider capping the rail with a composite board, never warps and can't hold water after a rain....

Would dearly love to be helping you instead of fighting the mob at Philly Intl Airport....

I was thinking if you removed the ledger board and attached it to the joists with screws first, then you could use structural screws that kinda have a flat shoulder to pull the band to the ledger.

draco88 said:

Would dearly love to be helping you instead of fighting the mob at Philly Intl Airport....

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Bring me back a Philly Cheesesteak please.

I don’t think I revealed the worst part of this job. I had to work around the remnant of the last hobby I had before firearms. The TJ that’s been on jack stands for 10+ years. Loads of fun to work around today.

BigWaylon said:

I don’t think I revealed the worst part of this job. I had to work around the remnant of the last hobby I had before firearms. The TJ that’s been on jack stands for 10+ years. Loads of fun to work around today.

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I see what your problem is. You have a great big jeep right in the way.I'll be glad to take that off your hands at a CFF Member rate of course.

teamglock2002 said:

I see what your problem is. You have a great big jeep right in the way.I'll be glad to take that off your hands at a CFF Member rate of course.

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I’ll be glad to cut you a deal if you want it.

@BigWaylon

I wanted to send you some pictures of how those screws I recommended worked out of my deck. My deck looked like yours but maybe not as advanced before I caught it. Once I was able to get everything pushed back together, the headLOK screws are doing a good job of holding the band joist and the joists together.