Fix Up Your Decks Roof

Measure down from the deck joists to the string at the other purlin locations.

Fix up your decks roof.

Flatter areas along railings or beside a door with pots that can hold tall striking plantings such as this tropical canna ringed with fuchsia coleus and lantana. For those who desire a bit more shade and privacy while soaking up the rays however a deck roof may be in order. Take a walk around your deck and feel for soft spots under your feet. Cut the spacer blocks and screw them to the bottom of the joists at the marks.

Use straps with a slightly wider diameter than that of the umbrella pole. Draw a line around the column about 2 inches above the rotted area and install a temporary brace under the deck porch or roof. Clear all furniture and debris so you can have a clear view of every square foot. If the existing decking is gray weather the new decking with a solution made from 1 cup of baking soda and 1 gallon of warm water.

Take a look at the deck. Use deck screws to reattach the good end then cut a piece of like decking to fill the gap and screw it to the joists. Cracks bubbles and blisters in the sealant are also common. Apply in the solution with a scrub brush.

Rinse and let dry. To help get it in the right spot mount several sets of galvanized plumbing pipe straps on the deck posts or railing in key places. Look for pooling water weathered flashing failing seams and peeling caulking. Eavesthe eaves are edges of the roof that overhang the exterior wall.

Check the handrails and balusters then replace any damaged sections. Repeat this procedure so that all the columns look exactly the same and have the same dimensions. Have no fear though. One of the keys to having gre.

Then slip the umbrella pole through the straps until the bottom of the pole rests on the deck. As beautiful as they are functional the modern deck roofs are an extension of and not a deterrent from the luxurious deck. Interior water damage can mean a roof leak so if you see any call a professional. Those measurements minus the thickness of the purlins will give you the widths of the spacer blocks.

Remove any damaged deck boards and cut off the rotted portion all the way back to the centerline of the nearest joist. Now you can put shade right where you need it. Cut replacement deck boards from matching lumber using a circular saw. Then attach the remaining 2x4 purlins by screwing them to the spacers.

The deck roof of today isn t the drab concoction so many of us remember.