Williamstown
18th April 2008, 10:32 AM
Do people generally put a fall (angle/slope) on their decks to assist in water run-off? If so what angle or fall per mtr do people generally use?
Additionally when I cut the TP apparently I should coat the end of the TP given its no longer protected, what do people treat it with? Ant repelant, paint or both?
brynk
18th April 2008, 11:40 AM
not sure if the little buggers can eat through paint?? but any of the off-the-shelf treatments if you are really concerned. imho the big issue is to seal that end-grain from wild moisture changes this will ease the stresses in your timber and prevent splitting. a split stick of t/p may as well be untreated if it is has been pressure-treated (probably) because the treatment only penetrates to a certain depth of the surface - you can see this when you cut it.
i think the pressure treating excludes water but once cut the end-grain is now exposed and the fibres can act like straws. dunno if the paint-on treatments exclude water but i would say if once your timber is cut you treat it before it can take on moisture then you should be fine.
a fall is good. 1 in 450-500 would be enough of a fall to ensure water drainage off the decking boards.
good luck - don't forget to post progress photos so we can all live vicariously through your successes & tribulations!
r's brynk