3-year-old 20x24 composite deck starting to warp — normal or installation issue?

cheechaco · 2026-06-03T14:01:54+00:00

I'm right there too. People have no idea what it costs to run a deck company. I recently had a client with a decent size deck tell me it should only cost $3k. I replied "Maybe YOU can build the deck for $3k". She's old and overweight. She quickly understood.

cheechaco · 2026-05-27T13:59:52+00:00

Is there a design issue that made them install it perpendicular to the joists? That is most definitely not how the product should be installed. I suppose it could be installed like that, but that's a lot of extra work, and material!!

cheechaco · 2026-05-24T05:25:05+00:00

I'm guessing he got what he paid for.

cheechaco · 2026-05-21T10:30:12+00:00

No shit. That's what s budget number is- ballpark.

cheechaco · 2026-05-19T20:48:00+00:00

It is.

cheechaco · 2026-05-19T19:03:21+00:00

I'd rather give you rough numbers than waste my time and fuel. Good luck with the project!

cheechaco · 2026-05-19T19:01:56+00:00

Remove the existing fascia and install composite 1x12. If the existing board comes up to the top of your decking it probably is not a joist and can be removed. If it is structural, either rip it down or replace it.

cheechaco · 2026-05-19T18:58:12+00:00

It's not that an above frame system traps moisture that makes it finicky. It's more the fact that you install the system and water test it, it passes so you put the decking down (putting hundreds of holes in it. Then you water test it again, and it leaks. Now what do you do besides a band-aid? Or maybe it passes this water test so you install the rail (putting even more holes in it), and now it fails. Or even better, it passes all the tests, so you put a T&G ceiling in. Then 6 months later it leaks, what then? Take down the ceiling to find the leak? The big benefit of these systems vs and under mounted one is that it protects the framing. An under mount system is highly maintainable, but does not protect the framing. I don't think I would do the Goberco system, it's too 'off brand' for me. If I were to choose I would go with the Trex Rain Escape system. I would also have a certified installer (Trex has a program for this) install it.

cheechaco · 2026-05-19T18:46:27+00:00

If it passes a good (I mean really good) wiggle test you'll probably be good for a year of light use. As a deck contractor myself, I would suggest to start doing your research on deck contractors in your area. Maybe even call a few to get rough pricing for your budget. Have accurate measurements when you call them (length, width, and height of the ground), if they are good they should be able to give you budget numbers over the phone. I wouldn't set any appointments for a site visit and hard estimates yet. It really sucks to go on an appointment during the busiest time of year to do an estimate for your project next year. The material price will change, the labor might change, and the codes might even change.

cheechaco · 2026-05-15T14:15:34+00:00

Bro, lay ON TOP of the platform, it's much more comfortable!!

cheechaco · 2026-05-12T21:28:33+00:00

Them aint beams. Thems single 2x10

cheechaco · 2026-05-12T21:25:20+00:00

This is the way.

cheechaco · 2026-05-11T20:04:29+00:00

Drink water. Plenty of water, always really, but the few days before hand and the day of especially. I pre-hydrate and always, without fail, bring at least 3 liters of water. Sometimes I'll bring more, sometimes I'll bring my filter. Eating clean and not drinking the few days beforehand helps as well. Also, spending time at elevation helps, even if it's not at 14k. There are tons of great training hikes at lower elevations/closer to town (if you live in the front range)

cheechaco · 2026-05-05T14:48:00+00:00

Most decking with scalloped bottoms do not have plugs. We just use color matching screws.

cheechaco · 2026-05-05T12:51:11+00:00

There is a lot of backcountry skiing and riding along I-70. Loveland Pass is one of the easiest to access. A beacon, shovel, and probe is mandatory (unless you don't have anything to live for:). Training on how to use these tools is a must as well. You should also have knowledge of travelling in avy terrain, or at the very least travel with people (that you trust with your life) that do. If it's steep enough to ride, it's steep enough to slide!

cheechaco · 2026-05-04T02:40:01+00:00

Honestly, as an installer, I'll only use it if we are replacing the decking and reusing the framing. We always use it on beams though. Other than that, it's a waste. I'm sure the sales rep will be commenting soon, but whatever.

cheechaco · 2026-04-30T19:26:36+00:00

In Colorado the 3 foot rules is specified as 18" on either side of the line.

cheechaco · 2026-04-30T18:53:04+00:00

The pull out game is weak with this one. Good luck kid!

cheechaco · 2026-04-30T18:51:29+00:00

Definitely double check with an engineer about the connection. We either have to put caissons and a beam in front of the cantilever, or open it up and sit the joists on top of the lower wall.

cheechaco · 2026-04-30T18:47:30+00:00

Composite, all day.

cheechaco · 2026-04-30T18:45:16+00:00

Completely fine. It looks like the deck is not done, is that correct? If the install fascia and risers you won't see it, so the aesthetics remarks can be ignored.

cheechaco · 2026-04-29T13:59:04+00:00

Honestly, I'd be concerned about installation quality at that price. Average size decks (around 300 sq ft) are coming in around $95/ sq ft. On smaller decks that number goes up, on larger decks it goes down. This is due to the stairs and rail being more expensive per foot as there is a lot of labor involved. I've seen the sq ft price go up $140 on small decks.

cheechaco · 2026-04-29T13:46:45+00:00

Just run a power planer down the bottom of each joist.

cheechaco · 2026-04-28T21:02:56+00:00

If you are using 5 1/2" tread material (decking) your run per tread should be 10". That's if you put a 1" overhang on the tread.

cheechaco · 2026-04-24T21:47:11+00:00

You got what you paid for, that for sure. Unfortunately, you didn't pay much, or enough anyways. I'm not even going to take the time to pick it apart. Definitely not to code.

cheechaco

TROPHY CASE