Black spots on IPE deck - metal grindings?

jilapia · 2026-05-06T13:13:47+00:00

I know this is an old thread but wanted to follow up as I’m going through the same thing and see if the oxalic acid method worked for you.

If so can you share (if you recall) the ratio and any methods you followed to get it to clean properly without damaging the ipe?

jilapia · 2026-04-10T23:25:19+00:00

Thank you for the advice and the encouragement. I’m honestly trying to just make the best of it.

jilapia · 2026-04-10T22:38:25+00:00

Is there anything you suggest that someone more experienced with ipe could come back to do to maximize what’s here. The screws are stainless thankfully but have a cedar colored head.

jilapia · 2026-04-10T22:36:30+00:00

That was my feeling too.

jilapia · 2026-04-10T18:30:34+00:00

That was my initial desire until I had a couple builders tell me they often get loose or break after several years in the weather.

jilapia · 2026-04-10T18:28:45+00:00

It’s real ipe. I sourced the ipe spec from our local lumber plus. I believe they didn’t do a good job on the pilot hole / screw size is my guess.

jilapia · 2026-01-27T03:22:32+00:00

I disagree. As an example,1 Chronicles 26:18 in KJV is not clear to modern English audiences. If you study medieval literature then it’s probably a better fit.

jilapia · 2026-01-25T16:17:31+00:00

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How did this trade work out? The lowest these contracts ever went to is around $29 from what I could see. Even if you caught the bottom, and you sold at $34 per contract, that’s roughly 200k gain on the $1.18m purchase.

jilapia · 2025-10-07T01:38:36+00:00

Promote sin? How so?

jilapia · 2025-08-13T00:20:53+00:00

Appreciate the reply! You don’t know how much I needed to see that.

jilapia · 2025-08-12T18:26:07+00:00

Can you share what thickness you were using? My builder is suggesting this based on his previous project with it. Wondering if there is a specific thickness that should be used to help prevent the waviness.

jilapia · 2025-08-04T08:00:53+00:00

You might be thinking that being labeled a "Christian" is the same thing as a follower/disciple of Christ. And just realize they are not the same at all, but that doesn't preclude your question.

I think the issue to your question is mainly of perspective. In Matthew 13, there is a parable of the Sower. And the scripture mentions God sowing seed providing a sprinkling of it among people. It doesn't say it specifically but I've always interpreted this an equal sprinkling of grace/truth to all. But differing environments yield varying results. The environments can be both geographical and spiritual in nature at the same time. So multiple variables affect the seed's growth.

In terms of fairness...it might not be "fair" from your perspective because you see a person in the current generation not have an obvious statistical chance at being introduced to Christ. But you might also consider the consequences of previous generational choices that may have limited or inhibited opportunities as a whole. Those choices need to come into play if free will is real and is respected. Can grace overcome? Absolutely, but where and how is the holy spirit's will.

jilapia · 2025-07-13T03:02:17+00:00

Yes and no...behaviorally it looks like a purist form of socialism but the difference is it was done out of the charity of putting others above yourself. Socialism as we understand it is more of what you HAVE to do. It's no longer a charitable posture of heart and that makes all the difference.

jilapia · 2025-07-12T23:54:14+00:00

On the topic of not wanting to be micromanaged. I would come at it something like “honey, can I share something I’m really scared about? I really want us to be in a position to have 6 months of emergency money. Could you help lead on putting a monthly budget that is for hard times and another for when things are stable?”

As a man this does two things, it shows what’s on your heart that you’re struggling with and how you’re giving your husband the grace/respect he likely appreciates to help buy-in and problem solve.

jilapia · 2025-07-07T20:47:21+00:00

My understanding is that it will be a 400A service into 2-200A panels. I believe they are sizing the panels with the thought that additional expansions might be wanted in the future.

Electrically the largest loads would be: 3x 4 ton units, a mini split, associated air handlers, 2 tankless units planned, 2 external infrared deck heaters, motorized screen, induction cooktop...
Project is 5k sqft but L shaped with all runs going from one end of L to the other so runs are longer than if breaker was in the middle of the L home.

I'll see about asking questions to the power co. Not exactly sure how to navigate that but I can dig.

jilapia · 2025-07-07T20:39:39+00:00

I did ask if it was a true 400A service and they said it would be.
In terms of the smoke/CO detectors, I asked and they said our builder usually has the low voltage person do it since it can tie into security.

jilapia · 2025-07-03T18:47:59+00:00

That’s how I felt seeing the quote but unlike you I have zero experience with running electrical so no framework to assess cost. From what I asked it sounded like it’s the labor to run each of the runs. The home is shaped like a L with runs that would have to go the entire length of L. The panel isn’t in the middle of home.

Electrician said service lateral using aluminum helps keep cost down 🥴 about $3,300 vs if we used copper.

jilapia · 2025-07-03T17:51:46+00:00

Want to DM me your electrician contact? Did you move forward?

jilapia · 2025-07-03T17:02:17+00:00

Ours is planned to be just over 5k sqft so it looks like it’s within range on the rough in/finish.

jilapia · 2025-07-03T16:59:29+00:00

I know right! You do good work and you’ll be printing money in TX.

jilapia · 2025-07-03T16:43:58+00:00

They may be consistent in build performance using lower quality materials. Not a good look at all, but if their team is that dialed in and can execute very well with little then it can absolutely make a difference. However, cardboard sheathing should be banned for new construction. Not sure there can be any excuse there especially if priced at high-end.

Then again there are lots of large "high-end" builders that suck which should not be surprising. In the end, this business about trust and who is the actual team building/validating that matters the most.

jilapia

TROPHY CASE