splines

20 years ago

To all the pros, read this and give the audience your input.

There have been more than several post regarding keeping a patio etc dry that sits under an upper level deck. I spoke with a customer yesterday who had built a large 3 level deck on a hunting lodge.This was in 1996 when the ipe market was just beginning in the US. He said he pregrooved the sides and used WRC or redwood splines to attempt to block water from getting to the area below. In the ten years since, there is still not a problem. The ipe as well as the splines are as stable and functional today as ten years ago. Not a bad idea but i would like to hear your thoughts.--George@eastteak

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Comments (4)

deckman22
20 years ago
If it works great, but it would seem to me that the cedar or redwood would rot although he says in 10 years time it's still ok. Did he state how well a job it did of keeping water from dripping thru?

I developed a system for using metal roofing under decks to enable folks to make storage rooms under their decks. I showed a guy who used to work for me this system & he also uses it with good success. I am now working on a deck he build 12 years ago that he put metal roofing under the deck & built a work shop for the man. The metal is still in good shape & no leaks. However leaves from the oak above were going in the cracks & clogging up where the water drains out. He would pull the first couple of boards off each spring & clean it out with a water hose, but no longer wants to fool with it plus the cedar is starting to rot in some places. I am now replacing the decking with Timbertech T&G so he won't have the rotting problem & hopefully leaves won't get thru.

I've drawn plans for this system on a typical second story deck with instructions that I will gladly fax to anyone wanting to do this. I've all ready sent out several faxes, but have yet to hear any feedback to how well they did with it.

Al
gvgemtp
Original Author
20 years ago
I am told it has been as dry as a bone all these years.
I would think with my unknowing self that an application of titebond or something similar would also help if applied in the grooves. I found it a very simplistic approach for what seems to be an area of concern. If it works as good as the results he has, WOW---GVG
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brooklyndecks
20 years ago
I don't know George, but if you glue in the splines, and the Ipe shrinks...the softer splines might get ripped apart. the Ipe will shrink a bit, and water will get to the spline...and stay there. the cedar or redwood will eventually rot. If there are trees above, then organic matter will get in there, and start to grow, along with fungi. that will hasten the rotting process.

It might work with 1/2" wide Ipe splines, not glued...but I wouldn't try it on a client deck.

steve
john_hyatt
20 years ago
A person can not agrue with sucess but Im with steve I woudent trust it. J