Beam Damage Under Deck
This wood beam located underneath the
wood deck and wood framing has suffered from years of moisture and
obviously needs to be replaced. The deck framing looks like it's in good
shape (the floor framing looks new) and someone used pressure treated
lumber for the decks floor joist.
Here's a good example of using pressure treated lumber to solve one
problem but not using pressure treated lumber to solve another problem.
This deck beam is one of the most important members of the framing and
should have been replaced before the new deck floor joist were
installed.
Anyway now it's too late and the floor joist will need to be raised, so
that the beam can be replaced and then the floor joist can be safely
attached to the new wood beam. If you're planning on replacing this
beam, make sure that no one walks on top of the deck while you're
working on it. Caution tape works good in situations like this, but
don't forget to notify the homeowner and the building occupants before
you get started.
This wood beam has suffered from years of moisture and replacing the
damaged wood beam, will guarantee future wood rot or damage. Try to find
out how the deck beam got damaged in the first place. Time for a little
detective work.
Check the roof drainage first, this seems to be the biggest culprit for
wood damage on the buildings and exterior. If there is water draining
onto the deck, off of the roofing, near this area I would suggest that
you install a gutter system to drain the water safely away from the
building.
If this is not the case, check for leaking water pipes or excess of
moisture underneath the deck. This wood beam is severely damaged and the problem should be easy to
find.