Deck repair?

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Steve Richardson - 27 Mar 2005 13:08 GMT

My 2nd-story deck has substantial damage from carpenter bees, mostly in the
supporting joists. I'd love to tear the whole thing down and start over but
with a daughter in college and another taking a trip to Italy this summer,
the money just isn't there. I'm thinking of pumping insecticide into the
tunnels and sealing them to kill the bees, then screwing fresh (treated and
painted) 2x10s to the existing joists and overhead deck boards. That should
restore the structural strength and then some, without breaking the bank.
Any thoughts on the idea in general, or recommendations on materials?

SteveR
St Louis

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GLT - 27 Mar 2005 23:36 GMT

Sistering would be o.k....depending on how far back your able to sister the
new joist's..imho...going back about 8' would be ideal..but then I'm kinda
anal about upper decks / balconies being safe..

Attaching the sistered joist's...they should be Bolted with 5/8 bolts every
2 feet..2 bolts every 2'.

> My 2nd-story deck has substantial damage from carpenter bees, mostly in the
> supporting joists. I'd love to tear the whole thing down and start over but
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> SteveR
> St Louis

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Steve Kachaylo - 28 Mar 2005 23:47 GMT

Carpenter bees are quite the engineers. They carefully bore their holes in
neutral axes which, for the most part, do not interfere with structural
integrity. Your first idea is best. Then dress the appearance.

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Homeowner Forum / Construction / March 2005

Deck repair?