People love their ducks decks. Some of these coverings work better than others. If they can be kept from leaking, these membrane surfaces are great. If they leak they can be problematic because, along with repairs to the leaking areas, most likely much of the rest of the surface will need to be redone as well. Most of these membrane surfaces are installed over high quality types of plywood. High quality plywood rots just as quickly as crappy quality plywood----if it gets wet and stays wet. If these surfaces leak into insulated, un-ventilated or poorly ventilated areas the problem is compounded. These areas become a perfect incubator for fungal growth including molds----as can be seen in the following pictures. Leaking at the two drain connections is causing obvious decay/rot----no moisture meter required. If proper repairs are not done someone might even fall through decayed areas like these. Charles Buell
Whether it is decks where the surface is made of spaced boards or whether it is a type with a water-proof membrane, it seems like the majority of homes have decks. When the deck is over living space or other spaces that you do not want water to get into, the choice of surface covering will most likely be some sort of water-proof membrane. These can be painted-on type coatings or vinyl sheets etc.
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It's unfortunate that areas like this are so inaccessible to the average homeowner. Will houses one day have alarms that say. "You have a mold issue in the crawl space." If you can turn you lights off from your freaking IPhone, why doesn't someone write a truely useful app?
Lyn, some days it is just too much fun
Glenn, I can see it now "Moisture-sensor Plywood"
Love Glenn's comment - He's right! Where is really USEFUL technology? LOL
Debi
Holy rot and decay, batman! The situation is deteriorating before our eyes!
Mr Charles,
As an issue of critique, I would suggest that you also tell them that the white paint they put on the underside is splotchy and they should repaint that area immediatsly.
Nutsy, the pro
Hi Charles, you'd think the owners felt a bit of sag and give from above when walking over these areas. Perhaps they felt it was nothing too serious. Surprise!
Vanilla? Piña colada? How can I tell what it is if you don't even let us know the flavor?
One day some big person is going to get a big surprise during a visit to the WC...
Debi, perhaps an idea that's time has come?
Alan, yes Robin
Nutsy, I would not paint it any other way
Frank, owners were LONG gone :)
Jay, lets hope they fix it prior to that day.
Charles - you always post great information, and I learn from your posts. Thanks for the info!
Thanks Sharon, glad you find it helpful
Nasty! What was leaking?
Charles: good heads up for homeowners, sellers and buyers. They better fix it fast! its looks pretty nasty.
Reuben---both drain attachments to the deck surface----plus some "other" issues
Lloyd, I think they will---if they get the bank to part with it :)
Mr Charles,
I am sorry that I could not come run your firm for you last night during your time of stress and need, however, it was my night with the remote control for the TV and I got together with some buds.
Nutsy
Nutsy, you been smoking "buds" and drinking "Bud" again?
Looks like another case of poorly engineered, poorly installed drains, by poorly paid workmen...
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How about installing some of the nice green indoor/ outdoor carpet over the top of the deck? That certainly would never trap any moisture. :)
Michael---not sure about the poorly paid part :)
Harold---plus you would have to look at any of that nasty white stuff :)