Prevent buckled decking-space your plywood properly

The APA American Plywood Association, has a series of "builder Tips" on their website. An important one is to remember to space your plywood panels to allow for expansion and contraction. If the seams are tight against each other, a buckled deck is usually the result when it expands with moisture. 

APA recommends a 1/8-inch space between panel edge and end joints. Plywood and oriented strand board (OSB), like all wood products, will expand or shrink slightly with changes in moisture content. If the wood structural panels are tightly butted, there is no room for expansion and buckling can occur. That can mean costly, time-consuming callbacks. To assure best performance, follow these panel spacing and nailing recommendations for APA Rated Sheathing, APA Rated Sturd-I-Floor®, and APA Rated Siding.

Spacing Hint: Use a 10d box nail to gauge 1/8-inch spacing between panels. Spacer-type panel edge clips may also be used for roof sheathing applications.

Read More here http://www.apawood.org/buildertips/pages/M300.html

DeckExpert.com Issues Precautionary Advice If Placing AZEK Resurfacing Pavers On Roof Decks

We have not tested or evaluated the product for confirmation of any claims made by the manufacturer. Opinions and advice offered are our own. 

We have recently seen an uptick in inquiries on placing AZEK Pavers (Copyrighted) on roof decks and balconies. AZEK at it's website extols placing their resurfacing paving system on top of roof decks to correct visual deficiencies. 

AZEK Pavers are not designed for waterproofing and will not correct design or waterproofing deficiencies in a structure. 

Our inspection of the pavers and the grid they lock into has raised some concerns.

We have also looked at the specifications and have other concerns. 

First Concern-Effect on Fire Ratings of Roof Assemblies

Almost all roof decks and balconies are required to be Class A fire resistant. The addition of AZEK pavers may negate your roof rating. 

Accordingly we advise you to consult your local authorities for advice on whether the addition of AZEK will negatively effect any Class ratings for fire resistance. on roof decks or balconies. 

Second Concern-Drainage
 The low dimples that raise the pavers channels up off the surface may sink into softer deck and roof coatings, causing significant impediments to water draining off the deck. 

Water backed up on the deck may create significant additional weight on the roof assembly-that may extend beyond it's design limits. 

Accordingly we advise if you are considering placing AZEK Resurfacing Pavers on a roof deck that has roof drains or scuppers to be aware that additional maintenance may be needed to keep the channels that are under the pavers clear of debris.

We advise that you inspect and clear channels and roof drains as needed; especially during fall when leaves are dropping. Wind blown sand, dirt and debris will find it's way underneath so be vigilant. 

Third Concern-Weight

We also advise that the weight of the pavers places an additional 6.56 pounds of weight per square foot on a roof deck. 

Accordingly, we advise when considering placing pavers on top of any roof deck, an professional should be consulted to ensure that you are not exceeding the design limits of the deck assembly with all improvements in place. Decks must be designed and built to handle the maximum anticipated load. 

 

For further information and advice, contact AZEK directly through their website at .http://vastpavers.com/  

 

Help Santa Barbara police catch this piece of crap

Seems this contractor scammed a lot of people from 5 million bucks for fire resistant buildings.

Read the article here http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2013/05/10/2503306/arrest-warrant-issued-for-calif.html

Firewise Principles Help Keep Camarillo Springs From Burning

Recent fires in Camarillo illustrate the importance of using Firewise principles when building or remodeling. 

In a recent article on the fire and how so few homes burned, and how none burned in the Camarillo Springs area, the discussion centered on stucco siding and tile roofs. 

Not mentioned, but it certainly played a part in the story was the fact that Camarillo Miramonte, a Community Association in the Camraillo Springs area, had Desert Crete decking installed during a rebuild a few years back. 

The decks, stairs and landings were all treated with Desert Crete  a Class A fire retardant pedestrian traffic coating system in 2004. 

 

We suggest that you make sure that the decking system a contractor has proposed to replace a current system is Class A fire rated by ICC-ES. 

The roofs are made of cement, the stucco siding is cement, doesn't it make sense that your decking be made of cement too? Be firewise, use Desert Crete and be sure. 

Dave Gobis-Tile Consultant Has a Great Article on Tiling Exterior Decks

Considering tiling a deck? Better listen to this expert before it costs ya big time...

Tile Decks, Patios and Balconies

October 13, 2011 by Tileletter

By David M. Gobis, CTC CSI
Ceramic Tile Consultant

During the course of conversation with a bunch of contractors at an industry event, the question was asked, "What kind of failures do you see most often, relatively speaking?" The answer and subject of this article is decks, patios, and balconies.

"Patios, decks, and balconies – particularly over living spaces – are not the place to experiment with your personally-engineered hybrid waterproofing system or strategy. My recommendation is to thoroughly research the system you are considering or the person specifying has selected. Make no assumptions! Unless it comes with written instructions for the specific application and a warranty, move on to another system." Dave Gobis

READ THE REST HERE

http://www.tileletter.com/2011/10/tile-decks-patios-and-balconies/

HOA's-The Regenesis Report is Out

The Regenesis Report (National Edition) May 2013 is now available.  Go to www.Regenesis.net then Subscriber Login.

IN THIS EDITION

Fair Housing Act Requirements. How they affect condominiums and homeowner associations.
Ask the HOA Expert. Another compelling Q&A.
Rental Restriction Policy. To enact or not to enact?
Car Wars. The battle engages.
Managing Difficult People.  The art of HOA diplomacy.
Irrigation Water Tips 1.  Water less, save more.
Calling It Like It Is.  Harry Truman always did.
They Walk Among Us. Read and believe.

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Richard L. Thompson
The HOA Expert™
www.Regenesis.net