My Deck And The Cold

[Lawdwaz]

I built the deck about 16 years ago and never heard noises out of it like I have this year.  When the temps really drop the boards crack like a gun shot.  The other night I was letting the dog out for the last time around 11:00pm and we were standing there, and KABAM!  It startled the dog and I pretty good. 

 

It has never cracked like it has this year.  Probably 4-6 times a night.  I assume it is the wood expanding and contracting as the sun heats it up during the day them the cold rocks it back a little?  WAG?

 

BTW, it doesn't get a ton of direct sunlight, just about half of it until maybe 10-11:00am.

 

 

[Zem18]

I have an older deck as well and mine does the same thing when I let our dog out at night. It is pretty quiet outside and when it cracks, I have to check my shorts.

 

[2012_taco]

Is the deck all pressure treated wood or is it wood framed with synthetic wood decking? Is it nailed down or deck screws. Could be a lot of factors. How is the deck supported frost heaving very bad this year, just look at all the roads!!

[Lawdwaz]

Is the deck all pressure treated wood or is it wood framed with synthetic wood decking? Is it nailed down or deck screws. Could be a lot of factors. How is the deck supported frost heaving very bad this year, just look at all the roads!!

 

All PT wood, screwed down.

 

4x4 posts, dug to China.

 

At least it seemed like I was going to China at the time.....................................

 

I'm afraid to look when the snow is gone.

[Bowtoons]

My deck is 6 yrs. old and it's been doing the same thing. I've also had a few "pops" coming from the roof structure. Nothing like sitting in the recliner wondering if the ceiling is going to drop on your head. My phone has been ringing off the hook with roof leaks from all of the ice back up.

[landtracdeerhunter]

Read an article on good noises and bad troubling noises to worry about,  from a structure. Wonder if your is good or bad?

[genesee_mohican]

It sounds like the frost in the ground may be heaving the posts. Did you dig down 38 inches or more for the posts?

 

[2012_taco]

All PT wood, screwed down.

 

4x4 posts, dug to China.

 

At least it seemed like I was going to China at the time.....................................

 

I'm afraid to look when the snow is gone.

Sent you a PM Edited February 16, 2014 by gonehntn

[landtracdeerhunter]

I built the deck about 16 years ago and never heard noises out of it like I have this year.  When the temps really drop the boards crack like a gun shot.  The other night I was letting the dog out for the last time around 11:00pm and we were standing there, and KABAM!  It startled the dog and I pretty good. 

 

It has never cracked like it has this year.  Probably 4-6 times a night.  I assume it is the wood expanding and contracting as the sun heats it up during the day them the cold rocks it back a little?  WAG?

 

BTW, it doesn't get a ton of direct sunlight, just about half of it until maybe 10-11:00am.

 

Are you located in some of that Amherst ( Getzville) clay, for when you drain the subsoil out, things start to shift and crack.

 

Oh, for how I remember that free for all back a few.

 

Edited February 16, 2014 by landtracdeerhunter

[Red]

Are you located in some of that Amherst ( Getzville) clay, for when you drain the subsoil out, things start to shift and crack.

Oh, for how I remember that free for all back a few.

i hate digging threw that getzville clay especially during a dry summer the 2 places I hate to dig In WNY is in Clarence and down town buffalo. Those are some really hard places to dig