New home in Delaware on the bay.
EdSe
| Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on
Planing cantilever decks 2nd and 3rd story. Four foot width both sides mainly for maintenance as I want to stay off ladders as I get older. Should I insulate the interior bays where cantilever joists enter interior. Cantilever decks as cost savings instead of wood pilings along both sides of home.
Thanks much for your help
Happy Holidays
Ed Serafin
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Replies
Edward,
It is always a bad idea to cantilever floor joists from the interior of your house to the exterior of your house, for at least three reasons:
1. An exterior deck needs to be several inches below the interior finish floor level, to ensure that water doesn't leak in at the door threshold.
2. Cantilevered joists are impossible to flash. Water will wick sideways. You'll end up with wet floor joists and a wet wall assembly.
3. Cantilevered joists are impossible to air seal. You'll end up with air leaks.
For more information on this topic, Second-story balconies.
Martin,
Thanks back to the drawing board and budget.
Ed Serafin