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"In Irish weather conditions decking is a waste of money!" |
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"What kind of materials can withstand the ever-changing climate?" |
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"Windbreaks and Suntraps?" |
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"In layman's terms, how is the deck constructed?" |
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"Is pressure treated timber environmentally safe?" |
In Irish weather conditions, decking is a waste of Money!
Not so. In the USA and in many North European countries a house is not regarded as complete without a deck. Even in weather conditions not dissimilar to those experienced in Ireland the deck is the focal point for informal family gatherings and barbeques. The Irish climate presents a challenge. Indeed without a properly constructed deck, it is difficult to enjoy the long if somewhat unpredictable days of the Irish summer. In winter the deck helps to reduce the inevitable wear and tear on carpets and indoor surfaces by providing a hardwearing, easily maintained outdoor surface.
What kind of materials can withstand the ever-changing climate?
The Alpine Decking Company uses materials and designs with Irish weather conditions in mind. We use Pine, Cedar, Teak, and native grown pressure treated Irish Larch that is guaranteed to last at least 25 years. We employ a so called "Floating" design which allows the deck to expand and contract naturally without the risk of causing damage to existing walls or damp courses. We construct the deck to ensure that rainwater is taken away from the house and does not lodge on the surface. Our 6 by 2-inch deck flooring are grooved to provide an easily maintained non-slip surface. We site the deck and design wind breaks and sun-traps to give you maximum enjoyment even in less than ideal weather conditions.
Windbreaks and Suntraps?
A well-designed deck adds value to your home. In Irish weather conditions it is essential to give careful thought to the sitting of the deck and the construction of windbreaks and suntraps. This is something that we at The Alpine Decking Company specialise in. Ireland is said to be one of the windiest countries in the world and anybody who has sat out in the garden on an average breezy summers day will know that rain is not always the enemy, but wind! We place windbreaks to minimise the discomfort of the prevailing winds and to maximise the benefits of sunshine. Scientific research on windbreak design dictates the height and the protection given. We employ a variety of designs to afford maximum protection without cutting off sunlight or creating unsightly barriers. Windbreaks can be solid or open depending on the area to be protected, and in really windy conditions we can design and construct moveable glass windbreaks. These are of wooden-framed toughened glass construction, which blend into the overall deck design.
In layman's terms, how is the deck constructed?
The deck surface is constructed of grooved, 6 X 2-inch pressure treated Irish larch. We can use other timbers of your choice but we recommend this for Irish conditions. The deck is laid on solid 4-inch pressure treated joists, which are bedded into sharp sand laid on heavy gauge polythene. This type of ?floating? construction allows the deck to expand and contract in a variety of weather conditions. It is not permanently fixed to the house and therefore minimises the risk of any structural damage. It also makes the deck relatively easy to remove in the event that you decide to extend or remodel your home. The construction method we use will depend on an evaluation of the site. In all cases the surface elevation will be slightly angled to ensure that rainwater is taken away from the house. The deck planking is grooved and laid 3cms apart to ensure rapid dispersal of rainwater. The finished deck provides a solid surface guaranteed not to warp, shift or creak. Weather Proofing, Finish and Maintenance. All the timber used is pressure treated Irish larch guaranteed to last at least 25 years in Irish weather conditions! Studies in the USA have demonstrated that pressure treated timber does not deteriorate after 40 years of use.
We recommend the use of pressure treated timber in the construction of;
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Deck surfaces.
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Handrails and plinths.
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Storage and plant holders.
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Windbreaks and Suntraps.
All cut ends are
treated. No other finish is required. The finished deck does not require
painting, varnishing or other chemical treatments. There is no need to
apply a sealant or water dispersant. The timber finish is of a natural
planed surface. Handrails are sanded and bevelled to provide a smooth
finish. The only maintenance required is regular sweeping and an
occasional scrub with detergent and water.
Is pressure treated timber environmentally safe?
The US Environmental Protection Agency has concluded that pressure treated timber is perfectly safe for all exterior uses including decking, handrails and playground equipment. The fact that pressure treatment greatly extends the life of wood arguably makes it more eco-friendly than untreated timber that must be replaced more frequently. Modern pressure treatment is accomplished by placing wood into a tightly sealed cylinder and forcing preservatives into the wood cells. There are four major EPA-approved preservatives in commercial use for pressure treatment: water-borne preservatives, oil-borne preservatives, creosote solutions, and fire retardants. The treatment process does not alter the wood's characteristics. Pressure-treated wood will not shrink, swell, check, split, or warp to any greater degree than the same species left untreated.