My deck has a diagonal decking. To attach the decking to the ledger side of the deck, 2×4 blocks were screwed directly to the ledger. I'm trying to improve water flow from the ledger. I'd like to move the blocks so that they are as seen in the picture I found below
This is what the blocks look like now:
In the photo, you can see that there was some sort of filler or something to attempt to seal the space between the block and the ledger. It just doesn't seem like the right way to do it. There the space between the decking boards is so narrow and having this blocking here just makes the distance the water has to travel to escape the ledger flashing longer. Compound it with all the debris that builds up between decking boards and I suspect it is contributing to my water problems.
Will moving the blocks as I described cause too much unsupported overhang of the decking? Is there some other reason I shouldn't move the blocks? Is there some other standard way diagonal decking is fastened on the ledger side of the deck?
Best Answer
First off, You mention the water escaping the ledger flashing - it's doesn't look like there's any flashing on that ledger board at all to me. Is that something you were planning to add? (I certainly would if I were you).
As for weakening the decking by moving those blocks back - I wouldn't worry about it. An overhang of an inch or two shouldn't cause any problems.