I'm working on replacing the decking on an existing deck. While removing the old decking, I came across something I've not seen before. I've seen decks framed as illustrated below, where members are attached to posts to allow joists to be hung.
(This likely isn't a code approved method of building a deck anymore, but I'm not rebuilding the entire deck to fix it.)
The thing I don't understand, is that they added a 2×4 laid on its face between the two beams.
I'm not sure why they added the 2×4, maybe to stiffen up the "beam", or just as a nailing surface. Unfortunately, it works great at trapping water under the decking. All the decking that was in this area is rotten, and the whole area is damp (despite not having rain in about a week).
I've never seen a "beam" built in this way, and I'm a bit perplexed. Can I remove the 2×4, so that water is not being trapped? Is it there for some structural reason?
Best Answer
I see no reason for that board, but a photo would help clear things up. I also assume that the joists are hung on the beam using standard steel hangers and approved fasteners. If all that is correct, you should be able to remove the board.
I'd guess that it was added to support decking joints that fell over the beam. Presumably the decking ran parallel to the beam. A better approach would have been to put individual blocks in that essentially carry the joist through the beam gap.