Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 6/17/2010

Question
i would like to cover my cement porch with the no work or care decking.  my husband says the water will cause problems under the decking.  do i need to remove the cement porch

Answer
Hi marilyn, nonsense., it is done all the time.  I like to put down "sleepers" first.  Sleepers are strips of wood, usually a pressure treated 2x4 or a 1x4 or in your case the no care decking.  The sleepers attach to the concrete every 24" and align with the slope of the patio so that the water runs between them and drains properly.  Then you install the decking across the sleepers.  But follow the decking manufacturer's instructions..Some deck materials may require certain fasteners. If the decking is installed directly to the concrete without sleepers,  you  still need to install it running downhill with the slope so that water is not dammed up  but allowed to drain between the gaps of the boards.  I hope this information helps please feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson