New deck pitch-

Designing a new deck for the house. Going to extend a 4' walkway to a 8' deck x 40'. Now, I know code is 1/8"/12" pitch for a minimum, but what about a 1/4"/12? The existing walkway has zero pitch.
Soo0, how obnoxious would a 1/4" pitch be over an 8' span? I know it's 2" drop, but would it be weird?
This is for my house, I don't need drunk people tipping over due to too much slope, but I want decent run-off for snow also.
Thoughts? I'm just in planning right now, have to still draw up prints for submission.
Thanks, JB.

 

I'm thinking you may have already answered the question yourself.

That is the same amount of pitch used for plumbing (drains) which I'm sure you know....

You could always mock up a few sections of 4X8 sheets of plywood (whatever) with that pitch by just laying it one the floor with a shim under the length of one side and see if its just a little too much?

Pretty big help, no?

 

I find a B flat to be an acceptable pitch for a new deck..........get it

 

Agree with Dave.....mock up something and try walking on it. Beer is optional.

 

I agree with Dave agreeing with me....wait-what?...

 

Why slope it at all??

 

I thought I was the only one who didn't read all of the posts!

 

Beetle-Kill you will be fine with 1/4 pitch... old code here on front porches was that so rain water/snowmelt flowed off porch before freezing...

 

I think 2" would look bad. An inch is fine.

 

Pitch or no pitch, it freezes on the deck here if you don't keep after it!

 

Funny thing is, I thought I read all the posts!!

 

Thats the trouble with the evelyn woods speed reading course!

 

I think I have to operate from IRC '09, not sure what the county has adopted recently but that's what's on their site currently.
Flat is not an option for me, I want to pitch it. I might compromise with a 3/16-/12. I'll mock up an 8' section, see what the general consensus is.

Biggest deal for me is under the new deck. The current 4' walkway partially covers the basement walkout. Going for another 4' coverage , so I gotta figure out how to have that moisture channel out. I just scored enough 14g. sheet to cover the undersides of the new deck. I'll probably go 2X deck pitch for easier drainage, plus a custom gutter.
Like I said, still in the planning stage. Feedback on the "under-deck sheet" would be appreciated. I don't want to do this to find out it does nothing but ice-dam.
Thanks, JB

 

in 40 years of building decks, porches, etc. I never had a building inspector check a pitch. We usually give it 1/4" over 10' to 20'. IMO, as long as it not a negative pitch. Correct flashing details where the deck meets the house is WAY more important. Check this site and search for deck flashing details. google Journal of Light Construction
they will the proper way to flash a deck. most inspectors are schooled when I show them that detail.

Marty

 

Do you have a picture??

 

exactly, the first time it gets wet, then dries out and cups it won't drain anyway....................make sure the code specifies wood decks not concrete patios.

here is a pic for you eaton, 440 6 pack

 

C'mon now! Whats the story behind it? You just can't throw up a pic with no "splaining"....tease!

 

Eaton wanted a picture so i "found"one for him, my 1980's race car, 1970 numbers matching 440-6 Cuda, sold it to a friend who immediately dis assembled it and put the drivetrain into a Challenger

 

My former Sensei has one similar to it.

His exhaust exits before the rear tires on each side...honestly can't remember if its a hemi or a 6-pak...but I think it's a challenger. Its been a couple decades since I've seen it, understand.

 

That appears to slope from rear to front lol....Nice ride!!