Most of our icehouse rehab updates have focused on the historic building itself, but today we look at progress on the new deck being constructed west of the icehouse and north of the carriage barn. First we carved out the new grade changes, and then we installed the helical piers. Today hefty carrier beams (aka girders) were installed on top of the steel piles.
In the photo above Tony and Jarrett are securing an adjustable steel base to the top of the helical pier. They’re tightening a 1” bolt down through a slotted hole (allowing for alignment adjustability) into the steel post. Once the base is aligned and torqued tight, a 1″ steel standoff is added, lifting the carrier beam above the bolt, allowing for air circulation, and reducing the likelihood of rot.
In the photograph above the carrier beam has been installed and secured to the base/bracket.
All of the beams have been cut to size and laid out for alignment, leveling, and installation.
While Garrett (background) secures carrier beams, Tony (foreground) heats the wood to facilitate installation of adhesive flashing that will isolate joists from beams and — most importantly given our weather extremes along the Adirondack Coat — will reduce the deleterious effects of moisture, snow, and ice in the coming years.
Carrier Beam Installation Mashup
In the spirit of previous progress reports, here’s a quick zip through the day’s carrier beam installation.
What do you think?