So, one massive job done. Numerous more to go. *sigh
After many painful and anxiety-filled hours, we got the deck finished! Who would have thought that ripping up the old indoor/outdoor carpet would be the EASY part?
Removing the glue that bonded the carpet to the decking along with the rubber backing of the glue proved to be an exercise in “almost” futility. We scraped, we scrubbed, we used solvents, adhesive removers and even tried a belt sander. All to no avail. That stuff was not coming off without a major fight!
Fortunately, Alex is not easily defeated. We have a power washer with a few different attachments. So, we found that loosening up the glue and rubber backing with a solvent and then attacking it with the pressure washer is what did the trick. For the most part.
Some glue just refused to leave and so, we had to eventually admit defeat.
The deck paint we purchased was just going to have to go over the glue. And boy, did it ever!
The top is just one coat! You can see how well it actually covers.
And here is the end result: (drum roll please)
It took all Saturday to get it done and by Saturday evening, we were ready to put the deck back together. With the help of our friend, Tracy (in town visiting from Victoria), we were able to: purge some stuff, trash some other stuff and organize the deck so that it looks like a great living space.
Alex is exhausted from this project and I don’t blame him. He has done the bulk of the work again and I couldn’t be prouder of him and his efforts.
Next up: The house to be painted! EEEK!
Al Zylstra 