Do they make 6 inch concrete blocks?

[plharris]

I have a small deck built in stacked 8 inch concrete blocks. I first put in concrete pads in the ground, then stacked three 8 inch concrete blocks on top and built the deck on them. This deck was fine in the summer, but when winter came, I found it was too close to the bottom of the storm door on the house. Just the smallest amount of ice on the deck and we cant open the storm door. As soon as the ice and snow is gone, I want to lower the deck about 2 inches. I can easily lift it with a jack. My idea is to remove the top 8 inch block and replace it with a 6 inch one in all four corners. But, do they make 6 inch blocks? I know 8" is the most common, and they make 4" ones. But I never seens 6" ones. I suppose if nothing else I can make some solid ones with a wooden form and some Redi-Mix.

Thanks

[The Daring Dufas]

It might be easier to install a strip of electric heat tape to melt the ice around the door threshold. Perhaps there is enough room under the threshold to install some heat tape?

TDD

[hallerb]

obviously you didnt get a permit or inspection.

deck should be on footers so it wouldnt move in freezing weather, and firmly affixed bolted to house

[jamesgangnc]

That was a couple stupid answers.

No they don't. Renmove the 8" block and replace it with a 4" one plus some PT lumber laid flat.

[Michael Dobony]

Build blocks out of treated lumber.

[Harry K]

Since no one else answered the question...

Yes, they build 6" block - should be available at any place sellign block but you may have to special order. I got mine from a 'block' place that sold nothing but concrete products. If you are going to lay them flat, they should be a coreless ones - those I don't know if they make.

Harry K

[gfretwell]

Get a 4" block and a paver that will be a tad over 2"

[Evan]

Ah, yeah... Why is your "deck" not properly secured to the ground ?

If it is resting on blocks then I can imagine several scenarios where it could "move" or "tip" on its own... Sounds very unsafe...

You should properly build your deck including securing it to posts which are firmly attached to the concrete pads (are these footings or just surface pads) for support and make sure since you are in a wintery area that the deck supports go down into the ground at least four feet to prevent heaving due to the ground freezing...

~~ Evan

[hallerb]

which echos my comment about lack of permit or inspections.

people have been hurt and even died when decks collapse.

[jamesgangnc]

He's got a small deck that's not even 3 feet off the ground. His problem isn't frost heave, it's the buildup of snow and ice on top of the deck in front of the door. Get a grip.

[hallerb]

or tear the deck apart and rebuild it properly

[jamesgangnc]

Twit

[hallerb]

oh yeah its far better to reshim every year, and someone said the decks 3 feet high.

if the deck that high has a problem with a elderly person on it, bad things can happen.....

besides at home sale time the deck will be a big issue, a buyer probably cant get homeowners insurance with such a hazard, no homeowners insurance no home sale:(

[jamesgangnc]

He never said that he has frost heave. He just said he needs to lower it a little because it is too high. He gave us no information that would suggest the quality of the construction is shoddy. The only thing we know is that it is not tied down to the ground. In many places that may be a code violation. No matter what the size of the deck it weighs hundred of pounds so it's not going to move just because it is sitting on blocks. For hundreds of years houses have been built just sitting on top of stoneor block. The tie down requirement is to keep it form going airborne in a tornado. Read the posts and don't make assumptions about things that are not said.

[hallerb]

certinally building codes are only general advice on not based on law, safety, or anything else.

building codes are only to create troubles for homeowners. and home buyers at sales time....

by the way it might be easier to put a roof over at least part of the deck, so ice and snow cant accumulate

[jamesgangnc]

Building codes are generally a good idea and should be followed. If you are going to disregard one it is best if you fully understand the reason for the code and have rationalized why it is not an issue for you. If you are not sure then you should just follow the code. Not every part of the country requires tie downs on structures.

[Harry K]

So why don't you tell him to tear down the house and rebuild it as a mansion?

Harry K

[Higgs Boson]

Nobody is paying attention to what seems (to this non-techie) a simple solution. You all got off on rebuilding the deck according to code. AFAK, the guy is only trying to get his ****ing door open in winter. What am I missing?

HB

[The Daring Dufas]

That's why I suggested heat tape. With the deck closer to the indoor floor level, there is less chance of someone tripping and falling when going through the door. :-)

TDD

[hallerb]

it sounds like the deck isnt attached to the building, and thats a safety hazard. 3 8 inch blocks is high enough for someone to get hurt if the deck comes off the blocks.

and at home resale time a home inspector will make it into the end of the world.... but it might just end the sale:(

If he rebuilds the deck now or has it rebuilt to code, he can do the work himself or a handyman can.

push this off to home resale time, and buyer will demand registered everything