Under deck fiberglass

[panamacitymustang]

I'm replacing my deck on my 24' cuddy cabin and just want to figure out if I should fiberglass under the deck also or should the epoxy be good enough. I'm using 1/2 inch plywood covered in epoxy and 1700 biaxial fiberglass.

 

[jbcurt00]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

Epoxy doesn't require glass to be sufficient for the back side of the deck.

Using epoxy topsides will mean you'll need to paint any exposed epoxy, it's generally not UV stable, and gelcoat doesn't adhere well to it.

Just for information, why epoxy rather then polyester resin?

 

[panamacitymustang]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

Thank you for the quick response. Would one layer be enogh for the top deck.

 

[panamacitymustang]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

One layer of 1700 fiberglass

 

[zool]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

1/2" may prove a bit thin without glass underneath, and only one layer of 17oz on top, you may get warping over larger clearspans..especially if there are hatches.

 

[panamacitymustang]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

I don't have any hatches. The deck is 80x80 inches.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

I don't have any hatches. The deck is 80x80 inches.

Ayuh,... How far 'tween the stringers the deck sits on,..??

 

[panamacitymustang]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

The stringers are 24" apart.

 

[zool]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

If your original deck was 1/2", and unglassed underneath, and a thin layer of glass on top, then that would be the minimum rebuild guideline, imo. You can measure the core thickness, and the glass layers on any remaining deck and match that....I wouldnt put less that the MFG, as that very well can be the minimum needed.

Keep in mind that if the deck flexes, it exposes the epoxy coating underneath to condensation moisture, and eventual rotting.

 

[panamacitymustang]

Re: Under deck fiberglass

That's a good point thanks. Better to be safe then sorry. I'll glass the bottom.