Hey everyone! I just moved into a house with a converted car port that has a deck above it. Right now, the deck has a dilapidated sunroom that's probably going to go, along with some aluminum awning. I'm trying to turn the garage into a comfortable space for hanging out and tinkering, but it's the first garage I've had that isn't properly roofed. I've noticed that water is getting in through the duradeck, which will need replacing. I want to heat the garage, but I'm worried it's a bad idea without proper insulation, and insulating it could be pointless if water will keep getting in. I'd love some advice on how to tackle this situation or any options I might not have thought of. Thanks!
2 Answers
It sounds like you’re in deep! Honestly, I'd skip insulation until the roof issue is sorted. The duradeck is not designed to keep water out long-term, plus decking isn't built for that. Take care of the leaks first, and then think about insulation options if you decide to keep the deck in place. Pictures could really help to visualize what's going on though!
Can you share more about the deck or maybe how the sunroom is structured? Good luck finding the leaks!
Hey, it sounds like you've got a tricky situation there! I recommend focusing on the water issue first. You could either add a roof over your deck or create something below it to help with drainage. Insulation and heating can wait until you fix those leaks. Before anything else, locate where that water is coming in; if the duradeck is damaged, you might consider replacing it or even removing it altogether. Take it step by step!
Totally agree with you! Tackling the water issue first makes the most sense. If you're replacing the wood, just make sure it can handle exposure. I get how daunting it can be, but you'll be really glad you sorted that out before adding insulation.
Yeah, definitely a can of worms. Once you've got the leaks sorted, then you can think about heating it up. Good luck! Don't forget to double-check your local codes about what needs to be fixed or covered.

Right? Water damage can complicate things big time. Just be cautious about how you proceed; it’s better to deal with the deck first than ruin any insulation you might put in. Keep us posted!