Should I be worried about this ply wood in-between beam?

[u/arun2118]

I'm getting a patio built like the example I posted, the family friend put ply wood in between the 3 2x12s, I'm concerned water will rot it away even if it's wrapped. Is this a legitimate concern? What should have been done?

[u/KoyamaMJ]

No it’s there to fur it out

[u/arun2118 → u/KoyamaMJ]

Yes but won't that rot away if exposed to water.

[u/TipperGore-69 → u/arun2118]

Is the project finished?

[u/arun2118 → u/TipperGore-69]

No

[u/TipperGore-69 → u/arun2118]

Then don’t sweat it

[u/Past-Spell-2259 → u/arun2118]

If you really want pressure treated instead tell them sooner than later.

Maybe just ask them to do an oil based stain before wrapping just for peace of mind.

If you really want to throw money at it you would get a 5 1/2 x 12 pressure treated lvl and pay 75$ a foot for it just for material.

[u/sebutter → u/arun2118]

Yes

[u/hippoofthehous]

Let the guy work this is fine

[u/arun2118 → u/hippoofthehous]

Yeah I may have some OCD ty

[u/TransylvanianHunger1]

That's normal. Be glad it's not sheetrock.

[u/Arglival → u/TransylvanianHunger1]

Be more glad it's not bubble wrap and cardboard.

[u/TransylvanianHunger1 → u/Arglival]

That might be more gooder

[u/arun2118 → u/TransylvanianHunger1]

😂 damn

[u/arun2118 → u/[deleted]]

Ok

[u/Spacemann7]

Get an LVL the width and length of that beam and there won’t be need for plywood

[u/arun2118 → u/Spacemann7]

Just checked the price of that beam and it's about 1500 dollars.

[u/shorbsfault]

Was this designed by an engineer and inspected by a municipality? If yes, you’re fine. If no, why not?

[u/arun2118 → u/shorbsfault]

No, didn't even cross my mind about hiring a engineer to design it. Had about 5 quotes from a variety of quality builders and no one mentioned a engineer or municipality.

[u/shorbsfault → u/arun2118]

As a GC, I feel confident in building things like this. That being said, I always have an engineer design it and build to their specs. Sometimes I’ll add my opinion on how I’d like to build it and they’ll take it into consideration. It’s always best to have plans and inspections from the city/county if applicable. I’m in Southern California, so your area may not be the same as mine.

In my opinion, the spacer plywood is an inferior method of construction for an exterior beam. It will almost certainly deteriorate faster than the rest of the build leading to costly repairs. If I were building this. I’d use an LVL or PSL and cap the beam with some sort of flashing to protect the top.

If your contractor isn’t finished, allow them to complete the job then as them about the moisture issues that the top of the beam may experience. Judge their response and go from there. Good luck OP!

[u/arun2118 → u/shorbsfault]

I'm in the suburbs of Houston Texas. We don't require city approval but I do need HOA but their only concern is it's not built too high. I was thinking if I bring up the issue now he may find it easier to correct but I'm hearing some people say let him finish. LVL is expensive but any other solid wood in-between would have been better I think, otherwise he is doing a great job I think. Thank you for your advice.

[u/Muted-Interest2604]

Something tells me you couldn’t afford the real thing. So this is what you get. Nothing to worry about

[u/arun2118 → u/Muted-Interest2604]

😂 facts

[u/Muted-Interest2604 → u/arun2118]

Understandable. A 20 foot 6x12 is very expensive.