u/PazzoBread

Long story short whoever built these stairs for the deck on our new (to us) house did not use proper nails and left half the stringer hanging nailed into plywood, which was rotting away.

I’m not trying to correct this, but there is a 3 inch gap between the deck and stair stringers. My thought is to sandwich a couple of 2x6 or 2x8 and tie in using lag bolts and strong tie hangers (similar to https://www.reddit.com/r/Decks/s/IqdxFXW6sb) and thoughts if this would be appropriate?

Hi All,

First, definitely not a deck expert. That being said, was able to follow some community advice about replacing my undersized joist hangers and adding tension ties that last time I posted. Hope you can help me in this case.

In the first picture where the tape measure is, there was a post that was not really secure. Removed it and uncovered a lot of rot (last 3 picture). I want to secure the stair stringers and remove the rotting pieces of plywood they support the current stairs. The nails connecting the stringers to the deck are already rusting out.

My basic plan so far is to temporarily support underneath with 2x 4x4 posts, rip out the 2x 12 and remove the rotted wood. I will replace the 2x12 if necessary but doesn’t seem soft or rotting yet.

How should I be tying the stairs back into the deck? Do the make hangers the stringers could sit on? Is it possible I could push the stairs closer to the deck (the posts in the middle of the stairs are just sitting on the ground)

**•**	Total Cholesterol: 208 mg/dL  
**•**	LDL-C: 142 mg/dL  
**•**	HDL-C: 49 mg/dL  
**•**	Triglycerides: 74 mg/dL  
**•**	Non-HDL Cholesterol: 159 mg/dL  
**•**	ApoB: 116 mg/dL  
**•**	Total Chol/HDL Ratio: 4.2  
**•**	LDL/HDL Ratio: 2.90  
**•**	Trig/HDL Ratio: 1.51  
**•**	Lp(a): 43 nmol/L  
**•**	RW-ApoB: 104 mg/dL

Last bloodwork was 2021 while on Accutane, and LDL was similarly elevated then. I chalked it up to the medication (Accutane is known to raise lipids). This is the first panel since, off Accutane, and the numbers are basically the same. My triglycerides are low and HDL is decent. But LDL, non-HDL, and ApoB are all elevated. No known family history of heart/cholesterol issues on my mom’s side, but unknown on my dad’s side. Diet hasn’t been great (regular fast food) but cutting that out completely starting today.

Questions:

**1.**	Does this pattern (low trigs, decent HDL, high ApoB) suggest something specific like genetics/familial hypercholesterolemia rather than just diet?

**2.**	At 28 with unknown family history on my dad’s side, would you push for a statin conversation now, or give diet/exercise changes 3 months first?

**3.**	I am reading more about psyllium husk and such. I haven’t taken anything like that before. Any recommended brands and how to start would be awesome. That and any other tips to help me get on track.

We purchased our first house last month. Inspector called out the joist hangers on the deck were improper size. No worries I thought, would be an easy swap. Looking today, seems some of the joists are pulling away (likely because they weren’t nailed properly). There is also a slight bow in the middle of the deck. What would be the best first step?

Car parked and hit by a commercial truck taking a corner. Left without leaving info but sentry recorded it. Looks like more than $5K in damage to me.

2023 M3 Standard RWD with 18k miles.

New house purchased, don’t have any equipment. Have been looking at deals online, got a mix of options that I need help deciding. New yard is less than 1/4 acres.

Option 1: EGO 800 LM2135SP with 7.5ah + 5ah battery for $603. Get other equipment later

Option 2: EGO 800 LM2135SP with 7.5ah only. EGO trimmer ST1510T & Blower LB6150 with 2.5ah battery. $726

Option 3: EGO 800 LM2135SP with 7.5ah + 5ah battery for $603 + Ego trimmer ST1500SA & Blower LB5300 with 4ah battery for $249 ($853 total)