Balcony Supports on a Raised Ranch


I’m a newer CPI and this is my first post. I inspected a Raised Ranch today, built into a hillside. A balcony deck wraps around the upper level and is the only way to the main entry door. I wonder if you could share your thoughts about the lack of support posts in the attached pic.

Those are cantilevered through the floor. It’s fine.

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Thanks Walter! Also, no lag screws were used, only nails. Thoughts?

You would just see blocking, no ledger.

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Ok thanks for clearing that up for me! Here is a shot from underneath.

If the posts are 4x4, they seem inadequate for their length and the nearest one & #5 seem to be bowing already. I would have used 6x6. You may want to refer that out to a qualified deck specialist to ensure the safe integrity of the deck.

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Oh, and welcome to our forum, Eric!..Enjoy! :smile:

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Thanks Larry! I was thinking 6x6s would be better as well.

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The span of the decking material is suspect. The sister beams is suspect. Beam attachment to rim band is suspect. IMO, Guards should be thru bolted to rim band. It’s older and would be engineered or designed vs following any typical deck code. Your opinion as an inspector will matter if you have safety concerns or if it is not performing well.b

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Thanks Brian, the whole thing felt off to me, honestly.

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Well that picture tells a whole new story. Not what I was expecting. I would refer it out too.

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No Deck ledger flashing, rusted lintel above the window, water could be getting behind the stone veneer.

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O, And welcome to the forum, Eric, Enjoy!! :+1:

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Thanks Scott!

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I appreciate it, Walter!

Not good… through bolts should be used at certain locations. IMHO

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The original cantilevered joists were extended by attaching longer joists. That needs to be checked IMO by a structural engineer. Might need additional bracing or vertical posts.

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I always recommend a deck specialist on cantilevered decks. I also recommend rebuilding the deck with conventional methods because they are almost never flashed properly and could potentially rot the house structure.

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Well, that deck was rebuilt at least once.

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Good Day Eric ,
As I see the whole picture, the garage was added after and the walkway extended hence the posts only under the end part. Yes it looks under built. The cantilever rule is 2:1 (twice the distance inside as there is out) the distance outside the wall is determined by the depth of the support member. If you extend the distance out you need to go back into the building and might have to increase the depth of the support. There is blocking , bolting , flashing missing, with added weight and stress on old framing. Safety concern by me.

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