In this photo one can see that there is no adequate flashing above the ledger board. you can also see that the spacing between the ledger board fasteners may be spread too far apart.The last possible issue is that there may be improper draining of the decking boards.
After reading the article on how to inspect a deck I learned a few good tips. Like knowing that the majority of weight is focused on the side with the railings. This tells me to pay particular attention to this area of the deck.
The deck in this picture is pretty sturdy its been attached to the building for awhile the boards are further apart than normal due to the amount of snow. The railing is made of metal fencing and 2x2 metal posts.
The article I read is about asset protection. I learned it is anything of value in my name and if the insurance doesn’t cover it and I don’t want it taken away in a lawsuit then I need to protect it.
When inspecting decks be sure to note if the balusters are level or sloped on the tops. They should be sloped on top to allow for adequate water shed. You’ll note that in the attached image the posts are sloped with top caps and balusters are cut with a slope.
All too often people assume they can build their own decks due to the simplicity of the structure. However the opposite is the truth. Decks require adequate load design and should take into consideration the weights of people on the deck, snow loads and any items let on the deck long term. Other considerations when building a deck are to ensure proper load bearing posts and footings as needed. Posts should be 6x6 for all tall installations up to 12 feet to avoid twisting of the posts.
The finish on this deck is failing and the structure is showing signs of rot and deterioration. This structure may not be safe to traverse. Recommend having a qualified contractor evaluate. Repairs or replacement may be necessary to bring this deck to a structurally safe state.
I looked at a decking picture showing improper spacing of decking boards. This condition of having the boards too close together does not allow water to flow through the deck. The decking will hold water, which can lead to rot and deterioration.
Improper railing balusters. The balusters on the deck railing should be vertical with spacing of no more than 4 inches in diameter. Horizontal deck balusters tend to create a ladder effect making it unsafe and easy for children to climb.
This deck appears to have the proper horizontal guards with balusters spaced less than 4 inches apart. Also, the stairs have railings on both sides. The posts supporting the deck appear to be 6x6 treated lumber. The footings for the posts are buried, but hopefully they are concrete with metal fasteners holding the posts to the footings.
I read through “Inspecting a Deck, Illustrated.” The illustrations really helped with understanding deck construction. I have seen many decks with girders held in place be lag bolts only. It is important that girders rest directly on posts. Lag bolts will not necessarily have a shear strength rated for such loads.
Inspecting For Deck Rot.
Check the ledger and area where the deck connects to the house. Probe around posts where they contact to the ground or sit on concrete foundation blocks / footings. Any wood thats soft is suspect. Check where stair stringers come in contact with the ground or landing pad. Probe around railing posts, balusters and the decking surface.
These deck boards bring style and functionality to your deck or porch. This gray composite deck board features a grooved bottom and measures 1-in thick by 5.5-in wide. These deck boards also have quite a bit of embossing that reduces the amount of slipping when wet. These boards also feature a wood grain design.
Installing outdoor receptacles on decks requires care be taken to ensure that the receptacle faceplate rests securely on the supporting surface to prevent moisture from entering the enclosure. When uneven surfaces are encountered, it may be necessary to close openings with caulking compound.
Deck Receptacles:
As of 2008, the NEC added a requirement that balconies, decks and porches that are accessible from inside the dwelling unit shall have at least one receptacle outlet installed within the perimeter of the balcony, deck or porch. The receptacle shall not be located more than 6 1/2 feet above the balcony, deck or porch surface.
As an exception to this rule: Balconies, decks or porches with a usable area of less than 20 square feet are not required to have a receptacle installed.
GFCI protection is required for all exterior receptacles.
Home Inspectors should not call out the lack of exterior receptacles as a defect in houses that were built before the code was enacted. Inspectors can recommend that receptacles be installed as a safety measure.
I love decks. Decks are the bomb:)
Pictured is the best deck I have had the pleasure to inspect. in consisted of four levels and a long pier almost over looking the scenic Center Hill Lake in middle Tennessee.
As awesome as the deck was, it was not without issues. The balusters were horizontally oriented non-coated metal cable (rusting in areas), several of the support beams had large surface cracks (some had been filled with color matching caulk), Wood Peckers have left their marks on about 12 areas, there were a few wobbly handrails, and minor deterioration. It was made of pressure treated lumber and stained.
Tale of Two Decks
This is the story of two decks that were similar in size, about 20’x20’.
Deck one was made of pressure treated lumber and about 8’ off the ground. It had sign of being built by a “weekend warrior” with some skills. The basics were correct, but joists were nailed into the outer ledger boards. 4x4 posts were used for the main support with crowned poured footing to keep the water away from the base of the posts. Additional support was added due to an apparent sagging issue, but a diagonal ledger member was not part of the added support. This deck was not going to fall apart the next day and is in fact still in place and holding on. It is always important to note issues and/or recommend further evaluation by a qualified tradesman or contractor.
Deck two was made of pressure treated lumber and about 8’ off the ground. It had signs of being built by a professional contractor or tradesman. Joist-hangers were used and the ledger boards were bolted to the house. 6x6 metal post were used with additional diagonal beam supports. Every third joist was doubled and a ledger diagonal member was installed. This deck was not going to fall apart the next day either, but there was pronounced deterioration and the stairs leading to the deck were not consistent in their rise (anywhere from 8.25 to 12 inches). This deck has had several boards replaced after the home purchase.
A lesson to learn from this is take care of what you have. Often times when we see an older deck that is in bad shape, the home owner built it with pressure treated wood and did not think any continuing maintenance was required…until it was too late.
Deck is weathered, suggest cleaning and should be treated with an oil based water repellent preservative to protect and extending the remaining life of the deck. Boards seem to be in good condition and not needing replacement at this time.
The above photo shows wood decking that is properly spaced. Decking should have 1/8" gaps between the boards. Decking that is laid too tight will allow puddles to form. Each segment of decking should bear on a minimum of four joists.
Backflow preventers are designed to prevent the reverse flow of water in a potable water system. They come in a number of different types, each of which is suited for different purposes. Inspection of backflow preventers requires knowledge of installation requirements, although inspectors are not required to become certified.
