Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo illustrates a view from a crawl space of a landing deck. The deck measures approximately four(4) feet above grade. The floor joists were installed with joist hangers. However, fasteners were not installed at all joist hangers. It is recommended all joist hangers be properly secured for safety.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Ballusters installed at four(4)" intervals are required for safety. Upon reviewing this segment on ballusters I learned ballusters should not be cut level; rather, they are required to be cut at an angle, perhaps 30, to allow water to run off.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo shows a veranda. The veranda was built as a part of the engineered structure of the house. It slopes slightly to the outside for water shed. The deck has proper gapping and flashings. The only problem with this veranda is the horizontal balusters. This is a safety issue for children and small pets.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Decks and similar structures need to be paid close attention when inspecting them as they are structures that have quite a bit of traffic and use. It is important to pay attention to all components of the construction. About 40% of all decks are considered to be unsafe.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image above is of a deck joist hanger not properly installed. The floor joists were installed with joist hangers. However, fasteners were not installed properly at this joist hanger. It is recommended all joist hangers be properly secured for safety. I would note this in my report.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Improperly installed deck guards, railings , are a common cause of deck related injuries . Deck guards and handrails should not fail when a concentrated load of 200 lbs is applied at any point along the top guard. In the picture it shows a deck guard supported by balusters only and no support posts, also there is no corner post or baluster at the corners of the deck making this a safety hazard for small children and small pets . This deck should be noted and written up as a defect in need of repair as well as safety hazard. I was told by a person at the inspection that a small dog had slipped right through the corner balusters , jumped to the ground and took off after a squirrel. Point made.
Research & Writing Assignment:
A large wooden deck needs many strong galvanized metal connectors to protect against uplift and lateral movement. A girder/post connection provides further support against downward deflection due to load. As a home inspector I look for all connections to be galvanized metal having the proper gauge such as Simpson Strong Tie connectors. Furthermore they provide the nail/screw pattern when, if followed, meets code requirements and I look for this. Most professional deck builders use the correct connectors and nail/screw patterns but most decks built by non professionals (a large percentage) do not and these deficiencies, of course, will be noted in the home inspection report.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Missing z-flashing at ledger board. This will allow water to run behind the ledger board and corrode the fasteners. Once the corrosion starts the fastener’s diameter will start to diminish and the hole will begin to get bigger, eventually allowing the ledger to detach from the face of the building. Recommend having a qualified licensed contractor repair.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The deck ledger pulling away from the house is a frequent cause of catastrophic deck collapse, caused by little or no flashing or improper flashing of the deck ledger to band board connection. Deck flashing should divert as much water as possible away from the deck ledger point of attachment. Wood rot can often be seen at this junction to both the ledger and the band board.Proper connection with the proper hardware is also very important , but without the proper flashing wood rot will win out over time.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article that I chose to research was Deck Receptacles. NEC requires one receptacle in the front and rear of a home no higher than 6 1/2’ feet from the grade. Another additional requirement was made to have a GFCI weather-covered receptacle on any deck, balcony, or porch that has atleast 20 sqft. This is to prevent the use of extension cords, which are a safety hazard in numerous ways.
Research & Writing Assignment:
DECK RECEPTACLES
Balconies and decks and porches that are accessible from inside the house must shall have at least one receptacle outlet. It can not be located more than 6 feet above the deck or porch surface.
Very small Balconies, decks and porches less than 20 square feet are an exception.
Exterior outlets must be GFCI and be enclosed in a water tight face place to prevent moisture intrusion.
These are important to prevent need of extension cords which could be a tripping hazard as well as electrical fire. As an inspector one should not missing deck receptacles as safety issue.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The homeowner on this deck called me out to come look at it to make sure that the framing and attachment to the wall was done properly with proper supports and post spaced at the right intervals proper flashing at though law to ledger board correct size bolts were completed I said
Research & Writing Assignment:
I found the article on carpets in bathroom very interesting as I had a house with a carpet in the bathroom which I hate it I understand why people put carpets and bathrooms for anti-slip purposes but I do not like the way the trap moisture from showers and baths as you stand on them just color and even causing water damage
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Here is a picture of deck boards. As you can see some of the deck boards that have been replaced do not meet the required span distance of four joists. It should have been installed correctly the first time if the contractor knew the currant standards.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I choose to write about balloon framing. Often times I will inspect a attic and at the gable ends i can usually tell the type of framing. If it is balloon framing I like to see fire block between the bays. Just for safety.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I didn’t have a deck around to inspect but I did have a porch to look at. The picture above shows a porch post that has experienced some wood rot. The post at the time of inspection appeared to still be sturdy but overtime it will continue to decay.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I choose to use the article Inspecting a Deck, Illustrated to comment on. One of the most common things to fail on a deck isthe railings. Railings need to meet the height requirements, be secured firmly, and the spacing between inner fill can not have a 4" sphere be able to fit through for child safety purposes.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Deck construction and water intrusion issues:
A deck built as part of a home presents special risk for water intrusion issues. The ledger at the face of the building requires several penetrations for bolts and anchors, the ledger is placed on top of the WRB behind the main cladding components.
Special attention in the inspection is needed to identify wall flashing and sealant applications. The inspector should note the absence or damage to any flashing and recommend replacement.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Safety in deck inspections:
It is important to inspect the deck for structural or rot issues before walking the surface. Painted structural components and decking can hide damage that could cause injury. Careful inspection of the rail and stair system is critical, if damage or rot are not identified at the inspection the client is put at risk of serious injury.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The image that i uploaded is a perfect example of an improper constructed handrail. As you can see in the photo the space between the handrail posts is to far. The proper post spacing for a stair handrail is no more than 5’.
