How To Perform Deck Inspections Video Course

The posts in the picture are not cut at an angle, but appear to allow water to run off. Also the railings are less than 4 inches apart. This deck has some chipped wood and looks a little bit older.

Receptacle inspection is the image I chose. To inspect a receptacle you must plug in the receptacle tester and read what is says. Sometimes it could say correct, reverse polarity, or no ground. It can also be used to trip a GFCI

The decking was not properly attached to the home. The siding was not removed so the ledger board could be properly fastened to the home. The decking pulled away over time and collapsed. A licensed contractor should be consulted for total removal and replacement is recommended.

AFCIs recognize characteristics unique to arcing, and AFCI indicators produce characteristics that mimic some forms of arcing. Because of this, the indicator may give a false indication that the AFCI is not functioning properly. If this occurs, recheck the operation of the AFCI using the test and reset buttons. The AFCI button test function will demonstrate proper operation.

60% of all decks are built unsafe. The most common defects on decks are improper fasteners, lack of proper bracing and guard rails of an improper height. Because the deck is typically the main area of the house that people will gather, it is critical that it is inspected thoroughly and every defect is reported.

This is a home that has an electric cook stove with a gas hook up option. Everything is in great shape, clean, up to code and in working order. Just another cool option of this house if you so choose to buy it.

The use of crickets is to shed water and keep debris from collecting behind chimneys. They usually only need to be used on chimneys 30" wide or wider although they can be used in ones more narrow if they are needed.

I looked at the picture relating to the clearances of non-treated wood from grade. I was aware that the wood should not contact grade but it did not occur to me that there was a minimum clearance which is 18 inches for joist and 12 inches for girders.

This is a picture of a deck railing that meets the requirements of being a minimum height of 36 inches, not being climbable and the spacing of the balusters does not exceed 4 inches. The balusters are actually spaced 3.5 inches as a 2x4 block was used as the spacer.

Even though the joist hangers look great, this image depicts a ledger board improperly supported by brick veneer. Ledger boards should not be supported by stone or brick veneer.

Ledger boards should not be attached directly (surface-mounted) to stucco or EIFS, either. Stucco and EIFS have to be cut back so that ledger boards can be attached directly to band joists; however, cut-back stucco and EIFS are difficult to flash and weather-proof.

On steep properties, the slope of the ground around the footing could affect the footing’s stability. There should be a least 7 feet between the bottom of a footing and daylight. Posts in contact with soil should be pressure-treated and oriented so the cut end is above grade. Proper fastening of the post to the footing is also crucial so the post doesnt slip or otherwise move from the footing.

I have chosen to discuss a deck footing. This footing has been properly attached to a support post for this deck, where as some deck constructions may not be attached. All footings should be attached to posts to prevent movement from lateral winds, causing more damage.

I decided to write my essay on ceiling fans.The beginning of the article went to explain that ceiling fans in fact cannot decapitate a human, probably casuse head damage or cut a throat but no full on murder. Also ceiling fans do not cool the air, they move the air, which is why they are a huge waste of energy if on in an unoccupied room.

Here is a perfect example of where the attached patio cover had posts extending longer than six feet vertically. Therefore post to joist bracing was necessary to keep it within safety regulation and Internachis standards of practice. This was connected properly with 5/8 through bolts an washers.

I read an article about central air humidifiers. Central air humidifiers are integrated right into the forced air and heating system. They pull moisture out of the air and keep the RH to the desired setting. The water is then transfer directly into the homes main outgoing plumbing line.

The rail in the picture is not easily graspable. This is a 2x6 rail and is commonly used by builders as railing. Home owner should convert hand rail to a more narrow beam with rounded edges or add easier to grab extension rail.

The article “10 Easy ways to save energy in your home” was both informative and well put together. I learned the benefits of LED lighting, as well as advances made in conserving water through the use of low-flow shower heads. I’m excited to put some of these easy cost saving tips to work in my home.

This deck is in good condition. The balasters have posts in that are spaced correctly. The handrail is graspable and the deck planking is laid with a 1/8 in gap between the boards for swelling. It passed the hammer test.

Decks may show the signs of dry rot. The symptoms include spongy and discolored wood that may flake off and fall apart when wet. You can use a screwdriver to test the wood for soft spots. In certain conditions even pressure treated wood can rot and decay. Moisture and pooling water on decks can lead to rot and decay. Because dry rot is a fungus it can spread like a cancer throughout a deck. Dry rot is caused by microorganisms that eat the cellulose from the wood leaving it brittle. Dry rot will also attract wood eating insects such as termites which will compound the problem.

Dry rot is a serious problem that can compromise the structural integrity of your deck. The most common and most serious rot issues involve an incorrectly installed ledger board that allows moisture to penetrate the house wall. Because the house framing is not treated it is much more likely to rot. If your ledger board is infected with rot you will likely need to replace the entire deck. You may also need to repair portions of the house wall. If a few joists or some decking is rotting you may be able to remove and replace only the affected pieces.

Besides the obvious need for paint there is a safety concern. The top riser is only about 2 inches while the others are 7 1/2 inches. this would be included in the home inspection as a safety hazard and recommend a qualified contractor to repair.