Although from 2005 Nec requires all dwellings to have a GFI protected outlet in front and rear of the home no more then 6 1/2 feet the ground. As of 2008 NEC requires that there should be a GFI protected outlet no more then 6 1/2 feet above any deck more then 20sqft of usable space. Should not be written as a code violation on homes built before that code but as a safety concern to be checked out and maybe installed by licensed electrian.
I read the article “Advantages of Solar Energy: by Nick Gromicko”. Solar energy and panels are definitely the direction society is moving towards and one day I think it will be as common or more so than any other form of providing electricity. Anyone who can afford to make that investment I would say its a good move.
When inspecting decks make sure the spaces between the balusters do not exceed 4 3/8". The deck in this image appears to have spacing that could exceed this safety number. Posts should be installed every 5ft and the guardrail and handrail should be at least 34" high from the finished deck floor and the slope of the nosing on the stairs.
Inspecting a home or a deck is a ll about safety. We are there to make sure the home and the deck are safe all who use them. Water can be a home and a decks worst enemy. When inspecting the decks, make sure there is proper flashing at the ledger board. Make sure posts are not sitting in standing water. Make sure sprinkler systems are keeping the deck posts continuously wet. And make note of any wood in contact with the earth it should be pressure treated and resistant to microbial growth and decay.
This is a picture of a seriously deteriorated deck/stairway. There are balusters missing and the wood is rotting. This is a serious safety hazard being that it is so high off the ground. I would recommend replacing the complete structure before use.
Decks should be inspected in order to insure that they are able to accommodate the required loads and the overall safety of the users. The inspection should start from the ground and work up. If the structure does not appear safe from the ground level then the structure should be written up as a safety concern and the deck should not be used until further evaluation by a professional.
there are many reasons a deck can fail, three reasons are predominant; rot, lack of or inadequate flashing and connectors. These causes are all interrelated. Most of the decks where older than fifteen years but one was only four years old that I have seen fail.
Tankless water heaters, while relatively new, are growing in popularity with both plumbing contractors and homeowners. These compact units are designed to provide hot water for the entire housenot just a single faucetand are often called instantaneous, continuous-flow, or on-demand water heaters.
Deck defect.
The attached picture showing the underside of a deck shows an extension added to an existing deck, newer joist do not extend onto girder beam and not supported. The use of nails to join newer joist to existing is not permitted, the use of through bolting would be a proper connection.
Because decks appear to be simple to build, many people do not realize that decks are, in fact, structures that need to be designed to adequately resist certain stresses. Like any other house or building, a deck must be designed to support the weight of people, snow loads, and objects.
This deck is being constructed in direct contact with the ground soil. The pressure treated lumber used was ordered specifically to be kiln dried and treated for direct contact with soil conditions and is designed to withstand moisture intrusion better than pressure treated lumber not treated for direct ground contact.
Electrical outlets are important features when located on an exterior deck on a residential dwelling. Decks larger than 20 square feet are required to have an electrical outlet with a weatherproof enclosure and while-in-use cover. Countless injuries are sustained from usage of power extension cord usage from tripping and falling hazards to electric shocks and fires from overloaded electrical power draw through under rated gauge wire power cords.
Loose railings were noted at the deck. Properly secure the railings. The ledger board and floor joists were not visible, unable to be inspected. Handrails with balusters were not installed at the deck steps, install handrails with balusters that conform to current safety standards.
When viewing chimney flashing it was determined all counter flashing should attach at least 1 inch into the chimney mortar joints. Sealant should be present where the counter flashing enters the mortar for the chimney stack. Head flashing, counter flashing, step flashing and apron flashing should be present and in good condition.
The photo shows decking joists with a large amount of bubbling in the paint. This is an indicates possible moisture intrusion. The balusters are do not contain enough fill. A four inch sphere easily passes through the gaps. Need to contact a contractor to update.
Multiple light fixtures have missing or non functioning bulbs. It is not possible to determine if fixture is damaged when the bulbs are missing or burned out. Recommend replacement of bulbs and further evaluation of functionality of fixture. If the fixture is non functional, then recommend repair or replacement by qualified person.
(2) Emergency light at front door does not flash. Recommend repair by qualified person.
Aluminum wiring should be evaluated by a qualified electrician who is experienced in evaluating and correcting aluminum wiring problems. Not all licensed electricians are properly trained to deal with defective aluminum wiring. The CPSC recommends the following two methods for correction for aluminum wiring
Eminent Domain, the right of the government to seize private property for “public use” provided monetary compensation is paid. The government does not need the consent of the landowner to take the property. Local and State governments are the most common ones to use this practice.
This is the written response for the research and writing assignment in the “How to Perform Deck Inspections Course”. The article I chose is titled, “Backdrafting”. Backdrafting is when there is reverse low go gas in the flues of fuel fired appliances.
This is the written response for the inspection and writing assignment in the “How to Perform Deck Inspections Course”. Attached is a picture of a deck post properly attached to a footing. Posts should be attached to the footings so that the posts don’t lift or slip off their footings.
