I chose the image of a cantilevered deck support for this essay. In the image, it shows the vertical deck support placed away from the edge of the structure, this provides support to the deck and prevents a collapse. Another point to this image is the amount of lag bolts used to secure the framing to the support. The proper number of bolts should be used in order to properly attach the deck.
The article I read was about Attic Pull-Down Ladders. I didn’t know that in order to modify the ladder that you or I (homeowner) would have to get an approve from the engineer to approve of the modify to replace the ladder.
My research was on the identification of aluminum siding. Aluminum siding can be visually detected by the presence of dents as opposed to the cracks or breaks that may be evident on vinyl siding. The hollow metallic ring produced when it is tapped upon also helps detect if there are no dents. I would bring a magnet to determine if the siding is steel or aluminum.
This photo is of the gap between the decking. The gap was sufficient at the time of the inspection to prevent pooling and to allow proper water drainage. Hail damage was evident but the deck was in overall good shape.
Decks are often confused with porches, balconies etc. This deck in particular appears to be in good condition. It has a saftey railing, There is also access to it from the ground, and outside of the house. Contains a stairway leading to the top.
I read the article about credit reports. I had a friend who could not purchase a home because his credit was not good enough. So from the context of the article i am guessing that a loaner ran or sent his credit to a credit bureau and they deemed him not fit for that investment. I did not understand when he first told me, but after reading this article it makes more sense.
Unstable decks: poorly assembled or deteriating decks are responsible for a tremendous amount of accidents. A deck collapse can be life threatening therefore should be prevented at all cost. Inspectors should cheek for adequate fasteners and structural support and ensure the deck is safe for multiple people to occupy at one time.
Joist hangers: joist hangers should be present where joist terminate. Toenailing is not best building practice and overtime pull away leading to deck failure. The hangers provide adequate support for the deck structure. Also the appropriate size hanger should be used
In this image of a deck several issues can be seen. The spacing on the balusters for the step railing are spaced to far apart. Also there is no balusters on the deck railing and the deck railing could facilitate climbing. All of which are child safety matters.
For purposes of egress from a basement window due to a emergency. You must have three foot of space above and none restricted with lattice around the deck. Also, the first riser of the stairs from grade can sometimes be shorter causing a trip hazard.
The Seven Foot Rules applies to deck footings. Footings that sit on bearing soils and are below the frost line. Typically 12 inches, shall not be within seven feet of daylight on s sloping site. This could effect the stability of the footings.
Attached is a photo of my deck railing attachment to my vinyl siding. As you can see the screws have pulled away for the home and ripped out of the siding and the deck has settled. This has created an unstable railing and needs to be corrected.
I chose the article Deck Receptacles. It is required for decks to have a receptacle on the deck. A lot of people use extension cords to plug in many items on their deck. This can create many hazards and is the cause for many fires and injuries.
I inspected this deck and a lot of wood rot. I told the owner that this was a hazard and no one should step or walk on this deck until it has been replace or torn down for safety reasons.
I have built a deck in my lifetime. I used what we call fiberwood and this was about 20 years ago and it still look as good as when I built it cause i used stianless steel screws as it was recommended and it turned out the value of the home went up because of it with the safety features.
this frond deck is built correctly it has fall protection all the way around the rails are 39 inches high most of the deck is less than 30 inches off the ground it does not need hand rails on the stairs .there are only three steps
ladder deaths could be prevented . knowing how and what the ladder is for is the best place to start . over 164,000 injuries and 300 death were reported in 2004 most deaths were from 10 feet or less . over reaching is the most common mistake
This photo shows the proper installation of a post anchor for a deck. The extreme force placed on a railing post requires this type of connection to ensure a lasting connection and a safe deck railing. These metal brackets are made to resit the corrosion caused by pressure treated lumber.
Installing deck boards at a forty-five degree angle to the supporting joists can provide a more stable deck surface. Similar to the diagonal bracing at the bottom of the deck framing, installing the decking at an angle provides the same lateral stability.
Attached is a photo of a deck with improper posts and footing. The post is not connected to any footing. Footings are required to be at least 12 below ground or below the frost line. Also, the post should be connected to the footing in such a way that it will not lift or slide of the footing
