Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article “Inspecting a Deck, Illustrated” it depicts a large portion of what is covered in the videos. One key element that I was not aware of prior to taking this course is that the ends and post should be cut angled to allow for water to run off of the wood.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this inspection photo of a deck, while it looks nice, there are multiple issues with proper deck fastening and safety. The girder is through bolted to the post instead of being installed on top of and attached to the posts. There are missing newel posts on the railing. There should be newel posts at least every 5’ on railings and should end at a newel post as well. Finally there are also missing newel posts on the guard rail around the perimeter. It should have newel posts every 6’.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This essay is on the importance of ledger fastening. Most deck failures happen due the separation of the ledger board from the supporting structure. Bolts should be at least 1/2" in diameter and should have a washer installed. InterNACHI recommends the use of the rule of thumb for ledger board spacing. 100 divided by the legth of the board.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This young lad is hangin on the porch. It is an 8’x 50’porch with steps connecting to the driveway. The railing is about 3 3/4 inches apart. There is 1 rail that has twisted in a way that leaves a space large enough for it to be a safety hazard that I recommend to be repaired immediately.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Canteleavered Joists With Deck- That was the title of the photograph that I chose. I liked this picture because it gave a good example of how the interior of the home can be affected by the load of a deck.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The stairs pictured lead to a back deck. The stairs havr an open riser design that alows the passage of a 4 inch sphere and needs correction. In addition the railings are connected to the stringers using bolts that are too small. The railing system should be redesigned by a professional and re installed up to current code.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of a deck. In the photo you can see that there is no handrail which is a safety hazard… There is also mildew and moss growing on the deck, which could lead to wood decay making the deck unsafe to walk on.
Research & Writing Assignment:
This article was about ceiling fans. Common problems with ceiling fans are that they can fall from their mount. A ceiling fan may also wobble when fan blades are misaligned with each other. A couple more problems could be that there is inadequate floor to ceiling blade clearance and an interior fan being used as an exterior fan.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The deck appears to have an adequate ledger connection to the structure. Although the deck railing construction has proper baluster spacing and support, the handrail at the stairs is too wide and should be grippable. The height of the bottom step exceeds the allowable distance from the ground to the first tread.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Wood Decay
Nearly 10% of wood production is used for repairs associated with wood decay. Moisture damage can be avoided by use of resistant wood types or non-resistant wood that has been properly treated. Avoiding ground contact can not only help prevent water damage but can also help minimize damage from wood destroying insects.
Research & Writing Assignment:
There are many ways to make your house more emergy efficient regardless of the age. Caulking cracks around the exterior and weatherstripping doors and windows is a great start because it is the first layer of “insulation”. Adding insulation to the attic and crawlspace, pairing it with appropriate ventilation, and updating old appliances also can help increase the energy efficiency and save some money.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I have here a pictures of the stairway steps of a deck that have some cracks in the wood. It appears the cracks may have been caused by improper spacing of nails in the frame of the steps, which could put too much pressure on any one nail.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The article I have chosen is titled “Inspecting a Deck, Illustrated”. From the article I learned that only 40% of decks in North America are considered safe. I believe the reason for this low percentage is due to homeowners building the decks themselves, underestimating the amount of care needed to build it strong enough for safety.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In a high percentage of cases residential decks are not constructed correctly. It is estimated that 60% of decks are un safe. This means that many decks will need repair or retrofitting to be made safe. One such technique is to add more structure so beams and girders are properly supported. This is a picture or one such repair for a girder that was shear supported by bolts and the repair.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Decks are a great asset to a home. They create a space to socialize and entertain out doors when the weather is nice. However, an improperly constructed deck can pose a safety hazard to the occupants. The purpose of this course is to help inspectors, recognize defects.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The ledger board is improperly attached to the home under the deck at the rear of the home. The through bolts should be staggered at least 2 inches from the ledger board edge with large washers installed. A licensed contractor should perform the repairs.
Research & Writing Assignment:
When installing receptacles at a deck, they should always be GFCIs and have a weatherproof enclosure or faceplate. Only decks 20 sqft or more are required to have a receptacle installed not more than 6 1/2 feet above the deck. The main reason for this requirement is to limit the use of extension cords, since they can introduce a number of safety hazards.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a massive deck that is multiply levels that is built properly, all the rails are secured and all the spacing between the rails is the proper amount, it is fastened properly to the home, it is built right.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Home repair rip offs are more commen then people think, the biggest problem usually lies on the roofing industry, these fly buy night guys wait for a natural disaster to hit areas and truck in and give people horrible workmanship and skip town.
