This is a photo from an inspection that included a deck that showed signs of water stains underneath the deck boards and the supporting joists. The deck boards were of Trex materials and were placed with no space to allow for quick water drainage which might account for the wood joists retaining moisture even though it had been dry for several weeks prior to the inspection. There were also short joist pieces that were cut and attached underneath the deck boards and appeared to be acting as bracing of some kind. The water from above was draining onto these boards and there were wet to the touch. There were also nails backing out from several joist hangers. Recommended further evaluation by a deck professional.
The article on fasteners contained very information information. As a home inspector, many fasteners may not be visible during an inspection. I have not been inspecting very long but the most common issue or defect I have seen is fasteners pulling out, or rust stains from fasteners on decks, sheds, or patio covers. These fasteners should have had some type of non-corrosive covering to prevent corrosion and possible failure of the fastener itself.
In this inspection the balusters are spaced 4 inches apart. The balusters on the handrail are also spaced 4 inches apart. The handrail itself was 3 and a half inches wide making it to wide to grip comfortably.The guardrail was measured at a height of 43 inches. the risers on the stairs need to be filled in.
Research exercise
Deck inspections are a very important portion of the inspection. The fact that more than half of the decks in the US are considered unsafe by Internachi estimates means inspectors should pay close attention to the overall construction of the deck to be inspected. Handrails, guardrails, and stairs should be installed to the proper specifications to prevent injury to those that might be using the deck. Beams and Joists need to be set and fastened properly. Joist hangers and fasteners need to be of the proper type and application. The objective is to determine whether the deck is safe for use. Any defects that might be a hazard should be noted in the report so the client can take the appropriate steps to ensure the safe use of the deck.
As depicted in the images in the gallery, there are correct and incorrect ways to install decking. What is really important that most folks should realize is to be sure proper spacing between the planks as sufficient staggering when installed.
I found this deck under construction and the course taught me that the ledger boards should be set axially on the posts directly or in a notch directly on the post. Also that the decking should be staggered when installed as well as fall onto at least 4 ledger boards
Aluminum electrical wiring. Homes built primarily between 1965-1973 may have aluminum electrical wiring. If I am going to perform an inspection on a home, I would be inclined to check the main panel for the presence of aluminum wiring and note that in my report. Aluminum wiring has been found to be more likely to to become defective and fail with age due to it’s metallurgic properties. And failure can be a fire hazard.
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This is a deck that was inspected last November that does not conform to any standard building practices. The deck was constructed with reused pieces of wood that was undersized and no fasteners were used. The composite material was incorrectly installed in the same direction of the deck floor joists. It is hard to imagine what they were thinking when building the deck. It was a large unusable deck that is now a $25,000 replacement after 2 deck contractors offered opinions and estimates.
There are a number of houses in this area of NJ that has single strand aluminum wiring. It is found weekly sometimes and usually it is a surprise to both the homeowner and certainly the buyer. This article gives you a good refresher to be able to discuss the concerns and remediations that go along with this type of branch wiring.
Researched Bathroom Ventilation and Fans
Bathroom fans should be installed in every bathroom. These fans help control moisture levels when water fixtures are in use. If fans are not installed or being properly used, microbial growth and rusting metal can occur. These fans should be duct outside and not into an attic. If duct in the attic, microbial growth can occur inside the attic due to elevated moisture levels ducting into the attic.
Inspector should look for missing fans and duct not being duct outside, and call it a defect. Any mold growth visible should be noted as potential microbial growth present.
This post lacks a proper fastener and can possibly kick out at the bottom. Recommend a qualified contractor review and repair this connection.
The exterior deck railing is properly spaced, but it is fastened horizontally. This can pose as hazard as someone can climb up the rails and go over the guardrail. Also, the top rail is too large of a diameter to grasp. Recommend adding a graspable handrail.
Just visited the gallery to research an adjustable post base. The photo I took showed a deck post shimmed up with pieces of 2X material. Proper repair of this defect would be hiring a qualified contractor install an adjustable post base connector anchoring it to the slab and deck post.
This deck was structurally sound but the spacing for the spindles were over 4 inches apart in a lot of the areas.
I have been in construction most of my life and agree totally with the spacing code due to small kids getting hurt or killed in the old handrails
I was not able to perform a complete inspection of this deck due to the lattice installed on all sides of deck. Also, the majority of the spindles / pickets had more than 4" spacing between them, some had almost 6". This could be a safety issue with small children.
I read the article on inspecting a deck, which covers most of what was covered in the course. what caught my attention the most is the statistics of deck failures and injuries and the causes. most people and contractors do not realize the importance of proper deck construction.
How to Perform Deck Inspections: Inspection Photo & Writing Assignment
(deck n/a for inspection)
The photo below represents an outside receptacle located on an outside patio on a house built in 1986. It is a 20-amp, GFCI protected receptacle, installed in a weatherproof enclosure and cover. However, it does not have a weatherproof “while-in-use” cover. An inspector should not call this out as a defect, but recommend that one should be installed as a safety measure.
How to Perform Deck Inspections: Research Exercise
Title of Research Article: Deck Receptacles
In 2008, the NEC added a requirement that decks, porches, and balconies (greater than 20 sq. ft.) that are accessible from inside the dwelling shall have at least one receptacle outlet installed within the perimeter of the deck. The new requirement however does not require the installation of an additional receptacle. The single existing outside receptacle may comply with both requirements provided it is accessible from both the ground level (off the deck) and from the floor level (on the deck). It cannot be located higher than 6½ feet from the ground or deck and it cannot be obstructed by a guardrail of the deck.
This deck was found attached to a second floor. While it felt secure and the only immediate note was excessive moisture around the whole house, a closer look showed structural issues with the deck. No posts are present, only balusters. Additionally, there was no uplift protection present at the footers or girders.
In the illustrated “Inspecting a Deck” article, one of the major points is that only around 40% of decks are completely safe. In my time as an inspector, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a deck I would consider safe. I recently did some work on my house, which included a major deck renovation/replacement. In designing and planning of the repairs, I spent hours reading and researching correct deck practices, and I believe my deck is the first one I’ve ever seen that I believe is safe!