Very informative course, the deck seems to be overlooked or taken for granted when it comes to understanding all that really goes into it, or all that should.
Ben, you had my head spinning on some of those videos both with the tables and Code as well as the inspection. hahahaha Really appreciated the last video as a walk along during your inspection.
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same here been burnig them down past few days. good luck on your journey.
Happy Birthday
About to start this course. Looking forward to gaining more knowledge.
Just finished the course, just had to wait a few weeks for that pesky September thing
looking forward to this course, There are many decks and balconies in my area that are questionable at best. This should give me better insight.
Ive seen several decks, typically 2nd story ones, that appear to be supported by 4x4 beams instead of 6x6s. I am so surprised that they haven’t bowed more than they have from the weight of the deck.
I’ve built a few decks with my dad over the years but there’s always more to learn. This class has been very helpful so far.
A member just sent in a great essay response! Check it out:
View Question
Research & Writing Essay Instructions
This research and writing assignment may take four hours.
- Choose one inspection article from the Library of Inspection Articles or choose one illustration from the Illustration Gallery that directly relates to inspecting a deck. There are articles titled "Deck Inspections" and "Deck Receptacles," for example.
- Research and study the technical article or illustration.
- In the box below titled “Your Essay," write an essay that describes what you’ve learned from reading and studying the article or illustration.
- Upload and submit an inspection image or the chosen illustration along with the essay.
Your essay must meet the following criteria:
- It must be written in English.
- It must be at least 80 words in length.
- It must be written at a minimum 4th-grade level.
- It must sufficiently comment upon the chosen article or illustration related to this course's main topics.
- It must include an inspection image.
This research and writing assignment is very similar to what a home inspector does during a home inspection--researching and studying inspection images and illustrations, studying and referring to and applying a Standards of Practice, taking inspection images, making observations, describing components, determining the condition of those components, formulating opinions, making recommendations to correct (if needed), proposing the implication of not making corrections to a defect (if observed), writing notes, and communicating observations in written form.
Please continue with the course after submitting your essay. If the essay does not meet the criteria, you'll be notified by email to rewrite the essay.
After examining the illustration about deck components, I realize that decks have specific parts that are installed to maintain structural integrity or meant for safety purposes. Such components that are installed for safety reasons would include but not limited to guards, balusters, handrails, stair treads, risers, and lighting. These components mostly affect the safety of occupants and not so much the structure of the deck. Components that affect the structural integrity include decking, joists, beams, posts and footings. These are but a few components that play key roles in keeping the deck structurally sound. Overall, the deck is made of various components that are vital to decking’s system.
