Deck Codes & Standards How to Design, Build, Inspect & Maintain a Safer Deck Is My Deck Safe? Maybe your deck is safe. There is, however, a good chance that it is not safe, at least when evaluated using current codes and standards. In this chapter and in the next chapter, we discuss how you can begin assessing whether or not your deck is safe. We also discuss some common myths and rationalizations that arise when people think about their decks. I Don’t Need a Permit! Actually, you do need a permit to build a deck in almost parts of the United States. You need a permit because building a deck without a permit is illegal and risky. You could be forced to remove an illegally built deck. You are required to disclose unpermitted work on most seller disclosure statements when you sell a house. If you do not disclose the unpermitted work, and if there is a problem, you could be held liable for the costs of those problems, including costs of personal injury and death. What Is Not a Deck? This is an important question because applying guidelines intended for one type of structure to another type of structure is not safe. A structure is not a deck if it is built using materials other than wood or other materials not approved for use as a deck component. If the structure is built using concrete, asphalt, stone, brick, pavers, or similar materials, it is not a deck. If the structure is supported entirely on the ground, it is not a deck. What Is Flashing? Flashing is a permanent, low-maintenance barrier that stops water from entering into places where it will cause damage to wood and other house components. Flashing is different from sealants, such as caulk and roofing cement. Sealants may require replacement in as little as a year. Flashing, when properly installed, should last for many years. Sealants may be used in addition to flashing, but sealants should not be used as a substitute for properly installed flashing. What Is a Deck Ledger Most decks use the house as one of the structural supports. To provide this support, a board called a deck ledger is usually attached to a part of the house floor system, specifically a rim joist. Refer to Figure 6 (see page 41) for an illustration. Deck ledgers are sometimes attached to the house foundation. Refer to Figure 9 (see page 46) for an illustration. What Are Deck Stairs? Deck stairs allow access to the ground from the deck. Deck stairs are optional. Deck stairs may consist of one set of risers and treads, or the deck stairs may run to an intermediate landing before reaching the ground. Intermediate deck stair landings are small decks and should be built as such, including footings and bracing.
✔ Author(s): Bruce A. Barker
✔ Title: Black & Decker Deck Codes & Standards: How to Design, Build, Inspect & Maintain a Safer Deck
✔ Rating : 4.5 out of 5 base on (631 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1591866855
✔ ISBN-13: 9781591866855
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
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