deck builder good structure
So, you’re thinking of hiring a contractor to build your new deck. Here are some things to have some knowledge about and to make sure they’re included in your new deck, both for the safety of your family and guests and for the lifespan of your deck.
– Knowledgeable contractor
-Prevent major failures
-Prevent water intrusion
-Lateral support
-Proper bearing
First, be sure to hire a contractor with deck design and deck construction experience,and with knowledge of and an intent to build your deck to meet or exceed the current local building codes.
Second, in deck building, the two most common places a deck fails structurally and causes danger or harm are at the deck to house connection and at the deck to deck-railing connection. For proper deck design, the deck ledger-board, the deck joist that is attached to your house, needs to attached directly to the structure of your house. Generally, if your deck is built at the same height as your interior house floor, you’ll be connecting onto the rim-joist of the floor-joists in your house. This means two things, first, the siding behind the ledger needs to be removed and second, that 1/2″x 4 1/2″(or larger) galvanized lag bolts need to be installed in a staggered pattern attaching the ledger to the house. Be sure to use the correct size galvanized washers at each lag bolt and check local building codes for the appropriate lag spacing for your deck. Some jurisdictions now require hardware that attaches the deck joists to the house joists using galvanized brackets bolted to the joists and an all-thread connecting the brackets together and preventing any separation of the deck from the house.
The deck railings, likewise, need to be designed and installed to prevent any separation from the deck and subsequent failure. There are a number of structurally sound ways to accomplish this connection in your deck construction or deck retrofitting process. The most effective way to accomplish this is to install the 4×4 railing posts on the inside of the rim-joist of the deck. Installed in this location, and with appropriate blocking, the posts and the railing sections between them, will provide a safe railing for many years of use. Installing the railing posts with galvanized bolts is another good way to get the necessary structure. Be sure to add additional joist blocking behind each post and nail the blocking to the deck joists to achieve the strength you need for a safe deck rail.
Third, flashing at the deck to house connection is another critical element of a well constructed deck. Proper flashing protects your home from any water intrusion into your house, basement or crawlspace. For correct flashing installation, the siding behind the deck ledger board needs to be removed and the flashing installed behind the house siding and over the deck structure.
Fourth, there are several necessary ingredients for correct lateral support for your deck. Lateral support prevents sway , makes your deck rigid and keeps it strong against wind and seismic stresses. Blocking on top of the beam(s) and between the deck joists to provide lateral support and prevent the joists from rolling is a simple, but essential, factor in a well constructed deck. Another is proper post to beam connection. Wooden gussets, attaching the posts to the beam(s) are my choice. I find that metal post caps retain moisture that lead to rot and premature failure. Also, angle-bracing with a pressure treated board attached to the ledger-board and the bottoms of the deck joists will give your deck rigidity and eliminate any sway. Lastly, knee-braces, angled 4×4’s connecting and bracing the post to beam connections, are often required when building a taller deck.
Fifth, concrete piers, with embedded galvanized post brackets, need to be dug down below your soil frost depth and sized appropriately for the size and weight of your deck.
Arming yourself with some basic knowledge in these critical areas of a well built deck will help you find a thorough, competent, knowledgeable contractor who can help you build the safe, unique and beautiful deck you desire.
If you have any questions concerning the deck design or deck building of your new deck please contact me, Scott Lewis, at 425-890-5708, yourdecksnext.com or homeenhancements@comcast.net.
Comments are closed.