Deck Railing

[Michael Roberson]

Joe, Good words.

I admit, it doesn't look an ideal setup. Perhaps the deck was designed to be cantilevered, rather than posted, to alleviate some of the weight on the house? How about putting this in the "keep an eye on this, and call a pro if necessary" category.

[Joe Farsetta]

Look, I'm not busting balls here. I see where inspectors FORGOT what limits there are on what a home inspection is, and what a home inspector may or may not due.

Do we know when a deck joist may be overspanned? Sure we do. We have accesss to the identical guides the PE's have.

However, we are PROHIBITED from making the STATEMENT that it is overspanned. We may believe it is possibly overspaned, and call out for evaluation by a licensed professional engineer.

[Nick Gromicko]

I look at every deck I come across in my life. My belief is that 5 out of 6 are built improperly with the ledger attachment being the most common problem, followed by rail construction.

[Shawn Rowe]

wow you guys are critical! My last client would love to have the deck that was posted by Mr. Jonas. Check this one out! HINT: this deck is NOT cantilevered from any framing from inside the home. ALL FRAMING ATTACHED TO EXTERIOR

Looks like a SEE-SAW!!

[Patrick Bolliger]

I have the : "Manual for the Inspection of Residential Wood Decks and Balconies"
by
Cheryl Anderson, Graduate Research Assistant Virgina Tech
Dr. Frank Woeste, P.E. Professor Emeritus, Virgina Tech
Dr, Joseph Loferski Professor, Virgina Tech

Check www.NADRA.org (North American Deck and Railing Association)

Also www.Strongtie.com (Simpson Strong Tie)

Great Information for a home Inspectors.

My local Structural Engineer is great! I use him when I can.

Glad I live in Chicago..

Originally Posted by gromicko

The document Jeff referenced http://www.aohomeinspection.com/pdf/...kGuideDCA6.pdf and based on IRC is flawed in several areas. With regard to this thread, the IRC is flawed in their approved post connection on the top of page 16, Figure 25. A study conducted at Virginia Tech University by Dr. Joseph Loferski, and Dr. Frank Woeste, P.E. with Dustin Albright, showed that the post attachments on the top of page 16, Figure 25, even with numerous blocking details and even with metal hurricane brackets... all failed.

Due to leverage, a 200 pound force at the top of a rail requires almost a couple thousand pounds of resistance at the bolt or lag screws.

Anyway, being up to code doesn't mean it is safe.

[Nick Gromicko]

Wrong (but up to code): http://www.nachi.org/gallery/exterio...ee-through.jpg
Right: http://www.nachi.org/gallery/exterio...ee-through.jpg