Deck support

[David P. OKeefe]

I'm going to be inspecting this house this week and was wondering about this deck. I don't like the look of it.There doesn't seem to be enough support for this deck. Shouldn't there be some lateral support to keep the deck from swaying? Sorry this is the only pic I have, got it from the listing. Any help would be appreciated.

[David P. OKeefe]

Sorry forgot the pic.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Don't walk on it! Unsafe in my view. Here's some guidance.

http://www.aohomeinspection.com/pdf/...kGuideDCA6.pdf

[Buck Hartley, CMI]

I agree with Joe. I would have a SE look at it.

[David P. OKeefe]

Thanks for your help. Joe, that is some good info you provided to me. One question of clarification, it states not to secure deck to veneer siding, are they speaking of all siding, vinyl, wood and in my case cedar shakes? Or are they speaking of brick only?

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Except for brick, which they often drill right through, the exterior siding material should not be present at the area of attachment and flashing should be all that is between the ledger and the building.

If you can't see the bolts on the inside of the structure, I'd advise you to disclaim it as uninspectable.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by jfunderburk

Except for brick, which they often drill right through,

If you are referring to brick veneer, Joe, than you are incorrect...

PROHIBITED LEDGER ATTACHMENTS

Attachments to exterior veneers (brick, masonry, stone)

and to cantilevered floor overhangs or bay windows are
prohibited (see Figures 17 and 1. In such cases the

deck shall be free-standing (see FREE-STANDING

DECKS

Page 12, upper left corner

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Holly cow! That's scary.

[Wayne B. Wilson]

Gezz guys Live on the wild side and add a hot Tub!
You fellows always safety safety safety lol

[Mark Thorman]

Post better pics after your inspection. It looks like the support beams could be cantilevered into the main structure but its hard to tell from here.


www.MauiHomeInspections.com

[David P. OKeefe]

Originally Posted by Mark Thorman

Post better pics after your inspection. It looks like the support beams could be cantilevered into the main structure but its hard to tell from here.

That's a possibility. I'll let you know.

[Jeffrey R. Jonas]

Originally Posted by Mark Thorman

Post better pics after your inspection. It looks like the support beams could be cantilevered into the main structure but its hard to tell from here.


www.MauiHomeInspections.com

Mark,

I had that thought also, but decided against it. Close as I can figure, the deck is around 8ft x 8ft. If it is a cantilever design, than the support beams/joists would need to penetrate the structure approx 18 ft. Somehow I doubt that is happening. Possible, but doubt it.

Jeff

[David P. OKeefe]

Finally did the inspection. Here are more photos of the deck. It didn't look any better closeup. Railings were loose and posts were toe nailed in. Very few lag bolts were used on the ledger board. I'll recommended a SE look at it. Let me know what you think.

[David P. OKeefe]

Could this deck be cantilevered? The last photo looks like the joist goes into the concrete. Also, here is a photo of the railing post.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by dokeefe

Could this deck be cantilevered? The last photo looks like the joist goes into the concrete. Also, here is a photo of the railing post.

It doesn't look like it by the picture above (last one in post #13) but, ahh..., you were there weren't you?