Safety deck attachment means an initial attachment that is used to secure an initially placed sheet of decking to keep proper alignment and bearing with structural support members. This does not include structural steel trusses or cold-formed joists. When making safety deck attachment in the controlled decking zone they must be performed from?
Why do decks collapse in May?
What is structure tech?
Can nails be used to attach a ledger to a building?
Why do decks collapse in May?
May is National Deck Safety Month, so I’m going to start off this month by writing about the most common cause of deck collapses – improper attachment to a building. Most decks are supported on one side by the building, and on the opposite side by the earth. The photo below shows a deck collapse that happened here in Minnesota, and this is exactly how most decks collapse. The cause of collapse is quite obvious – it wasn’t attached properly.
What is structure tech?
Structure Tech specializes in the moisture testing of buildings for the purpose of determining if there is moisture located behind the exterior wall cladding. A moisture inspection of your property has been requested.
Can nails be used to attach a ledger to a building?
Nails are not an acceptable way of attaching a ledger to the building, because they can pull out. I don’t have any statistics to quote, but this is probably the most common cause of deck collapses. If you look at a deck ledger and all you can see are nails holding it in place, it should be addressed.
Why is a breakaway deck discouraged?
A “breakaway deck” design is discouraged because of the large debris that can result.
What type of connectors are required for roof beams?
Determine the type of connectors required and the necessary corrosion protection depending on the region. Metal connect ors are required at each beam-to-column connection, column-to-foundation connection, and connection between roof members and horizontal beams.
What is the IBHS fortified home hurricane standard?
Attached porches and carports must be constructed with a strong and continuous load path from the roof to the foundation to avoid structural damage during high winds (Figure 2). The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety® (IBHS) Fortified Home Hurricane Standard and IBHS Fortified Home High Wind Standard Silver designation requires that porches and carports be properly anchored with metal connectors between the supporting roof members and the horizontal beams, at the top of each beam-to-column connection, and at each column-to-foundation connection.
Why do we need strong connections for porches?
For porches, carports, and decks that are attached to the house, provide strong connections to minimize structural damage during high winds and hurricanes, and to reduce the likelihood of these assemblies becoming windborne debris.
What should be designed and constructed to resist the locally expected wind and water forces?
All attached structures should be designed and constructed to resist the locally expected wind and water forces.
Can decks be cantilevered?
Decks should be structurally independent of the primary structure and designed to resist the expected wind and water forces; alternatively, attached structures can be cantilevered from the primary structure; this technique can minimize the need for additional foundation members.
Is a deck structurally sound after a hurricane?
Figure 2. Porches and decks appear to be structurally sound after a hurricane despite damage to other portions of the houses. (Source: FEMA 55 2011 .)
What is the safety factor of a deck railing?
With the standard safety factor of 2.5 used by engineers, that means railing and posts must be designed to resist a 300-pound uniform load or a 500-pound point load. The main concern is a push outward from people leaning against the railing. Few older deck railings can meet this requirement, but building inspectors and professional deck builders are starting to pay more attention to this critical detail. Even if you can squeak by with a weaker railing, do you really want to?
How far apart should deck posts be?
In general, deck posts should be spaced no more than 6 feet apart. Beyond that amount, it becomes very difficult to meet the safety requirements.
How high should a deck railing be?
The International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by most US cities and towns, requires 36-in.-high deck railings for decks more than 30 in. above the ground. The railing must be strong enough to resist the following loads:
What kind of brace do I use for a corner railing?
At inside and outside corners where two railings meet, I often use a galvanized steel angle or flat brace to support the joint . This is cheap, but effective, insurance against the corner separating over time. I typically use similar steel hardware to reinforce where the railing connects to the main structure.
Where is the steel connector on a joist?
In general, the steel connector is used with the upper bolt, about 2 inches down from the top of the joist. The lower hole receives a bolt with washers. For longer connections, threaded steel rod is used rather than bolts.
Can you use 4x4 posts on a deck?
On some decks, it’s possible to use 4×4 or larger posts that run continuously from the railing to the footings, supporting both the deck structure and the railing. As long as the posts are not notched, these easily meet the most stringent deck codes.
Why do decks collapse in May?
May is National Deck Safety Month, so I’m going to start off this month by writing about the most common cause of deck collapses – improper attachment to a building. Most decks are supported on one side by the building, and on the opposite side by the earth. The photo below shows a deck collapse that happened here in Minnesota, and this is exactly how most decks collapse. The cause of collapse is quite obvious – it wasn’t attached properly.
What is structure tech?
Structure Tech specializes in the moisture testing of buildings for the purpose of determining if there is moisture located behind the exterior wall cladding. A moisture inspection of your property has been requested.
Can nails be used to attach a ledger to a building?
Nails are not an acceptable way of attaching a ledger to the building, because they can pull out. I don’t have any statistics to quote, but this is probably the most common cause of deck collapses. If you look at a deck ledger and all you can see are nails holding it in place, it should be addressed.
