How Is Your Deck Constructed?

Each year in North America 2 million decks are built or replaced each year. It is estimates that of the 45 million existing decks, only 40% are completely safe.

Decks appear to be simple to build, most people don't realize that decks are structures that need to be designed to adequately resist certain stresses. Like any other house, a deck must be designed to support the weight of people, snow loads, and personal objects.  A deck must be able to resist lateral and uplift loads that can act on the deck structures.  Deck stairs must be safe and handrails graspable.  And, finally, deck rails should be safe for children by having proper spacing. 

Today's inspection I came across a deck and make-shift stairs/railing added. This structure was not professional built to standard deck practices. In fact, there were so many defects I report that this deck and stairs/railing is not safe and should not by used until replaced. Below are a couple of photo's of the structure used as a deck.
Click to see if the home you are buying has any of these defects.

Deck Inspection Canton Michigan

Deck Step Inspection Canton MichiganDesk Stairs Inspection Canton Michigan

Posted by John Scaparo at 6/20/2011 8:17 AM
Categories: Home Inspection, New Home Buyer, Real Estate, Deck Inspection
Tags: Canton MI Canton MI Home Inspection Canton Michigan home inspector Home Buying home inspector Deck Inspection Deck Construction Deck Defects
 

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