BEFORE THE ARCHITECT – HOME DESIGNING BACKGROUND – UNIQUE HOME DESIGNING ARTICLES
HOME DESIGN SAFETY - DECK
By Before The Architect Copyright 2004-2009 Before The Architect
You make my point in spades: I'd be a lousy building inspector. I might hang my
laundry line off a particled rim board, but I wouldn't hang my deck on it, not
even my enemy's deck.
The UBC's low standards of performance are cold comfort to this old boy. If we
had to rely on a particled rim board for fastening our deck to our home, we
wouldn't build that deck on my watch. Similarly, if we had to rely on plywood
for fastening our deck to our home, we wouldn't build that deck on my watch,
either. (In due deference to ply, I note that for the performance stats I
reviewed in comparison between the two products, ply was times-greater than the
particle board.)
Now I know I overbuild everything. My plans take more time and more money than
most. Not often lots more, but some. I've reckoned that the extra time and money
was better spent doing it my way than that same time in the blue room and money
spent for parking fees and cafeteria food at the local hospital or for flowers
and a suit for the funeral.
Before The Architect
What does not go up well, can come down . . .
INTRODUCTION
Seems superficially like such a simple matter, a deck. It's not.
1) Deck rails
a) shall terminate at posts
b) both posts and rails shall be able to withstand a force of not less than 250 pounds in any direction
2) Ledger structure and fasteners for a deck shall be protected from natural moisture by
a) applying only preservative-treated lumber
b) continuous flashing
i) from not less than 6 linear inches concealed between superior sheathing and house wrap to
ii) a 90° turn to cover the ledger top of face and abut to the structure to which it is fastened and
iii) away from the exterior side of face of the ledger not less than 2 linear inches and at approximately a 45° deflection downward
c) caulking to thoroughly seal bolts and screws and their washers from moisture intrusion
d) offsetting from exterior wall by not greater than ½ linear inch by applying galvanized washers as shims
3) Ledger strips
a) shall not be less than 2 linear inches x 2 linear inches nominal and
b) shall be applied only to assist in hanging structural framing members and
c) shall not be applied as a permanent structure, unless
i) not less than 2 linear inches x 4 linear inches and
ii) fully flushed to structure on wider dimension and
iii) plated as doubled joists (face-nailed) (SEE FASTENING DESIGN STANDARDS HEREIN UNDER)
4) Deck posts shall be square, plumb, and true; then, deck posts shall be fixed in place at the base of each
5) Knee braces that are structural
a) shall extend not less than 3 linear feet on the vertical and
b) shall splay at 45° and
c) shall be securely fastened at each butt
i) with not less than 5/8 linear inch galvanized carriage bolts wherever possible and
ii) not less than 5/8 linear inch x 6 linear inches galvanized lag screws when galvanized carriage bolts are not possible or metal connectors as by Simpson Strong-Tie or equivalent or both and
d) shall be in section net less dimensionally than the post to which they are fastened
e) shall be attached to each and every deck post face where deck structure is above, i.e., post to each joist, post to each beam
Comment: If fastening on the vertical is less than totally stable, apply a deadman block not less in width and height than the post width.
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