Home Inspector Faribault | Home Inspections – 507-721-3120
Many homes have decks attached to them for entertaining and relaxing under the stars, but most home owners do not perform a regular deck inspection. Each year, people are injured or killed due to faulty construction or the lack of needed regular maintenance of decks.
The checklist notes these eight key areas the inspector will inspect:
1. Ledger Connections. Older decks in particular are susceptible to pulling away from the home if this connection was installed incorrectly or has corroded. The inspector will note the type of connection (lag screw, machine bolt, etc.), its diameter and length, and the material supporting the deck. The deck should connect to a wood rim joist or concrete/CMU, not brick or masonry veneer. Flashing also should be installed above the ledge and behind the exterior cladding.
2. Posts and Footings. The inspector will note the post size and type of concrete to post connection. Footings should be sunk at least 12 inches into undisturbed ground. They will check for signs of decay, corrosion, or other weakening.
3. Post to Beam Connection. The Inspector will determine if the connection has been bent or modified, which can cause fractures and should be replaced. They will also ensure that girders aren’t positioned alongside the posts and connected with a metal fastener (bolt or lag screw) providing the bearing. This is prohibited due to the chances of failure.
4. Joists and Connections. The inspector will look for 1½ inch of bearing, as required by code. Nails in ledger strips are subject to withdrawal, and are prohibited by the code. If used, they will look to ensure ledger strips should be nailed directly underneath the joist with three or four nails (depending upon the standard). Also look for any modifications to the connections and any signs of corrosion.
5. Stairs. The inspector will check that the triangular opening formed by the riser, tread, and guard bottom is less than 6 inches and also look for corrosion on connections and ensure all are in place and secure.
6. Deck Boards. The inspector will be certain that fasteners are tight and recessed. If composite or PVC deck boards are used they will check that the spacing meets manufacturers’ guidelines.
7. Railings. The inspector will measure railings to be sure they are at least 36 inches tall and ideally 42 inches tall, see what type of shear connection exists between the post and frame and check that the opening is less than 4 inches between the balusters on the deck and less than 4 3/8 inches on the stairs.
8. Other Areas. The inspector will check that all fasteners still have their finish, all connector holes are properly filled, all bolts have washers on the wood side of the connection, etc.
Home Inspector Faribault | Home Inspections – 507-721-3120