What Accounts For Roughly 90% Of All Deck Collapses?

About 90% of deck collapses occurred as a result of the separation of the deck ledger board from the house, allowing the deck to swing away from the house. It is very rare for deck floor joists to break mid-span. Many more injuries are the result of rail failure, rather than complete deck collapse.

What accounts for most deck collapses?

The most common cause of total deck collapse involves the deck “pulling away” from a house. This type of failure typically occurs because the ledger board was not properly attached to the house. Structural failures in decks also occur involving the support posts and deck joists.

Why do decks collapse?

According to International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), about 90% of deck collapses occur as a result of the separation of the house and the deck ledger board, allowing the deck to detach from the house.

What do inspectors look for in a deck?

Inspectors will also be looking closely at the specific connections as they are assembled across the frame. They will want to see that you are using the proper joist hangers and they are not missing any fasteners. They will also be interested in seeing how well your beams are connected to your support posts.

How often do decks collapse?

Though there are little national statistics, experts believe decks are separating from or failing at a rate of one per week, especially during summer – when they get the most use.

Why is my deck pulling away from house?

Ledger Pulls Away from House
One of the most common and potentially most damaging reasons for deck failures is for the ledger board to pull away from the house. The ledger board is usually a 2×10 or 2×12 that is attached to the house. The joists for the deck are attached to the ledger board.

How do you inspect safety on a deck?

Specifically, check the ledger board, support posts and joists beneath the deck, deck floor boards, railings and stairs. Look for small hole in the wood or evidence of sawdust/wood dust. Examine any areas that are regularly exposed to water, tend to remain damp, or are in regular contact with fasteners.

Can balusters be used in place of posts?

T/F: Balusters can be used in place of posts if there is adequate infill between them. T/F: End-grains of vertical posts and balusters should be cut level. Deck planking segments should bear on a minimum of _____ joists. T/F: Deck planking should be laid together as tightly as possible.

How do you measure deck footings?

Start your deck inspection by looking at the posts/piers. Check that the top of each pier is level and that the bottom of the pier extends below ground, or is still attached firmly to a concrete pier. Concrete footings should sit below the frost line (in Michigan, this is 42″ below grade).

How many decks collapse per year?

Another study conducted in 2007 by Morse Technologies reported that deck collapses were increasing at an average rate of 21 percent per year. The CPSC estimated 4,600 emergency room visits were associated with deck collapses and 1,900 more were tied to porch failures from 2001-2106.

What makes a deck unsafe?

Look for rust and other signs of corrosion that can undermine the structural strength of your deck. Rotting green wooden deck beams creating an unsafe deck. Wood can rot and decay over time with exposure to the elements. Wood within the deck frame that has rotted can make your entire deck unstable.

How much weight can a 6×6 post support?

A 6×6 with 12′ span can support 2000 lbs. if you assume a conservative 1400psi bending stress. If you do a good job bonding the two members together, your double 6×6 can support more than 4,000 lbs.

Is a joist hanger stronger than nailing?

Joist hangers are better because they allow for more accurate placement of joists. They also allow for toe-nailing, plus support the underside of the joist. This makes the hanger stronger than a toe-nail. While joist hangers are an expense, the ease and increased strength make them a better choice.

How do you reinforce deck joists?

Reinforce the Joist
Apply a clear sealer and let it dry. Position the reinforcing joist tightly against the damaged joist, and attach it with 16d (3 1/2-inch) galvanized nails driven every 2 feet or fasten it with 3 1/2-inch galvanized deck screws.

Can you attach a deck to a cantilever?

Chuck Lockhart A deck ledger cannot be attached to cantilevered house framing.Install a beam with posts and footings along the house end of the deck, just as you would at the outside of the deck. The beam can be built into the floor system—say a double or triple rim joist—or it can be placed beneath the deck joists.

How do I stop my deck from shaking?

To stiffen the deck, go underneath and install a row of 2×8 blocks down the center, perpendicular to the joists. Stagger them with enough room to nail or screw them in place through the end grain, then fasten the treated 2x4s to the underside of the joists so they run from corner to corner, forming an X.

How do you fix a bouncy deck?

A: A “bouncy” deck is usually caused by long joists between beams. Assuming you can access the support framing, you can strengthen the deck by installing rows of blocking cut to fit tightly between the joists, spaced every 3 to 4 feet along the span.

How do I know if my deck joists are bad?

Look at the joists
If the wood is soft, or if you’re able to push a screwdriver into the wood, that’s an equally bad sign. Joists are hard to replace without tearing up a portion of your deck, so if they show damage, it’s probably time to replace and rebuild.

How do I know if my deck is blinking?

Stand or crawl under the deck and look at the ledger board. If you don’t see a metal or plastic lip over the top of the ledger board, add the flashing. Flashing was completely missing from this deck. To add flashing, first remove the deck board that runs alongside the house.

How do you know when to replace your deck?

Check these 8 signs to help indicate whether or not you need a replacement deck.

1. Significant, Noticeable Damage. Every form of building material experiences wear and tear.
2. Unsecure or Bowing Boards.
3. Loose Railings.
4. Wood Rot.
5. Deteriorating Ledger Board.
6. Questionable Posts.
7. Rusted or Missing Hardware.
8. Age.

Does stucco or brick veneer provide adequate support for ledger boards?

Ledger boards should not be supported by stone or brick veneer. Ledger boards should not be attached directly (surface-mounted) to stucco or EIFS, either.