Residential decks can be constructed over steep areas or rough ground that is otherwise unusable. Decks can also be covered by a canopy or pergola to control sunlight. Deck designs can be found in numerous books, do-it-yourself magazines and web sites. In architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. The term is a generalization of decks as found on ships.
Check your local bylaws prior to designing or constructing your deck. Some cities, such as Barrie ON, have very restrictive bylaws which can even restrict your lot coverage. Residential properties are subject to 45 per cent maximum lot coverage. Lot coverage is the percentage of the total lot area covered by all of the buildings, including porches and decks. Decks less than 1.75 (5.9ft.) above grade shall be exempted from lot coverage restrictions.
Many cities now require a building permit for any deck over a predetermined size, usually about a 100 square feet. Barrie ON has the following requirements in their bylaws. Decks and porches require building permits unless they are less than 10m2 (107ft2) in size and not attached to the building or located at an entrance.
Decks are usually made from either pressure treated lumber, composite material, Western red cedar, and other hardwoods and recycled planks made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and PET plastic as well as mixed plastics and wood fiber (often called ?composite? lumber). Artificial decking products are often called ?wood-plastic composites?.
As wood ages, it is common for cracks to develop. Large cracks (longer than the depth of the member) or excessive cracking overall can weaken deck framing. Toe-nailed connections are always at risk for splitting. Splitting of lumber near connections should be noted by the homeowner and the affected area should either be repaired or wood replaced.
Depending on how the deck was built, vital connections may have degraded over time due to various factors. Issues such as wobbly railings, loose stairs, and ledgers that appear to be pulling away from the adjacent structure are all causes for concern. The tightness of fasteners should be checked. If it is not possible to reach both sides of a bolt, it may be struck with a hammer. The ring will sound hollow with vibration if the fastener is loose. The ring will sound solid if the connection is tight. The hammer test is subjective, so the home owner should hammer-test bolts that can be confirmed as tight or loose, and compare the sounds of the rings to develop a control.
All screws, bolts and nails should be hot-dipped galvanized, stainless steel, silicon bronze, copper, zinc-coated or corrosion-resistant. Metal connectors and fasteners can corrode over time, especially if a product with insufficient corrosion-resistance was originally installed. Corrosion of a fastener affects both the fastener and the wood. As the fastener corrodes, it causes the wood around it to deteriorate. As the fastener becomes smaller, the void around it becomes larger. Inspectors normally do not remove fasteners to check their quality or size, but if the inspector removes a fastener, s/he should make sure that removal doesn?t result in a safety issue. Fasteners removed should be from areas that have the greatest exposure to weather.
Electrical outlets are required to be installed in decks that are over 20 square feet in size, as stated in the 2008 NEC. Extension cords are likely to be used to run appliances on large balconies, decks and porches (greater than 20 square feet) if receptacles are not installed at these locations. Extension cords can be dangerous, especially if used outdoors and in wet conditions.
The Barrie Home Inspector is a Certified Building Code Official who has completed all the required Part 9 and Part 3 Ontario Building Code courses which includes residential decks. As a Certified Home Inspector this assures your home will be inspected by someone with the knowledge and experience to ensure that will have ?Peace of Mind? when making your next Real Estate purchase.
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