How to Maintain a Deck - The Home Depot

Deck Inspection - Home Inspections by US InspectHow To Build A Deck: Failing Inspection - Young House Love for DummiesGirders can be cantilevered over their posts no more than on-quarter the girder length. There are three methods a joist can be attached to a journal: The very first is by resting the joist on a ledger strip. The image above depicts a joist correctly resting on a 2"x 2" ledger strip.The image above illustrates a notched joist correctly resting a 2"x 2" ledger strip. The third is by hanging the joists with joist hangers. The image above depicts joists appropriately connected to a journal by way of metal joist hangers. The image above depicts a joist cut too short. Joists may rest on 2"x 2" ledgers like the one above (or in joist hangers), however joists need to be cut long enough to reach the ledger or band joist that is supporting them.Joists needs to be totally resting in their joist wall mounts. Bracing: The image above portrays a deck with post-to-joist diagonal bracing. Decks higher than 6 feet above grade must have diagonal bracing from posts to girder, and from posts to joists. The image above portrays a deck with post-to-girder diagonal bracing.Deck Inspection From The Trex Experts at Miles BradleyFree-standing decks (not supported by the house or structure) need to have diagonal bracing on all sides.  Full Article  above depicts underside diagonal bracing of a deck. Decks greater than 6 feet above grade that do not have diagonal decking should have diagonal bracing throughout the bottoms of the joists to keep the deck square.What Does Spring Deck Maintenance Checklist - Part 1: Inspections Mean?Cracks: As wood ages, it prevails for cracks to establish. Large fractures (longer than the depth of the member) or excessive cracking overall can damage deck framing. Toe-nailed connections are constantly at threat for splitting. Dividing of lumber near connections need to be kept in mind by the inspector. Connectors and Fasteners: The inspector needs to keep in mind missing out on connectors or fasteners.The image above portrays a "hammer test." Depending upon how the deck was developed, crucial connections may have broken down gradually due to various aspects. Concerns such as unsteady railings, loose stairs, and journals that seem retreating from the surrounding structure are all causes for issue. The tightness of fasteners should be inspected.