More than a million decks are built and replaced each tear in the united states.While decks are a popular feature of many homes,the construction and safety of decks have come to be a big concern in the building industry.Improper deck building has resulted in a growing number of deck failures and related injuries and death.
While decks are required to meet certain code standards and local capacities,there are around 40 million exiting decks, that only half will probly be code compliant-and around 20 million decks needing replacement or repairs.
Decks must be designed to  to adequately resist certain stress like a home and support the weight of people and objects placed on them,as well as lateral and uplift loads that can act on the deck as result of wind or weakness.

The international residential codes states:
"The construction of a building and the structures attached shall fall into accordance with the provisions of this code shall result in a system that provides a complete load path that meets all requirements for the tranfer of all loads from their point of origin through the load-resisting elements to the foundation."

The complete or continuous load path refers to solid connections to the structure and load transfers through its frame to the ground supporting the structure.This is acomplished by creating load paths at structural connector and fasterners to connect the members together.
THE LIFE OF A DECK:
The life expectancy of a deck is 10 to 15 years.Decks are exposed to the eleaments,which can cause damage.It is important that you have your decks properly inspected.Maintance plays a big role in the condition and longivity of a deck.

Code requires;
1)Footing-IRC-section {R403 }-footing shall be at leat 12" below the undisturbed ground surface.

2)Code IRC section {R502.9}-Where post beam or girder construction is used to support floor framing,postive connections shall be provided to ensure against uplift and lateral displacement.

3) IRC Code section {R502.7}-Joist must be supported laterally at the ends by solid blocking or attachment to full depth of header,band or rim joist.Lateral restraint must be provided at each support.

4)IRC code section{R301.5}-Staircases must be able to resist 40 pounds per square foot of tread area.

5)Stair Tread and Stringer IRC code section{R301.5}-individual stair treads shall be able to resist 300lbs concentrated load acting over an area of 4 square inches.

6)Railing to Stringer IRC code {R312.2}-The triangular openings formed by the risor,tread,and bottom rail of the guard at the open side of a stairway shall be a maximum size so as not to allow a sphere 6" in diameter to pass through.

Have you deck inspected by our certified inspector to ensure you and your family safety.Accurate home inspection services the atlanta area,south atlanta,mcdonough,stockbridge,fayetteville,tyrone,south fulton,palmetto,brooks,butt,spalding,pike,claton county,ellenwood,rex,hampton,Henry,Newnan.

Wood-framed porches are an important part of the design styles of traditional homes and find wide use.They usually have some form of roof.They typically provide access to the entrances into a house,and provide a private area for relaxation.Both have similar construction requirements.A most important consideration is that they are exposed to the elements and therefore must resist rot,decay,expansion,contracting, and checking.

Post, joist, and decking or flooring should be either pressure-treated wood or a specie, such as redwood or cypress, that naturally resist decay when exposed to the elements.

Porches may be tongue-groove boards, providing a closed floor, or square-edge boards with a space between, allowing for drainage.Tongue-and-groove trap water in the grooves and tend to deteriorate faster than open floor material. Tongue and groove porches floors require frequent painting or other water proofing.Porch floors, such as those used on a second-floor porch or balcony,are often waterproofed to keep the water from dripping onto the area below.They are built ,flashed, and waterproofed much like a flat roof. The decking can be waterproof plywood.

Decks are usually floored with 2-inch planks, spaced 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch apart to permit drainage and allow the floor to have cirulation,thus drying the planks.

Air Cirulations:

Porch and deck material must be installed so that air can circulate between adjacent members and promote drying.Some framers prefer to solid beams,because moisture tends to get between the built-up members and could possibly produce rot and damage.

Connectors;

Metal connectors,such as joist hangers and angles,must be heavily galvanized and designed for exterior ues.Nails must be galvanized or aluminum.Since the wood is exposed to the weather,it is subject to expansion and contraction.This tends to loosen nails and weaken joints.Bolts or screws provide more permanent connection.These must be weather resistant.Wood ledger strips can be used.