Deck Attachment

 

The safety of decks is a top priority in our nation, with a staggering 6,000 individuals suffering injuries annually as a result of deck failure or porch collapse. It is common for individuals to forego the process of obtaining a permit for deck construction, believing it to be unnecessary. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that acquiring a permit is a necessary step towards ensuring safety, even if it may be time-consuming and inconvenient. Every deck must possess the ability to withstand extreme conditions, including the ability to hold up to 200 lbs of pressure on the railing. The spacing between spindles should be no less than 4 inches apart. The maximum height for deck steps should be no greater than 7-3/4 and remain consistent throughout. The state of joist hangers and ledger attachments is the most common concern I encounter. To attach the ledger board to the building frame, it is recommended to use Lag Bolts or Deck Ledger Board Fasteners. Joist hangers, on the other hand, should be fastened with joist hanger nails, which are incredibly strong and difficult to remove once in place. Every hole must be filled with these nails, as screws the heads of the screw may pop off with the deck's movement. In this picture, the deck attachment is just held on with joist hangers attached to the siding, a very BIG safety issue.

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