Are these rail post properly attached to this deck?
chrismax
| Posted in General Discussion on
This deck is costing $35,000+ for an upper deck of 632 sq ft and a lower deck of 216 sq ft. The lower deck only had the deck boards and one rim replaced the upper was completely torn down and rebuilt. Treated lumber was used on both decks. The attached photos are of the 4×4 rail posts and 4×4 posts supporting a 5 foot high privacy wall. All posts have been notched by at least 2 inches maybe more. The first three photos are of the same post. Are they attached properly using lag bolts?
Replies
Not according to the IRC. See this handy deck guide: https://www.awc.org/codes-standards/publications/dca6 This guide shows using Simpson DTT2Z tension ties. There is also this article that can help: https://www.deckmagazine.com/design-construction/railings/code-compliant-guardrail-posts_o
No, 4 x 4 " post are not allowed to be notched.
Thanks for the replies now to fight with my contractor!
Shouldn't be a fight, just tell him you aren't paying for non-compliant work and show him
the AWC drawings that Mikeljon linked
I would also be concerned about the flashing at the wall.
I see exposed OSB plywood. Not good.
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If those fasteners are only engineered screws, it's not code compliant. No notching, through bolts and tension brackets are required. I'd watch this series that was just posted: https://www.finehomebuilding.com/videoseries/2019/05/shop-class-critical-deck-framing-connections
Thanks to everyone for the replies! I watched the series here on FH just wish my contractor took the time. We are waiting for the Town Building Inspector to have a look and see if he approves the deck. I've inspected the deck using NADRA's checklist and found many problems. However the contractor insist he has always done it this way and passed inspection. So to sum it all up I suppose I have a bare minimum code deck for $35,000+ dollars.
I'd also point out that the 2x4 masquerading as a 4x4 in the last picture also has a knot right at the deck level. If that knot goes half-way through as it seems, you don't even have a 2x4 at that particular point.
Even if the deck "passes" inspection, you can, and should push for a code compliant deck, or at least one that you are comfortable with. For $55/square foot you should be getting quality work (at least in my area).
FYI the loads mandated in the codes for rail loading (with factors of safety) are roughly equivalent to the force generated by turning the rail and attachment horizontal and having a large man jump on the end (top rail). If the contractor feels strongly that his will hold up you can always have him build a mock-up and "test" it over a large drop and see if he is willing.
Engineers used to stand under their bridges for the initial train crossing to show confidence in their design. Sometimes I think we should hold contractors to something similar..