A deck collapsed in Coon Rapids and Reuben Saltzman a Minneapolis Home Inspector points out what he believed caused the problem that hurt 5 members of a family. Very informative information that could help us not to have the same problem.

Via Minneapolis Home Inspections - Reuben Saltzman (Structure Tech Home Inspections):

 

If you watched the news this weekend, you probably heard about the deck collapse that happened in Coon Rapids on Friday.  On WCCO news, they even had an expert speculate that the deck collapsed because it wasn't properly secured to the house.  When I hear news stories about a deck collapses, they usually say they'll come back to the story once they learn what the problem was, but they never do...

so I decided to inspect this Coon Rapids deck myself.  Here's what I found:

Epic Fail

Coon Rapids Deck Collapse 1


According to WCCO, there were only five people on this deck when it collapsed.  The problem wasn't that the deck was improperly attached to the house - this deck was completely missing a post.

I marked up two photos to show exactly what went wrong.  Click on the photos to get a large version.

Coon Rapids Deck Collapse Ledgerboard

Coon Rapids Deck Collapse Explanation

As you can see, one corner of the deck wasn't help up by anything.  The floor joist that was closest to house is what was actually holding up that entire corner of the deck.  It's a wonder this deck even supported it's own weight.

While most advice about deck safety deals with proper bolts, nails, brackets, etc, it's just as important to take a step back and look at the big picture.  Proper nails and bolts aren't a substitute for a proper load path back to the ground.

 

Reuben Saltzman, Structure Tech Home Inspections - Email - Minneapolis Home Inspections

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Signature,Logan Martin Lake Sales  

If you are looking to purchase a home in Pell City or the Logan Martin Lake area, view all  Real Estate listings here. I service all of St. Clair and Talladega Counties.  You can read more information about the area on my Pell City home blog.  All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, it should be independently verified.  You can email me at: Diane@LoganMartinLakeSales.com  or call  my cell at 205-369-4595.

 

 
Posted by Diane Williams on 07/18/2010 09:25 PM   Comments (4)  
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4 Comments on Coon Rapids Deck Collapse - Why It Happened

JUL
18
2010
Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Yikes! What a nightmare for someone to go through!
9:27pm • #1
JUL
19
2010
308,789 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Diane,

Talk about poor workmanship...that is terrible....
9:23am • #2
633,416 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Wow-good reblog Diane.  How terrible.  We had something like that happen out here a few years ago only 30 people were on it.   Bad situation.
1:03pm • #3
214,957 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Thanks for stopping by, I thought Reuben Saltzman did an excellent job pointing out the problems with the construction on this deck. 
6:53pm • #4

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Diane Williams

Diane Williams

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