The first thing I saw was the ledger board did not support the whole deck. Second thing no flashing to prevent water from entering the house. I started probing the wood with my screwdriver and almost lost it a few times due to wood rot that was present. Then started shooting it with the infrared to see what it would detect? How much moisture was present? I wrote up the deck in the report as a improper installation check for CO and permits for the deck.
Good call Frank. Looks like a homeowner job...
I don't know about there, but in Northern Virginia the codes will not allow a deck to be attached to a soffit like that without an interior, free-standing double beam. Who knows when the deck in your photo was installed, but it is weak and wet!
This looks worse than most but how many decks do you find that are actually installed correctly?
When installed by the homeowner, more often than not incorrectly.
When installed professionally, usually. One pro job I did recently used no deck flashing and lo and behold there was moisture in the basement wall beneath the ledger board. Hmmm, I wonder why?
Frank, It looks real sci-fi in your photos. I appreciate your tech. Thank-you
The big box stores will tell you anyone can do it and people want to believe them. Good pictures Frank.
It is a do it your self world out there and homeowners always like to think they can do it themselves.
Is there a ledger.?
I see what looks like hangers mounted directly to what appears to be siding ,but no ledger.(*surely not that 2x4)
Also it appears to be outside so whats wrong with it being wet , other than suggesting a sealant?
Apologize ,if I am missing something in the picture
Hi Bob, the 2x4 is what they claim was a ledger board, I also add 2 more pictures for you to look at I wish I had more to add. It was a real hatchet job they did on this deck.
They take decks and porches seriously in Chicago, ever since people died around 6 or 7 years ago.
I see they did some repair , with untreated wood also.As far as that 2x4 goes the wood should be supporting the hangers , and not be a sit ledge. Yikes.
Thanks for the pics.
As inspectors this is one area we can not take lightly. There are hoards of deck failures that routinely happen nationwide and tragedy ensues. Keep us the good work, fellows!
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