Deck support beam not sitting squarely on post
chrismax
| Posted in General Discussion on
We’re paying a contractor $30,000+ for a treated wood deck. This morning I inspected the post supports only to find the main triple support beam not sitting squarely on the posts. On one post where seams meet the entire beam on one side of the seam is in the air. On other posts only one or two of the triple beams are sitting on the posts. Should I insist that this be corrected before work proceeds any further. So far we’ve only paid the contractor 50% of the cost of the deck. I’ve attached photos to show the construction.
Replies
$30K!! and no Grace vycor over the posts, beams and joists? ---Less than a professional job.
Are there permits for this deck? I can't imagine that the plans don't call for some hardware at these connections, Toe nailing just doesn't do the job. This is really shoddy.
I should add that where I live it isn't to code to simply set beams on top of posts.--even if they're nailed to the post. The beams must be restrained from lateral movement with Simpson brackets. It makes me suspicious of the whole job. What does the building inspector say?
That's not acceptable at all and the beams should be attached to the posts with engineer specified hardware.
Use this for some good guidance about practices that will pass code. Local authorities may have adopted some version of this. Some add to it (Mont. Co. MD for instance specifies that you cannot use carriage bolts anywhere, they have to be machine bolts with proper washers). https://www.awc.org/codes-standards/publications/dca6
The contractor said no permit was needed since the deck had the same footprint and design of the original deck. So far no hardware has been added to the support system to prevent lateral movement on any of the posts. Should I not pay the next payment and have the town inspector over for a look?
Here are some items that are required in my area. . Generally beams need a minimum of 1.5 inches bearing on post below and be mechanically fastened with a post cap. All cut ends should be coated on site with copper green or other wood preservative. Install galvanized hardware with approved screws or nails. Railing posts should be attached to joist with two 1/2" galv bolts with washers and anchored with a DTT2-Z at top bolt. Railing height should be 42" I go beyond code and recommend vinyl sticky-back in between hangers and PTDF. Also I coat all framing with wood stain approved for PT and cap all joists with 4 " wide sticky back vinyl. For 1x6 composite decking, I frame at 12" o.c. instead of 16". Typical quickie deck framing lasts less than 15 years.