Inspecting to a standard?
Decks are inspected in the same context as the rest of a home; in the context of the time period during which they were built.
Basically, this means that the deck is inspected for system and component deficiencies or failures, and safety issues. This does NOT mean that decks are inspected for their compliance to DCA-6, the IRC, or any other building standard unless you know what code was in effect at the time the deck was built, and you have been hired to perform a code inspection of that deck.
Inspection Concerns
Describe the overall condition of the structure, and any concerns, including trip hazards, safety issues, physical damage, sagging, and decay (and verify sprinkler and HVAC condensate locations):
Common construction practices should be present, including:
- Flashing installed at the ledger board (or caulking, if installed on concrete);
- Vertical members free of exposed end-grains (slanted or sealed);
- Maximum 4-inch (102 mm) opening between level guard components and the deck platform.
- Maximum 4-inch (102 mm) opening for open-riser stairs and in the guard;
- Maximum 6-inch (152 mm) opening for triangular area between guard bottoms and tread/riser openings;
- Maximum 4⅜-inch (111 mm) opening between the stair sloped guard;
- Weakened guard attachments;
- Weakened stair components and/or attachments; or
- Damage or age-releated deterioration.
Describe any construction-related issues. (i.e., improper notching, splitting, protruding nails, hardware/fastener rust, etc.):