05/12/2021
Today’s lesson is about checking-cracks in a balconies and deck posts and safety in building balconies.
While checking-cracks in a vertical post are harmless, overloading, damage, or side-loading due to wind and movement can indeed cause the aggravation of the cracks and failure of a wooden post with the risk of a catastrophic collapse.
Common causes of deck collapse include the following:
1. Deck ledger not properly bolted to the house
2. Deck TJI / Floor Joists not properly secured to the house with proper steel tie back.
3. Deck TJI / Floor Joists not properly secured to the Beam located above the post.
4. Deck beams not properly connected to the top of the posts.
Deck posts not properly secured to piers at ground level.
