GAURDRAILS AROUND DECK - InspectionNews

CHARLIE VAN FLEET · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 07:46 AM

hi all

did a house yesterday and there was a deck that was 27" to be exact above ground and did not have a gaurdrail. pointed this out to seller who showed up at end of inspection and he said city said it could be 38 inches and did not require rail. my recollection is 24" max

any input here

thanks
charlie

Steve Frederickson · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 08:56 AM

Assuming that they're using IRC:

"R312.1 Guards.

Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches (914 mm) in height."

Gunnar Alquist · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 10:15 AM

In a case like that, I will state that a guardrail may not be required, but installation of a guardrail will increase safety.

Jerry Peck · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2009, 10:40 AM

I would always explain to my clients that, do you really think that 3" is going to injure you any less?

They get it right away.

ben jacks · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

I would always explain to my clients that, do you really think that 3" is going to injure you any less?

They get it right away.

Would that coincide with a quote from the clients attorney? 8j...rbj

A.D. Miller · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 05:02 AM

I would add that the built-in benches add enough height to require railings. Children, and stupid adults (which is most of them - like your AHJ for example) do not always distinguish between the horizontal portion of the deck intended to be walked upon and that which is intended to support fat asses.

Stephen Houmard · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 05:32 AM

When thiking of deck saftey I use the rule ," What would my drunk friends do?" Railing, seats, steps.....dancing with fat women....how would they hurt themself
IRC is the min code for saftey...think higher.

Rob Yarboro · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 06:25 PM

Guardrails are a good idea, sorry, I thought they were racing on the deck. Nevermind.

CHARLIE VAN FLEET · #9 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 07:19 PM

ROB
what did all that mean

charlie

Rob Yarboro · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 08:56 PM

I read guardrails and thought what's around a racetrack. Sorry, I'll plead a blonde moment.

Door Guy · #11 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 05:25 PM

If the owner was there at the end of the inspection and thought the height was 38" for requiring a gaurd rail, then good luck on convincing him 27" is unsafe. He's within the 30" max. I would just move on with this one.

Mitchell Toelle · #12 (**permalink**) 10-06-2009, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Door Guy

If the owner was there at the end of the inspection and thought the height was 38" for requiring a gaurd rail, then good luck on convincing him 27" is unsafe. He's within the 30" max. I would just move on with this one.

I guess that's why you're just the "Door Guy". Bad advice.

John Kogel · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 02:34 PM

I recommend 6" of bark mulch for a soft safe landing........

ben jacks · #14 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Kogel

I recommend 6" of bark mulch for a soft safe landing........

Good idea John,

Does this imply that the grade-deck height reduction may permit avoiding the original code requirement? rbj

John Kogel · #15 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ben jacks

Good idea John,

Does this imply that the grade-deck height reduction may permit avoiding the original code requirement? rbj

Yep. Make that 7 1/2" of mulch and eliminate one riser on the steps too.

Glenn Duxbury · #16 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 10:02 AM

Hi, all &

It's 24" up-here in good ol' Canada (B.C. - West Coast -to be more precise)...

Just 'maybe' that Owner has already taken a 'HEADER" of his own Deck & that is why his logic is so 'bent' on the subject ?

CHEERS !

-Glenn Duxbury, CHI

ben jacks · #17 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn Duxbury

Hi, all &

It's 24" up-here in good ol' Canada (B.C. - West Coast -to be more precise)...

Just 'maybe' that Owner has already taken a 'HEADER" of his own Deck & that is why his logic is so 'bent' on the subject ?

CHEERS !

-Glenn Duxbury, CHI

With the 7.5" mulch, that means John won't need to hire a stair carpenter in B.C. 8j rbj

Jerry Peck · #18 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:13 PM

With 6", 7", 8" of mulch ... I'd rather fall onto some nice grass, that mulch is no pleasure to fall onto - that mulch stuff can stick up in all the wrong directions, and it hurts.