Results 1 to 39 of 39
Thread: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
-
01-26-2015, 06:08 PM #1
NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
GUYS
1968 mounting home in boulder co--$1,000,000 price tag--the decks and upper levels were built in 1998--permits pulled but dn't know if finaled and inspected--what if the rocks move--writing it up to have a structural engineer give it a look--never saw this before--wht do you think
cvf
-
01-26-2015, 06:19 PM #2
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Are those 4x4 posts? Are they over 8' high?
-
01-26-2015, 06:30 PM #3
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
-
01-26-2015, 06:51 PM #4
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
If the rocks are sitting on soil I would not approve it. If the rocks are well seated on rocks below it may be fine.
-
01-26-2015, 08:06 PM #5
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Not sure what type of rocks they are sitting on, but I bet the rocks are bigger than any footing they would have put there. I'm guessing the rocks were naturally there, and not brought in and plopped on fill.
What are the post holding up? Is it just a deck?
While I would probably call for an engineer to look at it, my rough guess is the rocks may be strong enough to support the load. A lot depends on what kind of rocks they are, and if we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg if you will (only a portion of the rock is above ground).
You were there, so you are better to make the call because you can see the big picture.
-
01-26-2015, 08:10 PM #6
-
01-27-2015, 06:48 AM #7
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
If the rocks are naturally placed "by God", then that deck is probably more solid than on concrete. But, if placed by humans, then I would question their stability. Your photos don't look natural. I suspect they were relocated to accommodate the house foundation. At least, report your suspicions if you think they are not naturally placed and concerns and recommend evaluation from an engineer.
On one hand they survived the massive rain of Sept., 2013, so they are unlikely to move around but if they are just placed on the dirt, that isn't a "best practice".
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice.
-
01-27-2015, 08:44 AM #8
-
01-27-2015, 09:30 AM #9
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
I used to run into this all the time on the cabins up at Donner Summit area of the High Sierras. Under the house they would flatten out a small area on top of a granite boulder that had been there for millions of years and use it as the footer for the posts.
This does look like they were "placed" there for the purpose of supporting the deck and for aesthetics.
True Professionals, Inc. Property Consultant
877-466-8504
-
01-27-2015, 09:42 AM #10
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Looks like the deck is supported by a column of weight bearing atmosphere.
The rocks are pretty massive, appear to be several tons each. That roof likely will not produce enough load for the rocks to even know it is there. However, appearance has been known to be deceiving.
-
01-27-2015, 09:55 AM #11
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
-
01-27-2015, 10:18 AM #12
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Often the deck will have potted plants, hot tub or other secondary water source or load added overhead. Wind blown rain, the new owner raking pine or other debris away from the base support soil areas of those rocks. Any erosion man made or nature caused will weaken this installation with no side supports in place for the posts either. I have seen below deck areas become dog kennels for vacation homes or permanent residence. Digging animals, squirrels or dogs can remove support soils quickly add a rain or drainage splash pattern, just as effective. Using this method below the home for foundation support is only somewhat safer, seldom in a seismic area would this be trusted.
-
01-27-2015, 10:44 AM #13
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
I'm an engineer, and would not want my licenses at risk by approving such a deck foundation. Loose boulders have been known to move, regardless of how old they are. One of the columns looks well out-of-plumb already.
-
01-27-2015, 11:31 AM #14
Not all that unusual in certain locales but every AHJ has asked for...
a PE, preferably a Soils, to sign off on it. I'm not an inspector but I would place a disclaimer in your report suggesting the same thing.
-
01-27-2015, 11:46 AM #15
-
01-27-2015, 02:23 PM #16
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
The post out of plumb needs repair certainly.
If there is any danger of erosion down the bank behind those boulders, it is a concern. A stacked boulder retaining wall is very stable if built right, better than concrete. But you want to inspect the slope or wall behind those boulders.
John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
www.allsafehome.ca
-
01-27-2015, 02:26 PM #17
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
[QUOTE=CHARLIE VAN FLEET;253234]GUYS
1968 mounting home in boulder co--$1,000,000 price tag--the decks and upper levels were built in 1998--permits pulled but dn't know if finaled and inspected--what if the rocks move--writing it up to have a structural engineer give it a look--never saw this before--wht do you think
cvf So you are saying the columns have been on the boulders since '98? It does not look like any movement has taken place. My guess is if the boulders start moving so will the rest of the mountain, but having an engineer look at it will certainly be prudent.
Last edited by Lloyd Goldrick; 01-27-2015 at 02:36 PM.
-
01-27-2015, 02:33 PM #18
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
It looks like the boulders were "plopped" or placed and are not natural to their current location. I would also bet the area might have fill to level it out and the boulders are also acting as a retaining wall of sorts. But this is all SWAG from a couple of photos.
-
01-28-2015, 07:01 PM #19
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
GUYS
did inspection today on that mountain deck house--looks like they are Gods installed rocks--but stil scary to me--two of the post have vertical cracks--so recommended evalution by structural engineer --here are some more photos
cvf
-
01-28-2015, 08:45 PM #20
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
From the new angle, the posts appear to be bearing on the rocks well beyond the center or rotation of the elongated shaped rocks.
If Mother Nature placed the rocks there, maybe she needs to get a real engineer on board with her ... or create the rocks with warning labels "Do Not use the pointy top of the rocks as structural support for future structures".
-
01-30-2015, 07:28 AM #21
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
I was a contractor in the Rockies west of Denver for many years, Jefferson County not Boulder County. But I built many decks (and sometimes part of the home) supported on the granite like this deck. They were all planned, permitted, inspected and approved. I see it here in AZ too. It is a little unusual to have the bottom of the post on an 'overhang'. But it does not look like those boulders have moved, and it does not look like the deck has settled/moved. If that granite 'breaks', the house is likely on its way down the mountain anyway. If everything else on the deck construction was good (eg lag bolts, joist hangers, post bases, etc.) I would not recommend an engineer.
Some replies say "everything looks OK but recommend engineer". Why? If I can't say exactly what looks 'wrong' I am not recommending an engineer. I would recommend my clients (assuming they are the buyers) ask the sellers for permits. The deck was added after the home was built. If the deck was engineered, permitted, inspected and approved and the sellers have the paperwork why would you need an engineer? And wouldn't you feel kind of silly when the seller presents all the paperwork and your clients ask you why they need an engineer?
If the deck was not permitted then there are potential problems even if it is well built.
I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. (Thomas Edison)
-
01-30-2015, 09:22 PM #22
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
I'm not seeing post cap connections where the supports rest on the 4x4s? And also there is cantilevered deck beyond the posts over the drop off as seen in the second pic from the first set of photos that may need angle bracing back to the posts? Also it appears at least one post is sitting on top of the walk edging unsecured? :/ I would recommend an Engineer but that's just the way I see it..
-
01-31-2015, 08:36 PM #23
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
If it was built right in the first place we would have nothing to discuss here. With the price tag on this house, that deck could be sitting on steel archways. Why would anyone argue that it is good enough on those flimsy 4X4's with no bracing, cock-eyed post, missing brackets etc?
It hasn't collapsed yet but maybe it hasn't been tested yet.
I'm talking a Billy Stevens Hot Tub party, 30 guests jiving to Elvis and shooting their guns off in wild celebration.
John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
www.allsafehome.ca
-
02-01-2015, 12:23 PM #24
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Sorry, skidding a little off topic, but regarding the downspouts, I don't see any straps or brackets. Did someone just screw or nail right through them? It is hard to see from here.
Thanks.
-
02-03-2015, 09:43 AM #25
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
I think you get an evaluation by a Geotechnical Engineer (Registered Civil Engineer specializing in soils) to evaluate the boulders as well as the overall stability of the cliff. Also, there should be some lateral bracing for the posts and support beams. Looks pretty scary to me, too!
Thom Huggett, PE, SE, CBO
-
02-03-2015, 10:56 AM #26
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Are the joists cantelevered and the posts (simply) cosmetic?
-
02-03-2015, 11:25 AM #27
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Not cosmetic.. the deck was not constructed properly and is not secured/braced in required locations. I would be very interested to see how it is attached to the home also and if the bolts are protected from water with proper flashings. Once again, an Engineer would be my recommendation.
-
02-04-2015, 11:12 AM #28
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Many forces in addition to gravity can affect a deck’s ability to remain stable. I see no anti sway bracing.
Remember, high winds may likely cause uplift plus top heavy decks can shifting or rack. Both of which cause tremendous stress and possible failures.
Utilizing 6x6 structural posts have twice the resistance to sway than 4x4’s.
Tall decks such as this are much more susceptible to these unbalancing forces.
No anti sway. Buring the posts would have contributed to stability.
Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
Our Motto; Putting information where you need it most, "In your hands.”
-
02-04-2015, 12:12 PM #29
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
buyer had structural engineer out--he said it was good--but recommend bigger stirrups on base of two posts--told client to get it in writing--I still don't like it but I did my job--over and above
cvf
-
02-04-2015, 07:13 PM #30
-
02-04-2015, 07:21 PM #31
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
done here
-
02-04-2015, 07:44 PM #32
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Robert Young's Montreal Home Inspection Services Inc.
Call (514) 489-1887 or (514) 441-3732
Our Motto; Putting information where you need it most, "In your hands.”
-
02-04-2015, 08:16 PM #33
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Those 4x4s appear to have post saddles installed, and the rebar portion is drilled into the rock. Do you still feel they need concrete and lateral stability?
Typically up in cottage country this is how deck posts are mounted into the exposed granite of the Canadian Shield with post saddles.
-
02-04-2015, 09:55 PM #34
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
It does not appear all are but it is possible there is something there I am not seeing. The ones on the boulders appear fine but I make no opinion definitively because I'm not there to see the hill beneath although I would recommend some diagonal bracing. It does appear however there are standard post bases utilized on others.
-
02-05-2015, 08:19 PM #35
-
02-05-2015, 08:46 PM #36
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
guys--the structural engineer signed off on this deck--why are we still talking about it--let it go--it is in the hands of the engineers
cvf
OVER AND OUT
-
02-06-2015, 04:08 AM #37
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
Thanks Mark.
-
02-06-2015, 04:59 AM #38
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
This is not a new type post connection it is an "improper post to footing connection", post to footing connection should protect the post from slipping or moving, proper footings are not in that picture, referring to a structural Engineer is appropriate.
-
02-06-2015, 10:30 AM #39
Re: NEW TYPE OF DECK SUPPORTS
For educational purposes, when inspectors questions things or provide information that I think is incorrect, I continue to respond. Signing off on something can mean many different things. I am a Structural Engineer and don't always agree with things other SEs say. I did not really look at lateral stability issues with that deck, rather I was responding to notion that the size of the columns or methods of connection have little to do with lateral stability.
Sometimes we beat dead horses here, but often there is something to be learned along the way.
Bookmarks