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RESOURCES

SEISMIC RETROFITTING

Feeling overwhelmed by the idea of a seismic retrofit? The link below will help demystify the process by outlining what’s involved in a typical seismic retrofit for a simple, single-level residential structure. For taller or more complex buildings, many of the same principles apply; however, the specific placement and type of components will require evaluation and design by a structural engineer. https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/plan-set-a.pdf

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WATER HEATER SEISMIC RESTRAINTS

Installation of seismic restraints is a simple but effective way to help protect your home from damage during an earthquake. Unfortunately, components are often installed incorrectly or inadequately. All storage-tank water heaters should be secured firmly in all directions to prevent movement. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrUqO2HJIns

 

DECK & EXTERIOR STAIR CONSTRUCTION BEST PRACTICES

Deck and exterior stair construction can seem complicated, but the American Wood Council offers a free guide to help educate both homeowners and contractors on best practices. If you are planning to replace or repair a deck, share this resource with your contractor and request that all work comply with these guidelines. When you review the deck statistics below, you’ll understand why we take deck inspections so seriously. Unfortunately, it’s all too common to find older—or even newly installed—decks that are unsafe or missing critical safety components. https://web-media.awc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/17210514/AWC-DCA62015-DeckGuide-1804.pdf

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SCARY STATISTICS

  • The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and other industry groups estimate that tens of millions of U.S. decks have serious safety issues that could lead to a collapse as a result of aging and improperly constructed decks. See below for some of the recent stats.

  • Millions of unsafe decks: The North American Deck and Railing Association(NADRA) and InterNACHI estimate that between 40% and 60% of the 45 million U.S.decks have safety issues.

  • Aging infrastructure: Many decks were built before modern safety codes were in place. NADRA estimates that over 40 million decks are more than 20 years old and may be past their useful life.

  • Annual injuries: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported thousands of deck-related injuries each year. A five-year study from 2003 to 2007found that over 20,000 injuries resulted from structural failure or collapse.

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COMMON CAUSE OF COLLAPSE

  • According to ASHI, InterNACHI, and NADRA, the leading causes of deck collapses are improper construction, aging, and poor maintenance.

  • Ledger board separation

  • Approximately 90% of deck collapses are caused by the separation of the deck ledger board from the house.

  • The use of nails alone to attach the ledger board to the house is a common and dangerous practice, particularly on decks built before modern building codes were established. Current codes require lag screws or through bolts.

  • Rotting wood behind the ledger board, often due to improper or missing flashing, weakens the connection and can lead to a catastrophic failure. (Other structural issues)

  • Improper fastening: Inexperienced builders may use the wrong fasteners, resulting in a weak structure. Corroded or rusted hardware can also compromise the integrity of the deck.ï‚· Inadequate footings: Improper footings can lead to a compromised foundation and structural failure.

  • Rot and decay: Decks naturally deteriorate over time from moisture and exposure. Regular inspections can identify wood rot and decay before they become a hazard.

  • Overloading: Too many people or heavy objects on a deck can exceed its weight capacity and trigger a collapse, especially if combined with other structural weaknesses.

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