Common Patio Deck Mistakes
It is a good idea if you are considering making a deck on the grassy mess of your back yard or build a patio in the front. However, before you start building your dream deck, it is essential to start with careful planning and evade some of the most common mistakes made during the construction of patio or a deck. Read on to lean about those issues and a avoid them to run into problems during the building process. Knowledge of those possible pitfalls can help remove those common mistakes made in the construction process. Whether you are making a new patio or renovating the old one, read on to learn from those mistakes and avoid them.
Non-galvanized fixings
Any sort of fixings such as nails, bolts, screws, etc. should be galvanized. Galvanized steel carries a dull gray appearance and is coated with zinc. Those galvanized nails, bolts, screws do cost more but protect the steel from any corrosive chemical reaction that can cause them to rust.
No Drainage
It is easier to forget about the drainage on a patio or deck. However, one should remember that patio is a hard surface made of porous materials. The rain water can accumulate and puddle on the patio if there is no drainage. Figure out the adequate slope and place an underground drain tile.
No handrail on stairs
If you have not included the plan to install a handrail on stairs, this is your first big mistake. Make sure to have a continuous handrail installed, if there are more than four or more steps. The continuous handrail can meet specific geometric requirements and make it safe to walk up and down the stairs.
No secure footings
Most builders ignore the climate or weather conditions when working on the structural footings of the deck. It would be a mistake to use concrete deck blocks as they are sure to sink over time. Plus, they need to be sunk at least our feet below grade to minimize frost interference.
No connection to the house
Floating the deck is not a good idea, and it is a must to connect the deck to the foundation of the house. Avoid relying on a line of footings near the foundation as a support as those footings are likely to sink over time and will lead to a not so attractive deck.
Not checking the soil
Pay attention to the frost depth and the home’s foundation when setting piers. Foundation systems must take into consideration the nature of the soil and the depth. Depending on the region and the frost line, the situation could ask for a three foot deep footings.
No proper attachment for the ledger
It is seen that most deck plans end with a continuous line at the ledger, and there is a lesser focus on what the ledger is connecting to. Most builders are not aware that this is one of the primary element in deck construction. Considerations must be made long before construction starts and how the ledger connects to a cantilevered floor demands specific considerations.
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