If you’re thinking about building a deck for your home, one of the primary elements to consider is permit acquisition. In most regions, if your deck is 30 inches or more above ground, you’re required to acquire a permit from the building authorities before you can commence your project. Failure to do this can lead to costly repercussions.
Some common codes your Deck Builders will need to adhere to include:
Railing
Decks that are 30 inches or more above ground are required to have railings with a minimum height of 36 inches from the ground to the top of the railing. The stair rail should also feature a minimum height of 34 inches from the nosing to the top of the rail. There should also be a maximum of 4 inches between the deck and the underside of a rail.
Footings
Codes related to footing guidelines should be consulted in the IRC Table R507.9 concerning depth and dimensions. Requirements will be based on the particular footings in use. Square footings, for example, should be a minimum of 9 inches thick and 21 inches wide in cases where the beam spacing is 8 feet or less.
Wood Post Treatment
Some regions insist on incorporating pressure-treated wood for any posts going below ground. If not, the wood should be subjected to a preservative to protect against the external elements. If you’re looking for reliable deck-building services, call us today! Exponential Construction, your preferred contractor.
