Building a Deck that Meets Code

While building a deck for your home may seem like a fun, do-it-yourself project, the truth of the matter is that deck construction is a specialty trade. Even general contractors with plenty of building experience may not have the specific knowledge and experience required to construct a structurally safe and attractive deck that meets building code.

There are a number of International Residential Code requirements that are specific to building a safe deck that are not required for most other areas of a home. Decks have two very distinctive and significant contributors to make them such a unique feature requiring special consideration:

1 – The density of occupants on a deck are often far greater than in any other part of the home.

2 – The deck is the only a load-bearing pedestrian surface of a home that is under constant exposure to the elements.

These two factors combined make building codes critical to ensuring the safety of a deck’s future occupants – not just in how the deck is constructed, but also in what materials are used. Whether you are motivated by protecting your family or by reducing potential liability, the following information is critical in building a deck.

The Two Most Important Code Resources for Deck Builders

1 – ICC Approved International Building Code Resource Book

2 – ICC Approved Product Evaluation Reports

International Residential Code (IRC) Reference Book for Deck Building

While the 2015 IRC is complete, many jurisdictions still rely on the 2009 IRC as their standard. Deck builders have the distinct advantage of the availability of a specific Deck Construction Code Book written by one of the industry’s key players, Glenn Mathewson. Glenn Mathewson is an active North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) member and is one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the decking industry. He produced the Deck Construction Code Book in partnership with the North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) and the International Code Council (ICC).



This specialty reference book takes all decking related code out of the cumbersome 2009 IRC (an 868 page book with decking references in multiple sections) and reduces it down to a concise 270 page decking reference that is much easier for decking professionals to understand. It includes photos and commentary from Mr. Mathewson as well as exact printed reference of the 2009 IRC codes.

International Code Council (ICC) Product Evaluation Reports

Using the right products for your deck building projects is just as important as the construction methods used to ensure a safe and reliable deck. When you are planning your projects and selecting the products to be used, be sure to review a copy of the product’s ICC-ES Report.

When a product has an ICC-ES Report you can see first-hand what specific use(s) for which the product has been evaluated, as well as any products it is used in conjunction with, its installation requirements and what kind of 3rd party testing was conducted to prove its suitability for a particular use.

It is important to note the distinction between an ICC-ES Listed product vs. an ICC-ES Evaluated product which goes through a much more rigorous testing procedure.

Duradek, another industry leader and proud NADRA member, has been around long enough to know the importance of having the performance based ICC-ES Evaluation Report. Duradek’s evaluation (ICC-ES ESR-2151) proves the effectiveness of Duradek’s performance as both a roofing membrane and a pedestrian traffic coating to give our customers the peace-of-mind to know the product will perform as it is intended.

To help our customers and future customers understand and use ICC-ES Reports to their full advantage, Duradek Technical Manager, Len Viegener has produced a couple of easy-to-follow pieces to educate even the most non-technical minded individuals on the value of these reports and how to read them. With a unique product like vinyl deck membranes that does not have its own specific evaluation criteria but instead relies on two distinctly separate evaluated features (in this case, traffic coating and roofing membrane) it is even more important to understand what to look for and why.

The latest document, “Why is an Evaluation Report so Important” breaks down what material standards apply, which building code authority has jurisdiction over those standards and how that leads to the final evaluation report.

Understanding Evaluation Reports from Duradek (PDFs):

CCMC on Membrane Roof Decks Evaluation Reports

• Why is an Evaluation Report so Important | in Canada/CCMC (2 page .pdf)
• Duradek’s CCMC Evaluation Report 13134-R (4 page .pdf)

ICC on Membrane Roof Decks Evaluation Reports

• Why is an Evaluation Report So Important | in U.S./ICC-ES (2 page .pdf)
• Duradek’s ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-2151 (3 page .pdf)

• The Anatomy of an ICC-ES Report (2 page .pdf/tri-fold style brochure)

Deck Building Code Resources from Glenn Mathewson, MCP:

• Deck Construction Based on the 2009 IRC
• Building Code College – Building Code for Building Decks (4 Courses)

Duradek Reminds You That May is Deck Safety Month

Duradek is proud to support the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) in its Deck Safety Month® program. NADRA launched this initiative back in 2006 in an effort to promote the enjoyment of beautiful outdoor living space in a safe environment.

NADRA estimates that there are 40 million decks in the U.S. that are over 20 years old, which means they were installed prior to today's building codes. This makes deck safety a critical issue that must be addressed and NADRA helps to make it easy by providing a Deck Safety Consumer Checklist and a Deck Safety Evaluation Form for builders.

Duradek is proud to support the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) in its Deck Safety Month® program. NADRA launched this initiative back in 2006 in an effort to promote the enjoyment of beautiful outdoor living space in a safe environment.

NADRA estimates that there are 40 million decks in the U.S. that are over 20 years old, which means they were installed prior to today's building codes. This makes deck safety a critical issue that must be addressed and NADRA helps to make it easy by providing a Deck Safety Consumer Checklist and a Deck Safety Evaluation Form for builders.

These free tools are a fantastic resource for keeping all your deck renovation assessment details together and can be very handy to reference  when getting estimates or discussing project options. You can get both of these very handy free tools on the NADRA website Deck Safety page.

Make sure that your deck does not end up as a deck collapse statistic....remember to check your deck!

Deck Building Items in Consideration for the 2015 IRC

Code Development for Decking in the 2015 IRC

Potential changes in building codes may change the way deck builders are required to construct decks, and certainly something decking professionals should stay informed on. While many jurisdictions have yet to adopt the 2012 edition of the International Residential Code, development of the 2015 IRC is already underway.

The decking industry was represented by building inspector and NADRA advisor Glenn Mathewson at the committee hearings that took place in Dallas in April where nearly two dozen proposed changes that would affect the decking industry were presented. You can see details on the proposed changes at the NADRA website or read an interesting summary with Mr. Mathewson’s analysis on each proposed item in his article 2015 Deck Code Update on Professional Deck Builder.

Here is a quick summary of the status of the proposals affecting deck building for the 2015 IRC:

Comprehensive Proposals

RB264 and RB268 – include joist and beam span tables for wet-use environments, post sizing, framing connection and footing provisions.
Status: Disapproved (however, the committee encouraged stakeholders to modify for the final hearings)

Guards Deflection Limits

RB61-13 - limits guard-post deflection to about 3 inches and limits downward deflection of top rails to about 1 inch over 8 feet while under a maximum required design load of 200 pounds.
Status: Disapproved Height Above Seating

RB145-13 – would change current requirement to measure guards from fixed bench seating at bench level to deck level with built-in deck seating.
Status: Approved (an encouraging indication of common sense in the committee in realizing children can climb moveable deck furniture and allows built-in deck seating to return from virtual extinction!)

Deck Height Measurement

RB143-13 – would change height measurement from current 36 inch horizontal distance from edge of deck back to exact edge of deck in determining whether or not guards are required.
Status: Disapproved (committee agreed that people fall away from an open platform, not straight down….more common sense – go committee!)

Lateral Loads

RB260-13 – would require that the two hold-down tension devices permitted by the IRC be installed within 24 inches of each end of the deck ledger.
Status: Approved

RB261-13 – provides exception to the hold-down device provision for decks less than 30 inches above grade.
Status: Disapproved

RB262-13 – provides for a second lateral load connection method.
Status: Approved

RB263-13 – provides exception for decks not requiring guards.
Status: Approved

Other Structural Requirements

Blocking Over Beams

RB247-13 – would eliminate the requirement for blocking over a beam when joists cantilever 24 inches or less.
Status: Approved with modifications

 

Hangers on Beams and Ledgers

RB253-13 – would restrict design flexibility by such common practices as hanging 2x6 joists from the bottom portion of a 2x12 beam or ledger, with little evidence that minimal loads from conventionally sized lumber joists could split a supporting member.
Status: Disapproved

 

Setbacks

RB66-13 – would provide an exception to fire-resistive construction for decks that are more than 5 feet from the property line or dwelling.
Status: Disapproved

RB74-13 – would require exterior stairways to be at least 5 feet from lot lines and other building on the lot.
Status: Disapproved

RB75-13 – would require accessory structures such as patio covers and decks, whether attached or detached, to be at least 5 feet from lot lines.
Status: Disapproved

 

Other Proposals

RB102-13 – would eliminate all requirements for illumination of exterior stairways.
Status: Disapproved

RB129-13 – clarifies that stairways serving decks, porches, balconies and sunrooms are regulated the same as any other stairway.
Status: Disapproved

RB130-13 – would allow handrails to project up to 6 ½ inches into stairs as opposed to current maximum of 4 ½ inches.
Status: Disapproved

RB141-13 – would allow all ramps other than ones serving a required egress door to be a maximum slope of 1-in8 vs. current maximum of 1-in-12.
Status: Approved

RB142-13 – would require that the minimum width of landings for ramps be equal to the width of the ramp vs. the current 36 inches.
Status: Approved

RB187-13 – would require exterior stairways and ramps built in flood-hazard areas to be constructed in one of three specifically prescribed ways.
Status: Disapproved

RB115-13 – clarifies when safety glazing is required for windows or doors located underneath or at the bottom of a stairway.
Status: Approved

RB42-13 – included exception for decks, sunrooms and similar spaces to the requirement for protection of glazed openings in regions prone to wind-borne debris, provided some specifics regarding the wall of the home are satisfied.
Status: Disapproved

RB8-13 – would require contractors disturbing interior or exterior surfaces on homes built prior to 1978 to submit EPA certificates and a plan complying with 40 CFR745 to building officials for work on homes, even when building a deck.
Status: Disapproved

RB15-13 – restores previous definition of “balcony” and “decks” in the IRC.
Status: Disapproved

RB31-13 – adds a definition for ‘spiral stairway’ in the IRC that allows more freedom than the IBC definition does by omitting the center column from the description.
Status: Approved

RB58-13 – removes references to “guardrail” and replaces them with the IRC-defined term “guard”.
Status: Approved

RB60-13 – included “deck floors” in the floor description for allowable deflection.
Status: Disapproved

RB465-13 – requires that all swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (this code has deck provisions not currently required by the IRC).
Status: Approved

 

Next Steps in 2015 IRC Code Development

While many of these current results demonstrate a realistic common sense approach and an adequate understanding of the practicalities of deck building practice, any of these results can be overturned at the final hearing. Glen Mathewson will continue to represent the decking industry at the final hearings which are scheduled for October 2013.

With so much effort to ensure decks are built properly, Duradek wants to be sure you use professional waterproofing to make sure it is protected. For information on our vinyl deck waterproofing membrane, contact a trained and authorized Duradek dealer in your area.

Win a Trip to Hawaii by Reviewing Duradek

You can enter to win a trip for two to a luxury resort in Hawaii simply by writing a review on Duradek on the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) website. Simply go to the Product and Services Guide page, search for Duradek and write your review. When you submit the review, just follow the on-screen directions and you will be entered to win.

The prize includes airfare for two and a 7-night stay at a luxury resort in Hawaii (estimated value $10,000). This Multiview Giveaway Sweepstakes is open to U.S. residents only (excluding Florida and New York) over the age of 18. One winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries. The contest closes on September 30th, 2013 and the draw is expected to be help approximately October 15th. See full contest rules and regulations at the bottom of the NADRA Product and Services Guide page.

Duradek is proud to be a member of NADRA and invites you to explore the wealth of information on their website including a very comprehensive photo gallery that allows you to view several different category options for decking and railing. NADRA also provides excellent resources for maintaining deck safety and for locating decking products and professionals throughout North America.

Duradek Roof Deck at Menehune Shores, Maui

Duradek Case History #113 - Menehune Shores, Maui

Practice Safe Decks this Season

It's that time of year again when those of us with decks and patios have been excitedly preparing our favorite outdoor living areas in anticipation of the barbecues, games and luxurious lounging that is sure to follow in the coming summer months.

Having installed over a million square feet of vinyl decking, Duradek wants to be sure that your deck is still the best it can be. While the obvious task of cleaning any organic debris, dirt and soil from the deck surface is usually the first step for many homeowners, be sure to include the critical step of inspecting the waterproofing details such as the caulking around posts and drains.

May is Deck Safety Month ®  

The North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) is the decking industry's most visible association, and they have a very strong consumer focus. Deck safety is a critical issue to NADRA, and the organization has a mandate of increasing public awareness of the necessity of regular inspections and maintenance of existing decks, and proper installation of new decks. This initiative prompted NADRA to declare May as Deck Safety Month ® in 2006.

As many decks remain that were installed prior to today's building codes, deck safety is an issue that is important to address and NADRA provides a Deck Safety Consumer Checklist and a Deck Safety Evaluation Form for builders. This is a fantastic free tool for keeping all your deck renovation assessment details together and can be very handy to reference  when getting estimates or discussing project options.

Duradek takes deck safety very serious too. Whether you are located in Canada or the United States, there are building requirements to consider in constructing your deck surface and preparing the substrate. Right from the initial construction of the deck to the condition of the substrate, the installation of the vinyl waterproof membrane and the installation of the railings, each stage requires its own detailed expertise and is a major factor for Duradek recommending that you do not do the job yourself.

Find a Duradek waterproofing specialist near you for a free estimate on your deck.

The Decking Industry Represented by NADRA at ICC Committee Action Hearings

The decking industry has a voice of representation with the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), and right now is an important time to have that voice heard. On March 11, 2013, the International Code Council (ICC) released proposed changes to the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC). 

Proposed Changes to the 2012 IRC

The ideas for these proposals come from both professionals and non-professionals in all corners of the construction industry, and the decisions made from now until fall on these proposals will directly affect what changes are made to the current codes and effectively become the resulting 2015 IRC...and what the building industry will be working under in 2016 and beyond.

If you are concerned about how these proposed changes will affect the decking industry, now is the time to review the proposals. NADRA Technical Advisor, Glen Mathewson, will represent the decking industry in Dallas at the ICC Committee Action Hearings from April 20th – 31st, where over 2,000 individual proposed changes will be reviewed.

You can view the proposed changes by selecting a pdf from the ICC code development web page link here.

As NADRA members, Duradek extends an invitation to all of our decking industry friends and associates to give us your feedback on the proposed changes, both positive and negative, during the next couple of weeks. We will gather all of your thoughts and insights and provide NADRA with your collective comments to consider for their official position on decking industry representation at the ICC Committee Action Hearings.

ICC Product Evaluation Reports

ICC Product Evaluation Reports are a valuable reference to ensure your building products meet the requirements set out by building codes such as the IRC. For those of us that are not technically minded and do not have a thorough understanding of what ICC codes affect the decking industry, specifically pedestrian traffic coatings, Duradek technical manager Len Viegener has put together The Anatomy of an ICC-ES Report brochure which explains how to read an ICC-ES Report, and includes a pedestrian traffic coating product comparison for what criteria has been met by various products.

Duradek is proud to be the most tested product of its kind and reminds you that All Vinyl is Not Created Equal! Duradek vinyl and Durarail Aluminum Railing Systems are tested to meet IBC and IRC Building Codes, so that you can have confidence in your deck building product selection.

If you’d like to consider using Duradek waterproof vinyl deck surfaces, you can contact a trained and authorized Duradek dealer in your area.

Deck Renovations: Why Not Do-It-Yourself

The long days of summer are the ideal time to enjoy your decks, balconies and patios. Your outdoor living space is your own personal oasis where you can enjoy the singular pleasure that comes from relaxing on your deck after the work day is done. But if your deck is weathered and worn, relaxing on it may be a challenge as you consider your renovation options and start to tabulate expenses.

If you have deck repairs or maintenance to take care of before the optimum summer weather subsides, you may find it daunting to compare your options to ensure you get the most out of your hard earned dollars. There are so many different options to choose from and there is so much more than just a finished ‘look’ or style to consider. Doing it yourself may seem like a good idea, but can often cost you more in the long run.
 

Deck Renovations:
Foundation Comes First

First and foremost, the structure of the deck needs to be stable and built to the proper building codes to ensure your safety and to provide a solid foundation for whatever waterproofing finish that you decide to use. If you are not a professional builder yourself, attempting this type of project may seem like a good way to save a few dollars, but a few overlooked details can have a costly affect down the road. Improperly built decks are such a wide spread problem in North America that the North America Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) has created a consumer Deck Safety program to minimize domestic accidents and ensure all the memories of your deck are happy ones.
 

Deck Renovations:
Aesthetics Count, But Maintenance Adds Up

Once you are certain your deck structure is safe, you want to make sure it is beautiful too. While having an attractive finish is obviously a desirable result, how much money and time will have to be invested to keep your finish looking good.

• Will your deck require yearly sanding and staining to stay attractive and protected?
• How long will your deck be unusable when maintenance is being done?
• How long will your finish last before repeating the renovation process?

That last question is very important when considering which decking material to use, and leads us to the most important factor in deck renovations – waterproofing.
 

Deck Renovations:
The Critical Stage of Waterproofing

The option of doing the project yourself is a tempting consideration for many home repairs and renovations, but when it comes to waterproofing you are much more likely to come out ahead when you leave the job to the professionals. Even professional builders will hire waterproofing specialists for deck projects as there are so many detail specific factors in properly waterproofing a deck or balcony, and Duradek professional installers are relied on by builders from coast to coast.

 

Besides the fact the Duradek installers are all trained specifically in best practices for vinyl waterproofing, they are the only installers authorized to lay Duradek Ultra vinyl membrane. And while there are similar vinyl waterproof membranes on the market, not all vinyl is created equal. Duradek Ultra vinyl is manufactured in North America and goes through regular quality control testing to ensure the product maintains its stringent performance value.

 

The manufacturing facility is regularly inspected

to ensure the quality control of Duradek Vinyl.

Deck Renovations:
Why Not D-I-Y

John Ogilvie, president of Duradek has decades of experience with waterproofing outdoor living space and he has seen time and time again how saving a few dollars in the short term has cost home owners thousands in the long run. Let John explain why...

  

 

  

Your home is valuable and your time is priceless. So why not take a few minutes to let an authorized Duradek installer provide you with a no-obligation estimate. Duradek vinyl membrane both waterproofs and beautifies so you can enjoy your deck rather than labor on it. And by NOT doing the project yourself and relying on Duradek professionals, you get the industry leading 10-year Duradek guarantee that your waterproofing performs as intended.

 

Let the (Safe) Patio Season Begin!

The long-awaited and much anticipated first long-weekend of the summer season is nearly upon us - and not a moment too soon!

Those of us that have decks and patios have been excitedly preparing our favorite outdoor living areas in anticipation of the barbecues, games and luxurious lounging that is sure to follow in the coming summer months.

Having installed over a million square feet of vinyl decking, Duradek wants to be sure that your deck is still the best it can be. While the obvious task of cleaning any organic debris, dirt and soil from the deck surface is usually the first step for many homeowners, be sure to include the critical step of inspecting the waterproofing details such as the caulking around posts and drains.

May is Deck Safety Month ®  

The North America Deck & Railing Association (NADRA) is the decking industry's most visible association, and they have a very strong consumer focus. Deck safety is a critical issue to NADRA, and the organization has a mandate of increasing public awareness of the necessity of regular inspections and maintenance of existing decks, and proper installation of new decks. This initiative prompted NADRA to declare May as Deck Safety Month ® in 2006.

As many decks remain that were installed prior to today's building codes, deck safety is an issue that is important to address and NADRA provides a Deck Safety Consumer Checklist and a Deck Safety Evaluation Form for builders. This is a fantastic free tool for keeping all your deck renovation assessment details together and can be very handy to reference  when getting estimates or discussing project options.

Duradek takes deck safety very serious too. Whether you are located in Canada or the United States, there are building requirements t o consider in constructing your deck surface and preparing the substrate. Right from the initial construction of the deck to the condition of the substrate, the installation of the vinyl waterproof membrane and the installation of the railings, each stage requires its own detailed expertise and is a major factor for Duradek recommending that you do not do the job yourself.

NADRA Chapter Meetings Benefit Decking Industry and Consumer Satisfaction

The North America Deck and Railing Association is a highly recognized trade organization uniting various arms of the deck and railing industy in an effort to promote, educate and support each other and to keep the bar of professionalism raised to be the highest performing members of our industry.

While NADRA's national efforts benefit all members, there are 8 Regional Chapters and 5 chapters that are currently forming.

In April 2012, the Atlanta Chapter of NADRA gathered together at an event sponsored by Duradek. The Atlanta Chapter of NADRA is the second largest in the country and is very active, bringing together at least 60 people monthly for sharing industry information and exchanging referrals and experiences.

Norm and Royce proudly presented at NADRA Atlanta's April meeting

Duradek Representative Norm Shafer and Royce Hayes of Duradek of Georgia sponsored this event by providing the venue and the food so members could network in a casual, enjoyable environment. Duadek had a captive audience for their comprehensive slide presentation to educate the group on the advantages of Duradek vinyl waterproof membranes and the Tiledek waterproofing system for under exterior tile. While education and networking is the primary objective of the meetings, the NADRA Atlanta group looks like they know how to have fun too.

You can take a little sneak peak at what happens at a NADRA chapter meeting with this brief, friendly video:




While the group is comprised of equal amounts of builders, distributors and factory representatives, the referrals generated from this group of professionals are very significant. NADRA members are very knowledgeable and trusted in their area of expertise, and respectfully working together can ensure the right products and people are matched up with the right pojects.

One builder was very excited to discover Druadek. He had been approached by a customer who wanted to convert the area under their deck into extra enclosed living space, and the builder was uncertain on what to use for the project. Once he learned about Duradek and its specific performance feature of providing a walkable waterproof membrane over living space, he excitedly called back his customer and began to develop construction plans.

Enclosed or Open...Duradek keeps it dry

Duradek is a valuable additon to the NADRA membership community. For all of the projects that have plagued builders with problems over the years, Duradek provides and easy and perfomance proven system that builders can be excited about. Whether projects require dry space below a deck, enclosed living space below a deck, or are simply looking for a low maintenance alternative for a deck - Duradek fits a niche and is a brilliant and easy solution for a variety of projects.