Deck Inspection Blog | Deck Inspectors for Southern California

3 Quick Tips for Inspecting Your Deck

Regular deck inspection should be part of your must-do’s as a homeowner and here are three quick tips that you can use when inspecting your outdoor living area:

Check for signs of mold and mildew growth

You can expect mold and mildew growth on your deck, especially if you don’t clean it regularly. But if you already notice fungus growing on your deck, you should consult qualified deck inspectors in California right away to address the problem because it can pose a serious health hazard to your family.

Look for any missing nails or screws

Being an extended living space, your deck should be able to stand on its own while still being firmly attached to your house.

The ledger board does this job, but when you see that there are missing screws or the board isn’t well fastened, you need to have it fixed right away before your deck separates from your house.

You should also look out for missing nails that could make your deck weaker and dangerous to stay in.

Inspect posts for signs of rotting

Finally, you have to make sure that all the posts in your deck have no signs of rotting. Over time, your deck may start to weaken because of constant exposure to the elements, which is why it’s best to have qualified deck inspectors in California over to make sure that everything is in good shape and to recommend any replacements or repairs if needed.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

Are You Planning to Add a Balcony in Your Home? Here’s What You Should Consider

It’s almost every homeowner’s dream to have a balcony. This exterior elevated element doesn’t only add some extra space in the house, but it also adds a luxurious feel to space. Just imagine waking up and drinking coffee in your balcony.

But adding a balcony in a finished home is not an easy task. So if you’re planning on this as your next project, here are some of the things that you should consider:

The Materials

Most balconies are made from wood, cement, vinyl, or wood composite. Your choice of material should be based on what your existing home’s materials are so the balcony easily blends in with the rest of the house.

Cement is a popular choice because of how it can hold up to the elements, but some prefer wood because it offers that relaxing ambiance that a lot of people are looking for.

Accessibility

Building a balcony is more than just tearing down a wall and creating an exterior elevated element where you can look at your views outside. You also need to pick a spot in your house where you can easily build a doorway and access point from the room where you choose to connect your balcony too.

You also need to think about how the balcony will affect the overall look of your home and it should be placed in a convenient spot that doesn’t put a dent on your current living arrangement.

Size

Most experts would recommend building an exterior elevated element that extends at least four feet outwards because it can already accommodate two to three people and maybe some chairs for lounging. Consult your contractor on the best size for your balcony considering your house, your need for that extended living space, and of course, your budget.

Balustrade

Your balustrade will be the focal point of your balcony’s aesthetics. Depending on the look that you’re going for or the current theme of your house, you can choose from metal, wood, vinyl, concrete, and glass panel railings. You can also choose from balustrades that form a single straight line, semi-circle, and angular line.

Cost

A typical balcony will cost you between $15 and $35 per square foot. This cost will depend mainly on your choice of materials, the cost of labor, the style that you want, and of course, the height and size of your balcony.

But if you’re willing to make that investment, you can guarantee a good return value once you already put your home in the market.

Of course, there are permits. Any exterior elevated element will need permits before you can start construction, especially if you’re building a second-story balcony where you need to make sure that the added structure is safe and sturdy.

This is when it matters to work with a contractor with the appropriate license and credentials, so you can make this part easier and move on with your project.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

4 Tips for Checking Your Deck Before an Inspection

Your deck is the focal point of your home’s outdoor space. It’s where you entertain, spend time with the family, and just relax under the stars during the summer. With all the benefits of having a deck as part of your property, you should also invest in routine deck inspection services to make sure that this outdoor space is safe and sturdy for its purpose.

But before your reliable inspectors get to your house, you should do a self-inspection first following these tips:

Look for Signs of Insect Damage

Being exposed to the outdoors, your deck is the ideal breeding ground for insects. Although most materials for making decks are now treated with chemicals that keep insects away, there’s still some chance that your deck might be infested with ants and termites that could cause serious damage to its framework.

If you notice even the slightest sway when you walk on your deck, it is worth noting this observation to your deck inspector to see what can be done to address this problem.

Look for Cracks

Small cracks are a normal part of your deck’s wear and tear, especially if it’s been around for a long time. But cracks around fasteners and between joists could be a sign of serious damage to your deck and should be addressed right away before it causes serious problems in the future.

Depending on the recommendations of your deck inspection services, you should seal and stain your deck at least every two years to reduce cracks that are caused by water, heat, and cold exposure.

Look for Rusting

Your deck may look good on the outside, but it could be suffering from some serious damages on the inside. So when inspecting your deck, you should look closely at your connectors, joists, and fasteners for any signs of rusting, which could make your deck weak and potentially dangerous to use. If you detect any rust on nails, screws, bolts, and other connectors, you should call deck inspection services right away.

Look for Signs of Mold and Mildew Exposure

Because of its constant exposure to the elements, your deck will develop mold and mildew at some point during its lifespan. Your steps are most susceptible to mildew growth, which could make it slippery and unsafe.

If you notice any green tint on your deck, make sure to wash and stain it regularly to address the problem. But if you see mushroom-like growth in your deck, it could be mold and fungus that could be a sign of bigger problems. Call your deck inspector right away to have your deck checked.

Your deck offers a lot of benefits to your house. Aside from being an extension of your living space, it also adds value to your property and makes it more attractive to future buyers.

So if you want to make the most of this investment, you have to make sure that regular deck inspection services are done to protect your deck from any serious damages.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

Ideas on How to Beautify your Elevated Balcony

There are many simple and doable ideas to transform your elevated balcony into an adorable elevated balcony. Below are some of them.

Put a small coffee table on your patio. Add some table decors like a colorful flower arrangement in a geometrical vase, a torch, silver or golden candle holders, or candlesticks.
Add pillows on your elevated balcony chairs to make it stylish and cozy. Or if you do not have chairs, opt for colorful floor pillows.
Bring in some fresh air by adding pots of greens and flowers. If possible, add few pots of herbs as well for relaxing farm feeling.
Light up your elevated balcony using outdoor lights or lantern string lights.
Create a privacy wall using attractive stylish screens. Or if you are into arts and crafts, bamboo poles are affordable options that can be decorated with natural accents or string lights.
Add some shade by adding a fabric canopy.
Add pattern to your patio’s dull floor by layering outdoor rugs.
Make use of your elevated balcony wall to add spice on by hanging an art piece or hang planters.

Small touches can create big impressions on your elevated balcony. Now, decorating and transform your outdoor space according to your style and personality.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

Why Permits are Required for Building a Deck

If you are building a deck, it is worth checking if a permit is necessary. As per Senate Bill No.721 or SB-721, or widely known as “Balcony bill”, “the law requires inspection of exterior elevated elements and associated waterproofing elements, as defined, including decks and balconies.”

Getting a permit before construction begins is quite a bit like a hassle, but the process ensures that the structure is built to standards and regulations. Securing a permit does not only ensure safety but also saves you from penalties and legal woes.

Securing a building permit will cost you extra money. Some homeowners consider this daunting, but we cannot skip the SB-721 law. The best way is to work with a company or inspector that will streamline the process. A local property inspector knows the ins and outs of the building codes, thus making the building phase at an accelerated level.

There are two common reasons why a deck permit is likely to be denied. First is non-compliance with zoning law. Depending on your local zoning law, it is best to consult first your zoning department before starting a project. The location where you are installing your deck must not affect the overall comfort of the neighborhood.

Second is an incorrect plan. Your proposed deck plan should indicate the correct dimensions of sizes and footings for beams and joists. Any error on your design drawing can cause project delay.

What will happen if a deck or balcony permit is not secured?

Building standards were created through constant learning. And if you decide to continue with your deck project unpermitted, these can result in serious consequences.

Deck or balcony projects without a permit will be shut off immediately by building inspectors when discovered. Taking it down completely will not only cost you more money but also imposes legal responsibilities.
Homeowners and contractors will probably pay fines and penalties depending on your area.
You are still required to secure a deck building permit. That being said, you will have to go through the process of permit applications including submitting copies of the proposed design and paying for the permit fee.
You will be required to work with a licensed inspector or contractor.
Most likely you will face thorough inspection since the first project was unpermitted. Making sure that the project is sb-721 compliant, this could potentially delay the construction phase.

No one wants to build a beautiful deck only to be torn down apart even before its completion. No one wants to be in danger because of a collapsed deck. No one wants unnecessary physical injury and financial burden. No one wants to face lawsuits for having a non-compliant deck. No one wants any of these setbacks.

Getting a deck permit saves you time and money, but also ensures overall safety. Always get in touch with certified inspectors. Hiring professional inspection services will leave no room for mistakes. Certified inspectors will take care of the permit and inspection process that will meet the existing sb-721 code.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

Elevated Walkways: How They Came to Be

Elevated walkways have become an important part of urbanization. Aside from being an efficient solution to busy foot traffic, walkways also offer extra business space and are often regarded as a safer alternative to walking beside automobiles. But how exactly did elevated walkways come to be?

The first sidewalks were built in the 13^th century in Chester, England. Although historians couldn’t tell the exact reasons they were built, these old sidewalks known as the Chester Rows are now considered a protected heritage site and have inspired many walkways built in the United States at the turn of the 20^th century.

Elevated Walkways: Sky Bridges

The proposition to make Manhattan a “city of bridges” came about in 1913 with the publication of “The Elevated Sidewalk: How It Will Solve City Transportation Problems.” But that idea never came to life until the 60s when several towns in the United States started to consider the idea of elevated walkways again. The Minneapolis Skyway system was built in 1962 and it inspired many towns to do the same over the years.

Today, elevated walkways can be seen all over the world. What started as a simple concept of separating humans and cars on the road has now become an indispensable tool for living in a lot of cities.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

Building a Balcony? Here Are Your Design Options

It’s been a long-time dream of yours to wake up and look out from your elevated balcony. And now that you have the chance to add that extra feature to your home, you want to do things right by choosing the right design elements for your balcony. To make things easier, we rounded up some of your best options:

The railing

Your railing will be the most visible part of your balcony, so it’s only fitting that you find the right design to match the rest of your house and make the balcony as safe as possible, especially if it’s an elevated balcony.

Wrought iron railing is a common choice because of how it gives off that classic look, especially when paired with a wrought iron spiral staircase. This option is perfect if your house has a European or old-world feel.

Glass railing, on the other hand, offers uninterrupted views without compromising safety. It is perfect for modern minimalist homes, but it can also blend well with most home designs.

The décor

Decorating your elevated balcony is an exciting part of this entire process because you have endless options to choose from. One of the most popular décor pegs for balconies its urban charm. Think about a mix of industrial and rustic charm where you can use wrought iron railings and add bistro-style seating for that urban effect. This style is especially perfect if you have brick exterior walls.

A lot of homeowners also love modern design, which is basically keeping things as simple and minimal as possible. Use muted palettes for your theme and dress the space up with pops of color through your outdoor cushions or even some wall décor.

Play with different textures and shapes to give your balcony extra flair. If you’re into Moroccan-themed spaces, you’d love the eclectic design for your balcony. This style is all about using bright colors, unique accessories and gold accents to create a space that makes you feel like you’re on a holiday.

The floors

Aside from your railings, your floor also needs to be chosen well to create the look and feel that you want for this outdoor space. Wood is usually the go-to option for a lot of homeowners because it can match with any theme and essentially easy to maintain.

You can also go for concrete flooring for your elevated balcony and use reactive or nonreactive stain to make it less boring. If you want to get the look for a marbled floor for your balcony, you can use an acid-based reactive stain that will change the color of the concrete to natural earth tones. But if you want a stronger color, you should use nonreactive stains.

The bottom line

The possibilities are endless when it comes to dressing up your balcony. From awnings to lighting, there’s a lot that you can do to create an outdoor space that’s conducive for relaxation and even entertaining. You just have to choose your design elements wisely to achieve a cohesive and structured look for your elevated balcony.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

Here’s Everything You Need to Do to Pass a Deck Inspection

Like any part of your home, a deck has to be functional, sturdy and safe for you to use it well. This is why you need to have it checked by qualified deck inspectors at least every two years. But before you do that, you have to ensure that you will pass the deck inspection by following these tips:

Look for Any Signs of Damage

Your deck goes through more wear and tear than other parts of your house because it’s constantly exposed to the elements. Since it’s made of wood, it’s also more prone to pest infestation and other problems.

Check every nook and cranny of your deck and take note of any signs of damage. You’ll most likely see ants and termites in its framework or rust in its bolts, nails and other metal connectors.

Most of these damages are not really visible outside, so make sure to look under your deck. Address these issues right away to avoid flagging by your inspector.

Clean your Deck Regularly

If your deck has been around for many years now, you probably start to see some green tints around it due to mildew growth.

This is especially visible on your steps where mildew can make it slippery, which is why it’s very important to wash your deck regularly to get rid of that mildew and other dirt that’s a red flag for qualified deck inspectors.

You should also be on the lookout for mold and fungus growth, especially around the pillars of your deck because it could be a serious health hazard if not addressed right away.

Make sure to Follow your Decking Plans

If you’re building a deck for the first time, you will need to have qualified deck inspectors come over before the deck is installed so they can check your framing from above the deck. These inspectors will usually look at your construction plan and compare the end result to ensure that you are complying with standards. Aside from the form of your framing, inspectors will also look into the type and size of wood that you’re using and the proper joist spacing. If you don’t adhere to your original floor plan, your deck could be flagged as failed.

Of course, nothing beats a good walkthrough of your deck on a daily basis to make sure that it’s still in tiptop shape. When you walk on your deck, do you notice any screeching sounds from the wood? Do you notice that some areas are not as sturdy as they were?

Are you seeing any signs of damage around the deck? Be vigilant enough to notice anything that warrants a repair or replacement. Whether or not you are having qualified deck inspectors around, following these tips will make your deck safer and more functional for a longer time.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

Protecting Balconies, Decks And Elevated Walkways Against Water Intrusion

There is a common problem in enclosed balconies, decks, and elevated walkways that boils down to structural concerns due to water entry. But such common problems can be easily avoided using some very simple measures taken during the design and construction process.

Waterproofing

Nevertheless, there is not a single organization being developed to bring industry-wide standards for the proper design and construction of balconies, decks, and elevated walkways. This is because the materials used for waterproofing such structures are the same materials in the roofing and waterproofing industry.

Failure to determine how a deck or balcony will accommodate the drainage of water both at the wearing surface and waterproofing membrane will be a great concern for the designer and the contractor or the builder.

Concrete Pavers

Therefore, proper considerations must be given to the utilization of concrete pavers that can be removed easily and replaced whenever necessary for the investigation, maintenance, or repair. This also includes other wearing surfaces to provide access to the waterproofing beneath a balcony, deck, or elevated walkways.

However, without accessible routes, it must be assumed that the building has been built with the right materials and the proper construction techniques that are required to last through the life expectancy of the structure.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like: Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon

Waterproofing Methods And Types For Balcony Decks

Building waterproofing methods are basically the formation of impervious barriers over the surfaces of foundations, roofing, balcony decks, and walls. This includes other structural members of the building to avoid water penetrations through such surfaces.

Materials commonly used for building waterproofing include cementitious material, bituminous material, liquid waterproofing membrane, and polyurethane liquid membrane, among others.

Waterproofing in buildings is needed for the basement of bathrooms and kitchen, balconies, decks, green roofs, structure, terrace or roofs, walls, water tanks, swimming pools, and the like.

Cementitious Waterproofing

This process is among the easiest waterproofing methods in any construction. Cementitious waterproofing requires materials that are easily available from suppliers of masonry products, which are easy to apply or mix.

The common applications for cementitious waterproofing include the following:

Bridges
Dams
Marine cargo ports and docks
Parking structures and lots
Railway and subway systems
River locks/channel and concrete dikes
Sewage treatment plants
Tunnels
Water treatment plants

Liquid Waterproofing Membrane

There is a thin coating that consists of a primer coat and a couple of coats on top applied by roller, spray, or trowel. Liquid membrane waterproofing methods can offer more flexibility compared with the cementitious type of waterproofing. The liquid will cure the surface into a rubbery coating on the wall.

Basically, the elongation properties of the coating can reach as high as 280%. But the durability of the coating will depend on the type of polymer that the manufacturer will use for making the liquid waterproofing.

Liquid waterproofing membrane can be composed of polymer-modified asphalt, which can be applied by spray. Polyurethane liquid membranes are also available for different manufacturers in separate grades for roller, spray, and trowel.

Bituminous Coating Waterproofing

It is a type of coating that can be used for waterproofing buildings and provides a flexible protective coating. The bituminous coating uses formulation and polymerization grade to provide protection and flexibility against water due to the polymer grade and the reinforcement of fiber.

Bituminous coating is otherwise called asphalt coating in which the most common applications include areas that are under screed wet. Such would be an excellent protective coating and waterproofing agent, particularly on surfaces like concrete foundations.

Bituminous Membrane Waterproofing

Membrane waterproofing is a famous process used for low-sloped roofs or balcony decks because of its proven performance. The self-adhesive membrane and torchon membrane are used in the bituminous waterproofing membrane.

Self-adhesive compounds contain asphalt, fillers, and polymers. In addition to that, some compounds like oils and resins are also added to improve adhesion characteristics. Torchon membrane is also another type that can either be exposed or covered. The exposed membrane has a mineral granular aggregate to withstand wear and tear.

Polyurethane Liquid Membrane Waterproofing

This process is used for the flat roof area, balcony decks, and areas that are exposed to weathering. However, this type of waterproofing is said to be expensive. That said, it can offer higher flexibility. Nevertheless, polyurethane is very sensitive to moisture content, so it is essential to evaluate the moisture content in the concrete slab. Otherwise, de-bonding or peeling of membranes can happen after some time.

Deck Inspectors for Southern California is happy to offer our services in Los Angeles, Orange County as well as San Diego and all Southern California surrounding areas like Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Santa Monica, Anaheim, Temecula, Vista, Escondido, Carlsbad, and El Cajon