Archive for category: Blog

Decks, porches, and patios provide extended functional spaces to thousands of homeowners in California. While these add beauty and value to properties, many owners overlooked the importance of deck inspections to maintain safety.

Many accidents like failed railings, slips, and falls have resulted in severe injuries and traumatic loss of life. Decks are a place for family and friends to gather, entertain, and relax. So, they need regular inspections to ensure they are strong, safe, and durable.

Why Do We Need Deck Inspections?

Exterior structures like decks are exposed to elements that cause cracks, rotting, and other damages. Whilst these decks follow local building codes, they do wear and tear over time.

Being a heavily-used area at home, regular deck maintenance will detect conditions that pose hazards to the occupants. Deck inspections help prevent stair problems, railing breakages, or possible collapses.  Lastly, this will save money from costly repair and more importantly save lives.

California Balcony Inspections Law

In California, the state requires periodic deck inspections on properties with balconies, decks, porches, or patios. The requirements may vary by the type of building and elevated space you have.

The recent signing of Senate Bill 721 and Senate Bill 326 raised a lot of concerns about the new inspection requirements. The below details will give an idea as to what the new laws entail.

Senate Bill 326

SB 326 requires all multi-family, HOA (Homeowners Association), and condo units to have EEE inspections. An apartment that is going through condominium conversions needs an inspection before the first close of escrow.

Deck inspections for exterior elevated elements under SB 326 can only be done by a licensed architect or structural engineer. The first inspection must happen before or on January 1, 2025, and subsequent inspections happen once every nine years.

Senate Bill 721s

The new state law requires all buildings in California with three or more multifamily residential units to have their exterior elevated elements such as porches, balconies, stairways, decks, and walkways.

Any structure designed for human occupancy with entry structures that extend beyond the exterior walls of the building, and with an elevated walking surface of at least 6 feet above the ground must comply with the new law.

The initial inspection will be on the first of January 2025 and with regular deck inspections every 6 years. A licensed architect, structural or civil engineer, certified building inspector, or licensed contractor holding A, B, or C-5 license qualifications with at least 5 years of experience constructing multistory wood frame buildings can complete the inspection.

The minimum inspection includes the condition of waterproofing elements, the condition of load-bearing components, and the evaluation of projected service life and future performance.

---

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

Summer is a special time when the sun is extra sunny, the weather is extra fine, and people are eager to get outside.

As a homeowner, this is also the perfect time to give your house much-needed upkeep and makeover. Especially those areas that get exposed to the elements the most, one of which is your deck.

Why summer is the perfect time for deck upkeep

Your wood deck takes the worst beating from the elements and weather changes throughout the year.

When summer comes, your deck sees a lot of parties, gatherings, and weekend fun. The extra weight, water exposure, and other factors can cause serious damage to your deck’s integrity.

Therefore, it’s critical to invest in wood deck waterproofing and other deck maintenance before the season starts.

What you need to know about wood deck waterproofing

Wood deck waterproofing is such a smart investment if you want to keep your deck in good shape for a long time.

Investing in waterproofing will preserve the integrity of your deck, so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Ignoring wood deck waterproofing, on the other hand, could lead to some serious—and costly—problems in the future. For one, you might need a complete deck rebuild or restoration if the damage becomes extensive. Your deck may also become unsafe for use. Safety concerns can come with fines if inspectors find that it’s not up to code.

With wood deck waterproofing, you get to protect your deck from the elements, especially water, by providing a protective surface.

You also get to choose different sealants and coats depending on the type of wood used in your deck and the level of protection that you want for it.

Hiring the professionals in wood deck waterproofing

You might be tempted to make this into a DIY project. However, wood deck waterproofing is something that should be left to professionals. When you hire waterproofing experts, you can guarantee that every inch of your deck will be treated properly. So, there’s very minimal chance of damage even if your deck is constantly exposed to water and sunlight.

You also get to cut the time it takes to waterproof your deck. Experts have the tools and experience needed for efficiency. That also means you get to avoid costly errors that could possibly cause more damage to your deck.

So, before the summer months begin, make sure that you get in touch with Deck Inspectors!

---

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

There are a lot of ways to improve your apartment deck and help get the most bang for your buck by being able to better utilize every inch of the space you are paying for!

Here are some budget-friendly ways for you to transform your apartment deck into a functional space for you and your guests.

 

Installing multifunctional balcony furniture

 

If you know a bit of carpentry, you can build a spectacular piece of multifunctional balcony furniture to enhance your apartment deck. This combines a lot of seating space with a bench and vertical storage.

 

Creating a vertical lattice structure with some cheap materials for your local hardware store will provide a shelving space for small plants or objects. You can also use small dollar store crates under the bench to stash some small blankets, pillows, or games. Thrifting a small outdoor rug will help warm the space and bring the whole area together, sustainably and cheap!

 

Adding pops of colors with planters

 

You can set the tone for an inviting balcony by implementing touches of colors that are known to bring calmness, warmth, and serenity to any space. One easy and eco-friendly way to add a pop color is by creating your own planter wall.

Adding greenery not only helps keep the air clean around you and promotes pollination, but also brings a new feeling liveliness to an area that can lead to more calm and happy feelings.

 

A fun way to maximize color is by picking up some cheap pots on Amazon or at your local plant shop and painting them to match your own aesthetic! Make sure to choose colors that you find yourself drawn to, and make you feel good looking at to help enhance the moods that bring out the best in you.

Seating ideas using pallet boards

 

Pallet boards are also quite useful when you are transforming a simple balcony deck into something inviting and relaxing. These can be used to create a wood pallet sectional sofa with tufted outdoor cushions to transform the outdoor apartment deck into a cozy hangout.

 

If your balcony is a bit limited in space, you can utilize the wall by using a roll of inexpensive reed fencing to spruce it up. You might opt for a string of paper lantern-style lights to add a bit of ambiance during the night.

 

Throw in a machine-washable cotton rug on top the wood tiles and put a white planter with hassle-free faux plants to seal the deal.

 

Adding twinkle lights

 

One of the most important elements of any room is lighting and while the sun provides all you need during the day, adding some inexpensive twinkle lights can help maximize the hours of use for your apartment deck.

 

If you are transforming your balcony deck, consider using string lights to line the walls, railing, or windows. Adding fun lights will create a nice new spot for dinner dates while practicing social distancing, or just a nice breathe of the crisp fresh air before bedtime.

 

 

Ideas for the improvement of your apartment deck has no limits if you make the most out of it. You can spend a fortune, or you can settle for trendy pieces from local discount stores to begin with.

 

For any questions regarding the safety, upkeep, and protection of your apartment deck, click here! We are ready and eager to take on all of your questions or set up a consultation.

---

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

Through the years, balconies have played an essential role in architectural history. From the medieval ages to modern times, balconies have added a united aesthetic to homes where homeowners can gather, entertain guests, and enjoy the outside world without stepping out of their property lines.

A Little Background of Elevated Balconies

The word balcony originates from “balcone”, an Italian word which means scaffold. The earliest balconies were constructed in ancient Greece thousands of years ago, mainly for functional needs such as to boost interior light and improve air circulation for homes in hot climates.

During medieval times, balconies were used for ceremonial and recreational functions, such as when people of importance stood out on a balcony as they made proclamations to those listening below them from the ground.

While balconies were once used by dictators to show power, during more recent times they hold many functional uses such as providing spectators a better view of plays, operas, and sports games.

Most recently, due to the Covid19 Pandemic, balconies have served as brief escapes for people in large cities and apartment buildings around the world.

Different types of balconies then and now

Hourd

An ancient balcony made of wood, animal skin, or manure. While most balconies are associated with love and romance, a hourd is purposely built to protect a territory from invaders during the war. Castle defenders will stand on the hourd while dropping more manure or rocks to invaders below.

Juliet balcony

This is a compact type of balcony put up outside a French window or door on the second floor of the house. Juliet balcony is the most popular type and is a common architectural feature in countries like Italy and Spain. Balconets or balconettes, are other terms used for Juliet balconies and come in a wide range of designs – from minimalist to intricate railings.

French balcony

This one is a false balcony that opens into a railing with no space with the view of the surrounding around and below.

True balcony

Elevated balconies of this type add beauty, appeal, value, and some extra space to homes. In some states, properties with outdoor spaces add to the actual value of the property.

 

Besides, true balconies give homeowners the privacy they need without leaving the house. It becomes a private spot to enjoy the view around, watch the sunset, and get a breath of fresh air.

Mezzanine

This is an indoor type of balcony commonly seen between two stories in a building. Mostly, a mezzanine serves as a nook to entertain guests which features a deck with protective railings.

Hung balconies

These types are commonly featured in residential and modern buildings that sit perpendicular to the building. From the cable fixes to the platform the material mainly consists of steel.

 

Hung balconies work by fixing the metal cable on the metal platform and is then connected to the wall at 45 degrees.

 

Today, elevated balconies are used for both functional and recreational purposes. Balconies are now additional parts of the household to communicate with neighbors, hang clothes, enjoy the sunset over a cup of coffee, and so much more.

Got more questions about elevated balconies or need some guidance with inspections? Reach out by clicking here!

---

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

Homeowners are now presented with a wide range of materials for home elevated decks, providing limitless ways to customize your deck just to your liking and stand out from the crowd. But with so much to choose from, picking the right material for your elevated decks can be a grueling process.

Before pushing through with your home deck plans, have a look at the list below to see which material might be the best fit for you.

Your choice deck materials are as follows:

Pressure-treated lumber

This is an affordable, easy to find, durable material and is generally recommended for small, elevated decks; however, PT lumbers are prone to warping, shrinking, and swelling when exposed to harsh elements and might require more upkeep depending the climate you live in.

Composites

This choice is easy to clean, weather-resistant, almost maintenance-free, and available in a variety of colors and features. Composites are more expensive compared to PT lumbers.

Aluminum

This is probably the perfect material for elevated decks as it is excellently rot and mold resistant. Aluminum is also a lot lighter when compared to wood, composite, and plastic materials. More so, it is exceptionally durable compared to most elevated decks materials.

Tropical hardwoods

Naturally resistant to insects, makes tropical hardwoods a good material choice. However, expect to shell out a good amount of money as this can be a harder find.

Red and Cedar

These materials add natural beauty to your elevated decks due to its rich and natural color. Both are also chemically treated making them resistant to rot, decay, and insects.

Have an elevated deck that’s up for inspection? Click here to get in contact with our qualified deck inspectors! 

---

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