Possible concerns about a deck?

3/17/2018 at 7:13:49 PM

Hey,

Sounds super suspicious to me. First thing, put a stop work order on the project until a building inspection is done. Simply contact your local municipality and schedule an inspection, shouldn't hold up work more than 2-3 days. Once the inspection is completed you will know if your concerns are validated. My stairs usually fall somewhere between 30-35 degrees, 45 is too steep, I know Ontario has different codes than Alberta but I'm pretty sure stairs that steep do not meet any code, anywhere. Let me know how it turns out as I can refer some quality deck builders in your area

3/17/2018 at 7:26:51 PM

Hi Chris,

Your Stairs don't sound like they would meet code. Did you or your contractor obtain a building permit? If so, have the deck inspected and make sure you are present for the inspector. They will tell you what adjustments are required by code.

Code can vary from place to place but... 24" above the grade is a general rule of thumb to require railing and a permit. If you are under 20" there may not be a requirement for a permit and railing. However, I tell my clients that although a railing is not required, it is usually a good idea. 20" is a long way to fall expectantly!

Be sure to have a meeting and talk about your specific build details with your contractor. Insure there is a written agreement on how the deck is to be built to allow your daughter to use it easily.

Good luck.

3/17/2018 at 7:58:03 PM

Hi Chris: to answer your questions there are requirements in the Building Code that will answer your questions:

Stairs are required to have uniform risers, only a 6 mm (1/4") tolerance is allowed between risers within a flight of stairs.

The allowable rise of steps is min. 210 mm and max 355 mm, the allowable tread depth is min. 235 mm and max. 355 mm, which means that if your stairs are over 45 degrees there is obviously something wrong.

Handrails should have an ergonomic design, the Appendix of the Code (article 9.8.7.5.(2) provides illustrations of acceptable profiles - the illustrations show various widths however none are more than 55 mm.

There are requirements in the Code for various exterior finishes and membranes as well as flashing details which is something to be careful of when attaching a deck to the side of a home.

Guard railings can be eliminated on deck surfaces if the surface is less than 600 mm (2') above grade and on stairs until the stairs reach 2' above grade.

Guard railings are required to resist the specified loads prescribed in Table 9.8.8.2., which in your case states 'horizontal loads applied inward or outward at any point at the minimum required height of the guard' must be 0.5 kN/m OR concentrated load of 1.0 kN applied at any point, and 'Horizontal load applied inward or outward on elements within the guard, including solid panels and pickets' must be 0.5 kN applied over a maximum width of 300 mm and a height of 300 mm.

I hope this answers your questions

Ian Derksen

Safety Codes Officer - Building

3/18/2018 at 1:26:48 PM

Chris, short answer is ... I wouldn't be happy with what you described. The angle of the stair isn't correct. the height from step to step should be approximately 7". The basic height NOT requiring a railing is 24". Having said that,as previously mentioned, check with a building inspector for confirmation. You can call The Inspection Group or Superior Inspections and (at no charge) they can provide the information. Once you have the facts, ask the contractor to either re-do the issues or reimburse you for the replacement costs.

3/18/2018 at 2:07:03 PM

Sorry Chris I just realized I made a mistake in my reply - should have read: 'rise is required to be min. 125 mm & max. 200 mm, run is to be min. 210 mm & max. 355 mm, and tread depth is to be min. 235 mm & max. 355 mm.

Once again sorry for my mistake - I can assure you I got it right this time.

Also forgot to mention that anytime you are building a deck over 2' to grade a building permit is required (can be obtained by either the owner OR the contractor). Sounds to me like you have found a contractor who is building his first deck; hopefully your local inspector can help you with these problems.