Deck Structure & Support Repairs

Deck Support Columns with New Footings

Often times decks prior to new codes were not installed with the correct footings. We jack the deck up to the desired or original height or as specified by an Engineer. We’ll then remove the designated support columns, dig and pour the necessary footings and install the needed new support columns.

The new columns will match the previous or existing columns unless specifically noted or changed, but all will need to be up to code and to be structurally sound enough to handle the weight of the deck. The footings will be a minimum of 16 inches wide by 16 inches long by 10 inches deep and deeper if the ground is not hard or compacted enough, the ground must have a compaction of 95%.

We install 4 pieces of rebar approximately 4 inches off the bottom of the footing, place the rebar in a criss-cross pattern making a mat formation near the base of the footing. If the footing is outside or in a wet location the top of the footing to be two inches above the surrounding area with the appropriate metal holder if they are pressure treated wood, and if the supports are steel columns they will be anchored with two red-head anchors. Anchor the top of the support columns to the framing above with 16cc or appropriate lag screws.

All columns we install will be code compliant, both in size and the way they are fastened to the footing at the base of the column and to the deck at the top of the column.

We jack the deck back up to its original position and remove the old column so new support columns and footings can be installed.

This picture to the left is showing replacement of a support column on concrete that does not need extra footing support.

Deck Support Columns with No Additional Footings

We jack the deck up to the desired or original height or as specified by an Engineer, then remove the designated support columns and
Install new support columns.

We’ll select support columns that match the remaining support columns unless told to install a different kind or type of support.
All columns we install will be code compliant, both in size and the way they are fastened to the footing at the base of the column and to the deck at the top of the column.

If the new supports are steel they are to be anchored at the base with red head anchors and anchored at the top with 16cc nails or lag screws. If the columns are pressure treated wood they are to be fitted at the base with the appropriate metal anchors and attached at the top with 16cc nails or lag screws.

Deck Bolts that Connect to the House

Having the right bolts that attach a deck to the house is critical. When we do this, first we’ll remove any obstacles on the inside of the structure that is aligned with the outside of the deck, this is for working room.

Using the appropriate drill and bit, drill a hole through the bandboard of the deck and through the corresponding wall of the house. Install through bolts between the deck and the house. The through bolts will be spaced not more than 29 inches apart and sized for length. The bolts will be ½ inch in diameter and made from galvanized steel.

Use hex style bolts with hex nuts. Washers to be on each end of the bolt and the nut tightened to approximately 60 pounds torque.

This is what happens when a deck is not properly fastened to the house. It can cause tremendous damage and serious personal injury if not done correctly.

If the stairway is over 7 feet long horizontally, as measured along the ground, there must be intermediate support columns. Also all landings must be free standing — as per the new code of 2012 for Georgia.

Deck Staircases with Additional Support

Often times in contractor grade homes, long deck stairways are not supported as they should be. Because of the length of the stairway that is not supported, additional support columns are required. The code states that there must be mid-way supports if the span of the stairway exceeds 7 feet (measured horizontally) and all landings must be treated as free standing. We install columns and footings in the appropriate places to ensure a stead climb up and down the stairs without it feeling precarious.

The columns used will be the same kind and quality as the existing columns on the deck.
The footings to be a minimum of 16 inches wide by 16 inches long by 12 inches deep and deeper if the ground is not hard or compacted enough, the ground must have a compaction of 95%. Install 4 pieces of rebar approximately 4 inches off the bottom of the footing, place the rebar in a criss-cross pattern making a mat formation near the base of the footing.

The footing to be one inch above the surrounding area with the appropriate metal holder if they are pressure treated wood, and if the supports are steel columns they will be anchored with two red-head anchors. Anchor the top of the support columns to the framing above with appropriate “Simpson” hangers or notch the column and fasten with through bolts.

All columns we install will be code compliant, both in size and the way they are fastened to the footing at the base of the column and to the deck at the top of the column.

Deck Flashing to Prevent Water Damage

We’ll remove areas of the siding and flooring along the wall as needed to access the areas where there is to be flashing installed. Then we remove at least 2 pieces of siding above the existing deck, and remove 1 or 2 pieces of the deck flooring.

We repair any damaged areas that are visible.
Replace any wet or damaged insulation and install flashing as required.

The flashing is a specially bent piece of aluminum or galvenized metal. About 6 or 8 inches of the metal goes up behind the siding. The metal is then extended outward past the bandboard of the deck, then turned down to carry any water that accumuliates in that area away from the house and onto the ground under the deck.

The flashing is pre-bent from the supply house or can be bent and fitted on the job using a “brake”, a common tool used mostly by siding installers.
Replace the deck floor boards.
Replace the siding that was removed.
Replace the trim and caulk as needed.

Call 404-825-3561

Placing the flashing behind the siding and on top of the deck floor joists, this helps prevent water from seeping inside the basement or crawlspace and rotting the non-pressure treated wood.

Need Your Deck Fixed? Call us!

We’re sinkhole repair specialists in Atlanta and the surrounding communities, including: Gwinnett, Hall County, Walton County, Lawrenceville, Monroe, Loganville, Grayson, Suwanee, Buford, and all of the Metro Atlanta area!