Improper Porch and Deck Can Be Dangerous

Porches provide shade for windows and protect from the weather for outside doorways. At the same time it also carries special maintenance problems, which you must identify during your inspection. This is more important when you intend to buy a new house because some potential problems could cause inconvenience and affect the overall look of your new home.



Separating At the Roof

The major trouble spot is the joint between the porch roof and house, which can lead to water penetration. It is very likely to find cracks in siding, where the porch joins the house. You can also find cracks on the joint between the porch roof and the main structure.

Water Damage

Since porches are generally more open to weather, the major threat is the water damage. The porch decks and the bases of any pillars sustain most of the damage. Make sure that there are no soft wood and paint failure at the base of pillars.

Settling At the Foundation

Porches normally have separate foundations such as a series of masonry and wooden footings. Because of their difference with the foundation of the main structure, unsightly appearance or structural damage is very likely. To reverse the footings and to replace the footings is possible but it is a substantial job and it could cost a huge sum. Other possible indications of different settling include a steeply slanted porch floor, cracks between the floor and the house, and cracked boards around the porch.



Railings

Railings are the most visible elements of a deck, and are required for safety purposes. If a deck is more than 18-inches from the grounds, there must be a railing. You must also check its height. The standard height for homes is 36 inches. You must remember that the railing design must adhere to local building codes that are designed to ensure safety. Make sure that the maximum opening between balusters, spindles, or pickets is such that a 4-inch diameter ball could not pass through the railing.

Flashing

Another most important consideration is Flashing. When water leaks under the flashing, it weakens the deck foundation, as the wood begins to rot. If the aluminum flashing is mixed with the new treated wood products, it could be very dangerous. Moreover, the deck should not also be directly placed under the sill of an exterior door. There must be a four-inch distance between the threshold and the top of the deck. This keeps water from getting under the threshold and eventually from rotting out the sub flooring.

Other considerations

• If the porch is too big or too small, it can substantially reduce the house value.
• The porch must be easily accessed from family room and the living room.
• The stairs must be at least 3ft wide

Porch and deck are important parts of the home and while considering buying a new house, make sure that the porch and deck is free from the problems mentioned above. It is also necessary to find out the extent of damage, if any because it would help you in estimating the cost of repairs and fixing the problems.