The Good Book
Protect Your Family With a Safe, Sturdy Deck More Than Curb Appeal
“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name …” Hebrews 6:10
Deckbuilders are seeing strong demand amid a trend among homeowners toward expanding their outdoor living and entertainment spaces. A well-built deck is both visually appealing and highly useful, and can significantly increase the value of your home. We often walk our customers through an inspection of their deck to help them track its condition. Here are a few of the elements we check. Beneath the Deck A strong frame supports the deck. One component is the ledger board, which connects the deck to the house. The connecting bolts should be placed evenly, with a minimum of two bolts in every joist bay. Support beams should be set squarely atop the support posts so the weight is borne by the footings. The deck joists run horizontally under the entire deck surface, supporting the deck boards. They should be placed close enough together, typically at a distance of no more than 16 inches, to prevent any bowing or movement of the surface boards when people walk across them. Finally, the rim joist runs along the outer edge of the deck and ties the ends of the joists together. All joists should be free from moisture damage and decay. Visible Surface The decking boards are what users see and feel, lending the deck its visual appeal. If your deck is made of wood, monitor the boards for insects, water damage, and splintering. The decking boards on some older structures are installed end-to-end, with joints visible on the surface of the deck. We achieve a cleaner, more finished look by running continuous boards all the way around, with a picture frame border around the outer edge. Safety Features Secure railings of wood, metal, vinyl, or composite materials provide safety and a finished appearance. Railings should be sturdy and supported by 4x4 posts securely anchored to the beams. We have seen some railings built like a picket fence along a continuous railing, posing a major safety hazard if any of the nails holding those pickets pop out. If you have any doubts about the safety of your deck, don’t hesitate to call us for an inspection. We will be glad to check it for safety and soundness, to ensure it meets your family’s needs!
Testimonials
“This company did such a fantastic job on my home. I was always so embarrassed by the horrible job the previous seller did, out of laziness. Cousins Roofing and Siding made my house look 1,000% better. The siding is sturdy and beautiful, the trim on the windows makes the house stand out more, and it’s timeless! The workers only took about a day and a half, and they cleaned up super well. They were nice and personable, and Samantha was also great and followed up with me after the job was done. … I highly recommend this company! … They added value to my home and eased my anxiety … I will forever be thankful for this company. And they also had financing! … 10 stars from me!” –Emilee W.
OUR SERVICES:
• Roofing • Siding • Gutters, Soffit, and Fascia • Decks • Roof Construction • James Hardie Siding • Windows and Doors
• Design and Build • Architectural Drawings • Concrete • Stamped Patios • Outdoor Kitchens • Outdoor Living Spaces • Repairs
3
CALLTHECOUSINS.COM | (412) 347-1040
@cnscousins
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator