Many deck collapses are caused by failure at connections, typically the ledger fasteners. But this case was different.
Images in a recent NBC video report appear to show that in this case, the deck joists ran parallel to the house and were fastened to beams running perpendicular to the house at intervals of 8 or 10 feet. However, the beams and ledger did not give way; instead, it appears that the end-nails attaching the joists to the beams failed. It looks like no joists hangers had been used.
Deck collapses often happen when decks are eccentrically loaded, as when a large number of people gather in a small area to take a photo. The resulting point loads put extra strain on connections, especially on older, weather-worn decks.
Related Stories
Pro's Picks: A Stylish Composite Decking
This pro shares a modern-look decking product with impressive performance
Top 100 Products 2022: Decks, Porches, & Railings
Products from AGS Stainless, Deckorators, SunTech, Fortress Building Products, Perma-Column, and Trex
How to Solve the Deck Ledger Problem in Fat Walls
Brick veneer and rigid exterior foam raise questions about deck ledger connections. We provide some answers.
Nova USA Wood Products: ExoDek QuickClip Fasteners
Hidden fasteners that automatically adjust your deck.
Top 100 Products for 2021: Decks, Porches and Railings
Products from AGS Stainless, Fortress Building Products, Camo, Fastenmaster, Fiberon, Deckorators and SunTech.
Pro's Picks: Danver Stainless Steel Cabinets
Stainless steel outdoor cabinetry that resists rusting while giving remodelers the look of interior kitchen design.
Work-From-Home Trend May Create Opportunity for Adding Shed Offices in Clients’ Outdoor Remodel
With more homeowners interested in working from home, backyard offices could be a solution for remote work.
Pro's Picks: Edgexmetal Clips, Camo Lever
A deck fastener system designed for metal framing that can save remodelers time and money.
Innovative Products: Camo EdgeXMetal Clips
A hidden clip for metal framing featuring a drill-point screw that can engage within two seconds