In a recent safety evaluation of residential decks in and around Charlottesville Virginia an alarming trend was noted. 7 out of 10 decks had at least one safety issue, and 4 of the decks had significant safety issues that were cause for immediate action. Most homeowners either hire a contractor to build the deck, or the deck was attached to the house when the home was purchased. Some of the most serious issues found were:
Insufficient methods of attachment to the house
Improper joist fastening
Insufficient lateral bracing
Improper or non-existent post attachment
Undersized framing members
Improper fasteners used
The most serious issue, insufficient attachment to the house, was found on almost half, 4 of 10, of the decks inspected. When a ledger board, or band board (the framing member of the deck that is fastened to the structure of the house, to which the joists of the deck are attached) is fastened to the house improperly, the deck is a critical risk for collapse. Ledger boards MUST be fastened to the house using either lag bolts that fasten securely to the rim joist or framing of the house, or carriage bolts that completely penetrate the framing of the house and are secured with a washer and nut on the other side. The issues we saw included the use of nothing more than 16 penny nails, lag bolts that missed the house framing members and were fastened only to the exterior sheathing (plywood) and on one case, standard wood screws. Improper fastening techniques and materials is the #1 cause of deck collapse, leading to injury and death. When a deck is utilized for entertaining, the shift in load when people move about on the deck also shifts the stresses on the deck structure. The more people, the more weight, and the greater the forces involved. One of the decks we inspected was so poorly constructed, one person's weight was enough force to cause to deck to sway slightly. Put 20 people on that deck, and everyone is at risk.
7 1 4 Saw
16 penny nails are just not thick enough to withstand heavy loads and have very little strength to withstand lateral forces to resist pulling out. Any adult can pull a nail with a hammer claw using about as much force as is equal the force of 30 pounds of weight. Put 20 people, over 2,000 pounds of weight force, on a deck fastened with nails, and you see the problem. Nailing, bolting or even lag screwing to the exterior sheathing of the house is essentially useless. Most exterior sheathing products are less than 1/2 inch thick. They are designed to supply lateral (sideways) strength to a structure, not to resist pull-out forces. The best method of attachment is to utilize carriage bolts that go completely through the deck's band board, through the house band board or other framing member, and are secured with a washer and nut on the other side. When this is not possible, lag bolts must be used and must be secured into the framing members of the house.
The next serious issue noted was found with the fastening of the deck joists to the deck band board. Again, in nearly half of the decks inspected, the joists were merely toe-nailed to the band board, and/or toe nailed and sitting on a 2X2 inch ledger block placed under the joist. The same issues of poor pull out resistance and load carrying ability apply here. The only correct way to fasten deck joists is to utilize a metal joist hangar. They are designed to carry the load and withstand lateral forces when used properly. Check under your deck. If you do not see joist hangars, nailed at 90 degrees into the band board of the deck and into the joist, your deck is not safe!
Most of the decks inspected utilized 4X4 treated wood posts that were both buried in the ground below the frost line and sitting atop a proper concrete footing. A few of them were not. Two of the decks had 4X4 posts literally just resting on top of concrete, with no attachment method to the concrete. If you are not burying the post at least 2 foot below grade, then you must utilize a metal post base bracket. The post base it attached to the concrete using the appropriate concrete fasteners, then the post is attached to the bracket using joist hanger nails or lag bolts.
Next, a serious lack of lateral bracing on most of the decks was noted. Lateral bracing prevents the deck structure from moving sideways. If you were to start out taking a few steps on one direction on your deck, and stop suddenly with force, your deck should NOT MOVE. If it does, it is not properly braced. Your deck should be at least as strong as the floor inside your home, and often stronger. The exterior sheathing on the structure of your house provides the lateral bracing. On a deck, it needs to be done with dimensional lumber that is designed to withstand exposure to the elements. When properly planned, a deck's lateral bracing can be incorporated into the design so that it adds to the appearance of the deck while providing a structural purpose. If your deck is built on grade, or less than 24 inches above grade, lateral bracing will need to be applied before the deck surface is placed. On decks more than 24 inches above grade, an angled piece of dimensional lumber should be fastened to each side of each post, from the top of the post to some point below the top, with a minimum of a 30 degree angle. If you have a deck, get it inspected by a professional immediately. An inspection should take about an hour, and cost less than one hundred dollars if you call a contractor. A small price to pay for peace of mind.
Cyber Monday Makita 5377MG Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw 2011 Deals
Nov 30, 2011 22:51:30
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Cyber Monday Makita 5377MG Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw Feature
- Large bevel capacity with positive stops at 22.5 degrees, 45 degrees, and 51.5 degrees.
- Oil-bath technology is created with a built-in fan and sealed-gear housing to ensure 100% oil surface coating
- High quality, heat treated hypoid steel gears do not prematurely wear like traditional bronze-alloy worm drive gears
- Reinforced power cord withstands jobsite abuse
- 1-year warranty
Cyber Monday Makita 5377MG Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw Overview
Weight is a key factor with Hypoid (rear handle) saws, and with the extensive use of magnesium, the weight of Makita's new hypoid saw is reduced to a very competitive 13 pounds. The powerful motor employs dense windings which allowed Makita to make the overall package more compact and maneuverable.As with the 5277NB, it utilizes a precision-machined, maintenance free (never add oil) hypoid gearing system. Hypoid gears deliver more power than traditional worm drive gears found on other rear-handle saws. Includes the Makita 5377MG 7 1/4" Magnesium Hypoid Saw.Cyber Monday Makita 5377MG Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw Specifications
The Makita 7-1/4-Inch Magnesium Hypoid Saw features highly durable magnesium components and a powerful 15 AMP Makita-built industrial motor and hypoid gearing system for maximum power output. The 5377MG seamlessly balances weight, power, durability, and ease of use, making it the most refined circular saw on the market. | ||||
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The 5377MG features a Makita-built 15 AMP industrial motor that delivers 4,500 RPM, combined with well-balanced magnesium components for a lighter weight saw that delivers true power the professional user demands. Users will benefit from the precision-machined hypoid gears, which are maintenance free and deliver more constant power than worm drive gears. Hypoid gears allow for more surface contact so more power is transferred over a wider surface, providing increased power and durability. In addition, hypoid gears are sealed in an oil bath so they never need maintenance. The saw has a large cutting capacity (2-3/8 inches at 90°) with a maximum bevel capacity of 51.5° and positive stops at 22.5°, 45° and 51.5° for quick back-and-forth changes.
Ergonomic and Ease-of-Use
Features Magnesium components allowed Makita to engineer a saw with less weight (13 pounds) that is well-balanced and jobsite tough. Additional design details include greater clearance between the rear handle and the blade case to provide a better grip for larger hands or for users with gloves, as well as a wider space between the blade and housing for a clearer view of the blade and measurement scale. Makita also engineered ergonomics and ease-of-use into the saw, including clearly visible depth and bevel markings and ergonomic hand grips to improve overall control while minimizing operator fatigue. The large rubberized levers provide quick, one-handed adjustments for more efficient work.
Includes Ultra-Coated Framing Blade
The 5377MG includes a Makita 7-1/4-Inch Premium Ultra-Coated Framing Blade with Advance Tooth Design. The "M" shaped tooth design features a two-pointed tip and two 10° bevel faces to maximize cutting performance for a faster, cleaner and longer lasting cut. The carbide tips are specifically set to withstand the harshest conditions such as plowing through nail-embedded wood. The blade is also ultra-coated to reduce heat and pitch build-up for faster, smoother cutting, with special Makita heat vents strategically set to dissipate heat and increase performance. The 5377MG also include a blade wrench attached to the saw for fast and convenient blade changing.
Engineered for a Range of Applications
The 5377MG is built for framing walls, floors and roofs using a range of dimensional lumber and dense engineered lumber, including LVL, PSL and I-Joists, headers, and microlams; as well as ripping panels such as plywood, OSB, particle board, and dense structural panels. Other applications include plunge and bevel cutting, as well as masonry and metal cutting. The 5377MG is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's Magnesium Series
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are more compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
Warranty
Every Makita tool is thoroughly inspected and tested before leaving the factory. If you are not satisfied with any Makita tool within 30 days of purchase, return it and Makita will provide a replacement or refund. Each Makita tool is warranted to be free of defects from workmanship and materials for the period of ONE YEAR from the date of original purchase. Should any trouble develop during this one-year period, return the COMPLETE tool, freight prepaid, to one of Makita's Factory or Authorized Service Centers. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
What's in the Box
Makita 5377MG 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw includes, 24T carbide tipped framing blade and wrench.
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Limited Offer Today!! Makita 5377MG Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Hypoid Saw Cyber Monday and Black Friday 2011 Deals
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