A:
The deck should have been built to the structural standards for the weather area you live in. In areas where the snow is heavier, the decks will have a higher load rating than those in a low-lying, warm area. When a heavy, wet snow hits, I would clear it to lessen the weight, but this is only necessary if there is a lot of snow. Check with your local building code for snow loads. I always clear my deck because I don't want anyone to slip and fall.
A:
Yes. Cross Country Contractors installs decks all year round. Where most companies choose indoor jobs in the winter, we are specialists in outdoor projects and install many of our decks in the winter months. Although working outdoors in the winter can be harsh, all of our projects are completed to our high quality and exacting standards.
A:
In most cases we begin working on your project within a couple days. Bear in mind this is mostly office related such as preparing permits, work orders, etc.. The average time to beginning the project is about three weeks (depending upon the season) with the average actual build time between 2-4 days.
A:
The most common deck is a 12' x 20' with a couple of 45 degree corners cut off. To get the feel of a larger deck, add a handrail. The rail gives you more useable area. When you put a hot tub on the deck or through the deck, it's good to have at least 36 inches around the tub for walking clearance. The usual hot tub deck is 14' x 16'. The most common decking and railing materials in the Midwest are Western Red Cedar with a pressure-treated lumber frame.
A:
Pressure treated lumber is hem-fir lumber that has been treated with chemicals to prevent decay and insect infestation. There has recently been sweeping reform on the types of treatment allowable in this process. Because of uncertain health risks associated with treated lumber Cross Country Contractors uses this material only for the deck framing as mandated by local codes. Along with many of the composite materials available, Cross Country Contractors uses cedar for the decking, railings, stairs and trim.
A tree begins to decay the moment it is cut down. To make lumber last longer, the treating company loads each piece of lumber on to a large flat car and wheels it into a large pressure chamber where it is treated with certain chemicals that help preserve the wood. Untreated hem-fir will decay out in the elements in 10 to 15 years. Treated lumber in the same environment could last 30 to 40 years.
Pressure treating comes in different grades. Make sure you are receiving a grade that is rated for "Ground Contact." Each piece of lumber will have a stamp on it with the notation "LP-22 for Ground Contact." Check for this stamp and/or ask your contractor if they use it.
A:
Yes, for safety purposes, handrail is
required whenever your deck is 30" or more off the ground. The minimum height for
handrails for residential decks is 36" and a 4" sphere must not be able to pass
through the railing system. Additionally, the handrail must be able to support 25 lbs per
foot of side pressure.