Show All Answers

1. Why must the footing be in the ground a minimum of 42 inches?

In our climate, frost may reach down into the earth a depth of 42 inches. If the concrete is down that far, the frost stands less of a chance of heaving the footing.

2. Why can't the 4 by 4 support post be sunk into the concrete when the pier is poured?

Although the lumber is treated with a preservative, there still exists the possibility that the lumber may deteriorate or rot at a later date. By using post anchors, repair and/or replacement of the post is made much easier resulting in decks that are better maintained.

3. Why is there a maximum spacing of the decking boards of 1/4 inch?

There is less chance of high heels getting caught in the gap or shoes rolling sideways causing a twisted ankle.

4. When is a railing required around a deck?

When the finished deck surface is higher than 30 inches above the adjacent ground.

5. May my deck come in contact with the ground?

It may, but it is discouraged. If it must, then treated lumber rated for ground contact is mandatory. The deck must still be structurally supported by girders, posts, and piers and not by the ground it contacts.

6. I bought my deck as a kit from the lumberyard. The Building Department says it won't meet the code. Why?

Generally, the material in the kit will meet the code, but the sizes of the lumber may not. Rolling Meadows Code of Ordinances requires a 40-pound live load for the deck. The lumberyard may be figuring on a 30-pound live load, thus the lumber sizes may not be large enough to meet the Rolling Meadows Code.

7. Will the Community Development Department accept beam, joist, and decking spans that are inconsistent with the generally accepted span tables?

It's possible, but only when the plans are sealed by a registered architect or structural engineer.

8. Can I use landscape fabric under my deck instead of 6-millimeter Visqueen?

Yes, this is for weed prevention. This is not a vapor barrier.

9. What is the code for residential stairs?

The minimum tread is 10 inches with a nosing not less than 3/4 inch but not more than 1 1/4 inches. The maximum riser is 7 3/4 inches. The greatest riser height shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch.

10. What is the code for guardrails?

Porches, decks, balconies, or raised floor surfaces located more than30 inches above the floor or grade require a guardrail not less than 36 inches in height. Open sides of stairs 30 inches above the floor or grade require a guardrail not less than 34 inches in height measured vertically form the nosing of the treads.

11. What is the code for a handrail?

Stairs with 4 or more risers are required to have a handrail between 30 and 38 inches high measured vertically from the nosing of the tread on 1 side of the stair. Handrails have to be continuous the full length of the stair. Handrails adjacent to a wall shall have a space of not less than 1 1/2 inch between the wall and the handrail. Handrail gripping size shall have a cross section with a diameter of 1 1/4 to 2 inches.