Pultruded Fiberglass "T" Balcony Decking
Pultruded Fiberglass "T" Balcony Decking
(OP)
I was asked by a new homeowner to review the 10 year old decking on their condo balcony. The home inspector raised concerns about its safety.
The decking appears to be McNichol T-1810 pultruded fiberglass (http://www.mcnichols.com/products/grating/pultrude...)
It spans 4 ft. It is a covered deck that gets very little sun.
Based on the span tables, it appears this decking is designed to span 48" with a 100 psf load. (see attached)
The decking feels bouncy, and based on a design load of 60 psf, I am getting L/180 (no wonder it feels bouncy!). Should this be a concern other than the perception that it is flimsy?
The members are 1 5/8" wide and spaced 2" O.C. and are connected every 6" by fiberglass rods.
According to the design tables (attached), the ultimate point load on the decking is 1250 lbs over a 1 sq. ft. area. Should I worry about small footprint point loads - such as chair legs?
Also, any thoughts on CYA stuff I should add to my report? (such as "I have no control over the testing, manufacturing, hidden defects or hidden deterioration")
Thanks!
The decking appears to be McNichol T-1810 pultruded fiberglass (http://www.mcnichols.com/products/grating/pultrude...)
It spans 4 ft. It is a covered deck that gets very little sun.
Based on the span tables, it appears this decking is designed to span 48" with a 100 psf load. (see attached)
The decking feels bouncy, and based on a design load of 60 psf, I am getting L/180 (no wonder it feels bouncy!). Should this be a concern other than the perception that it is flimsy?
The members are 1 5/8" wide and spaced 2" O.C. and are connected every 6" by fiberglass rods.
According to the design tables (attached), the ultimate point load on the decking is 1250 lbs over a 1 sq. ft. area. Should I worry about small footprint point loads - such as chair legs?
Also, any thoughts on CYA stuff I should add to my report? (such as "I have no control over the testing, manufacturing, hidden defects or hidden deterioration")
Thanks!





