Safe Porches Guide
A Message from Alderman Schulter
Porches and decks reveal as much about the history of Chicago housing as do the brick cornices, high-reaching archways and decorative facades found on many older two and three-flat buildings. Originally intended as a secondary exit for tenants in case of an emergency, the use of porches began to expand when milkmen and dry ice providers used the back porch as a means to deliver their goods and laundry was hung there to dry.
Today, the use of porches and decks continues to evolve. Homeowners and tenants use porches as an extension to their home or apartment by adding potted plants and deck furniture. The popularity of decks has grown as city dwellers have begun to view them as a place to host occasional parties. However you choose to enjoy your porch or deck, it's essential that it is designed properly, built in accordance with the Chicago Building Code and maintained on a regular basis so that in the case of an emergency, all the building's occupants can exit safely.
For homeowners who intend to replace their deck or porch system, the City has developed a step-by-step guide to porch and deck design and construction. Whether you are building the porch or deck yourself or have hired a contractor to do the work for you, this Guide will provide you with the information you need to ensure that your porch or deck is built correctly. It contains several standardized porch designs that comply with the Chicago Building Code. It also includes instructions on construction methods and describes the process for obtaining a building permit once the design has been selected.
Sincerely,
Gene Schulter
Porch Safety
10 Signs of an Exterior Porch System in Disrepair
Every summer hundreds of Chicagoans celebrate warm weather with fun-filled gatherings of friends and family. Exterior back porches are often the site for such gatherings. This brochure is designed to inform building owners, landlords, and tenants of potentially hazardous exterior porch systems before tragedy strikes. Remember to plan your outdoor celebrations wisely.
Is your exterior porch in trouble? Here are 10 things to look for
- Extensive Exterior Peeling Paint
Peeling paint is the first sign of possible deterioration of an exterior porch system. It exposes the wood to rain and other elements, resulting in rotting,warping and wearing of the system. - Loose Handrails
Handrails are an extremely important part within the exterior porch system. They protect tenants and the general public while traveling up and down the flight of stairs. Handrails should not sway more than one inch ineither direction. - Cracked or Rotted Wood
Wood members of the porch system may include treads (steps), handrails, decking, etc. Any wood which is rotted will not provide the strength needed for the exterior porch system to serve as a safe means of travel to and from the structure. Rotted wood should be repaired or replaced immediately. - Decks Pulling Away From Exterior Wall
On multi-level porch systems, decks are held in place by vertical upright columns as well as horizontal wood slats called look-outs which support the actual deck. Check to see if an exaggerated gap has been created between the deck and the exterior wall. If these areas are defective it creates a hazardous and dangerous condition which must be remedied immediately. - Connection of Uprights and Look-Outs
This is an extremely important component of an exterior porch system. Check any connection where two pieces of wood meet. If there are signs of rotting wood or the wood members are pulling away from each other at the connection, this creates a dangerous condition and affects the strenght of the entire porch. Also look for extensive caulking at this joint to camouflage the presence of separation. In some instances wood may be placed over this connection hiding the rotting wood. This does not eliminate the dangerous condition. - Footing at Ground Level Supporting Uprights
Footing at the grounds level provide a solid base of support for the entire porch. Look to make sure there is no rotting at the base. Also view the actual footing to make sure the concrete is not cracked or crumbling. - Roof Structures, Gutters and Downspouts Above Porch System
Water leaking from a gutter or downspout directly onto a porch weakens the porch system quickly. Repair leaking roofs and conduct an annual cleaning and inspection of gutters and downspouts. - Loose and Rotting Decking and Floor Joists
This is the actual floor base of each level of the structure. Large gaps between tongue and groove flooring and warped wood or joisted which have twisted are signs of a system in need of urgent repair. - Balusters
This wood is located between the handrail and the actual deck. Balusters serve as an important safeguard for individuals on the deck. The proper installation and maintenance of balusters are essential to the overall safety of the porch. - Improper Use of Porch System
Porches are designed to provide access to a dwelling. They are not designed for large parties or storage areas. Also, barbecuing to close to the wood structure is unsafe, as it may cause a fire that could spread to the building.
For more information on Porch Safety Please Call : The 47th Ward Public Service Office at 773-348-8400.