Decks / Patios
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PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THESE REQUIREMENTS. ALL DECK REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS REQUIRE ADVANCE APPROVAL FROM THE HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION.
Maintenance and Repair of Decks and/or Patios Under Sarah's Glen bylaws, each homeowner at his/her sole cost and expense, is responsible for the regular, ongoing maintenance and repair of their deck(s) and/or patio (including surface, substructure, footings/foundation and supports). The HOA recommends that homeowners with decks utilize the services of a NADRA member structural engineer / inspector (or similar specialist) to periodically assess the condition of your deck structure and make recommendations to remediate any issues. Damage from wood rot, insect infestation, ground settling, etc can often emerge as deck structures age, especially if not maintained on a frequent and ongoing basis. Any repair or replacement of a deck structure must use ORIGINAL CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL that meets current village building codes and be consistent with the original deck design. All deck repairs and replacements require HOA approval on material and a review of the repair/construction plan. A homeowner's request for deck repair approval should be submitted to the management company using the architectural improvement/change form. Replacement decking boards must be red cedar lumber, unless the homeowner has received separate HOA approval to use an association approved composite decking product* that mimics the appearance of transparently stained red cedar lumber. Replacement fascia boards must be red cedar lumber to maintain exterior appearance consistency throughout the association. Replacement support joists and/or beams for substructure must be pressure treated lumber that is sized and spaced to meet current building code. Any replacement upright deck posts must be 6" x 6" rough sawn red cedar attached to a steel post base on the concrete support footings to properly support the load of the deck. Trim boards around deck posts must be red cedar. In summary, the Basic Deck Repair Material Requirements are:
To increase lateral stability of an existing deck, usage of substructure steel angle braces, properly attached to joists, beams and posts, to strengthen the deck structure and reduce lateral movement, is permitted. The HOA will also consider approval of minimal appearance, underside diagonal cross bracing (horizontally installed under the deck’s joists) or underside sway braces (eg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEwVzIR0bzQ ) Any proposed installation of these bracing options must be submitted with your deck repair approval request via the architectural improvement/change form. Knee bracing, or other types of add-on bracing that alters the visual appearance of the original deck design, are NOT permitted. To maintain consistent appearance that is required by the Association’s covenants, bylaws and rule/regulations, all wood decks and their supporting structure should only be stained / sealed with the following:
Solid Stains, Paints or other Tint colors (such as redwood, brown, etc) are not approved by the association and are prohibited. Depending on usage, quality of care, weather and other environmental conditions, this type of maintenance may be needed as often as every two years. Any homeowner with a deck that has been stained or painted with an unapproved deck tint (stain/sealer/paint) should correct the error as soon as practical. If not corrected, the homeowner may be fined or a lien placed on the unit to ensure correction. What items are permitted on decks/patios? Lawn/porch furniture, barbecue grills, decorative plants and toys shall be the only items kept on balconies or patios. Structures such as storage sheds, dog/animal shelters and cages, etc are prohibited. Hanging clothing, towels, bedding or other articles over balcony railings is prohibited. See R&R's for further information. --------- * Previous HOA approved composite decking products have been:
If you want to request that the association consider approving another composite decking product that is similar to natural red cedar in appearance, please obtain a sample of the product to provide to association management or a board member. |