Structural integrity?

[u/UniqueCar6998]

Hello. This is a brand new deck system as of 2 months ago. I noticed that not only were 2/3 horizontal supports off center, but also, 2 joist hangars are snapped.

I live in MN and this is the code requirements
https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/res-decks.pdf

I contacted the builder and he said the support posts didn’t move (despite obvious slide marks) or shift. He also said it was nailed on the end where the broken joists are and it was done so to make it straight.

It seems it isn’t or wasn’t square to begin with and should a single 6” x 6” horizontal support been used rather than 3 2” x 6” ’s?

Vertical and horizontal cracks on wood too?

Thanks for feedback.

Thanks for the feedback all:

Seeing as work needs to be done, several questions:

1. What is the best way to lift the deck platform to add/adjust horizontal beams?
2. The builder insists the vertical supports didn’t move, what else would explain the misalignment?
3. Best way to secure end/mid posts attachment is Simpson Ties?
4. Do the 3 horizontal beams need to be bound together?
5. Anything else besides the obvious?

Appreciated much!

[u/Ryukyo]

I can't believe all these people saying it's probably fine. At first I didn't know what was going on, then I realized those beams have no positive connection to the posts anymore. The straps broke. That is completely unsafe. Do what you can to safely stabilize that. Gravity-wise it might be "fine" but we don't live in a static environment. Lateral forces are what caused those metal brackets to shear and fail. And it's going to keep happening because there is no positive connection I can see. It doesn't just look like the posts are off center, it looks like the beam and joist framing moved enough to break the improper strap that was there, and now is free to keep moving around. That needs to be addressed.

[u/MixerMan67 → u/Ryukyo]

I don’t think the beam moved because the hurricane ties on top are still intact. It almost looks like someone broke or cut the bottom ties to plumb the posts. It’s hard to tell from pictures, though. Other than missing the proper connectors, this deck looks pretty sturdy.

[u/These_Stuff_4626 → u/MixerMan67]

Agreed, something is off like they nailed the post to the beam after the ties broke/were cut.

[u/Frogalone → u/Ryukyo]

Yes. But why is the singular corner post still centered nicely?

[u/giantfirestorm → u/Frogalone]

Yeah I don't get that either. Would make sense for it to be centered on 2 posts but missing one. Wouldn't be correct but it would make sense. With it being centered on one and missing two I'm leaning towards something is moving that shouldn't be rather than they just set the posts not quite in the correct position.