Fixing Deck Rails on Porches, Decks, etc

One of my latest repair projects:

• The 2nd Floor deck support rail was leaning away from the building creating a Safety Issue for anyone who leaned on the Support Rail.  
• I used a Ratcheting Tie Down Strap to pull the deck support rail straight.  (In the following diagram you will see the connection points for Plumbing up the deck rail on the 2nd Story Deck.)
• After the Support Rail was re-plumbed I reattached the connection point at the Buildings Masonry wall with 4- 3/8 x 5 1/2 Lags and Masonry Anchors, spaced at 8in OC.

Apply Tension and Pull Towards Building

Scotty Adding 3" Deck Type Screws to Secure Support Rail to Deck

• I also replaced the original nails that had pulled loose with 3" Deck Screws
• I then added a 2x4x14' to hold the Deck Rail into position.  (See Action Photo Above)

Anchor to Wall w/ Lag Screws and Concrete Anchors

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for any Home Improvement Projects or Energy Reducing Needs and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP.

Missouri's Climate: News, Building Codes, Energy Costs, Carbon Data, Energy Sources, and more

• Midwest has experienced rising average temperatures with the largest warming seen in the winter months.

• The growing season has been extended by one week because of earlier last spring frosts and precipitation has become more frequent including increased instances of heavy downpours.

• Since the 1980s, large heat waves have become more frequent than any time in the last century.

• These effects of climate change are predicted to continue, threatening the region's economy, landscape, character, and quality of life.

Missouri's Climate: News, Building Codes, Energy Costs, Carbon Data, Energy Sources, and more

02/17/12 Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy

information supplied by: http://bcap-ocean.org/state-country/missouri

Climate Concerns Regional Issues & State Action:  According to the United States Global Change Research Program, the Midwest has experienced rising average temperatures with the largest warming seen in the winter months. The growing season has been extended by one week because of earlier last spring frosts and precipitation has become more frequent including increased instances of heavy downpours. Since the 1980s, large heat waves have become more frequent than any time in the last century. These effects of climate change are predicted to continue, threatening the region's economy, landscape, character, and quality of life. Missouri does not have an official climate action plan but the State Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority makes efforts to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy, which are administered through the Division of Energy.

BCAP Estimated Energy Savings If Missouri began implementing the 2009 IECC and Standard 90.1-2007 statewide in 2011, businesses and homeowners would save an estimated $99 million annually by 2020 and $200 million annually by 2030 in energy costs (assuming 2006 prices). Additionally, implementing the latest model codes would help avoid about 31 trillion Btu of primary annual energy use by 2030 and annual emissions of more than 2.1 million metric tons of CO2 by 2030. A 2010 BCAP analysis indicates that the weighted average incremental construction cost of upgrading to the 2009 IECC in Missouri would be $875.28 per home. On average, the annual energy savings per home would be $459.00, meaning the simple payback for homeowners would occur, on average, in 1.91 years. These estimates are conservative and represent the upper bound on incremental cost.

Missouri Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards For State Buildings Public Buildings Intro/Brief:  Since July 1, 2009, all new state-funded buildings must comply with Missouri Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for Public Buildings, which is based on the 2006 IECC.  During the summer of 2008, the state of Missouri passed a wide-ranging package of energy efficiency initiatives, including homeowner tax incentives and minimum energy standards for state buildings. Passed in the state legislature on May 29 and signed by then-Governor Matt Blunt on July 10, the bill (SB 1181) required the Department of Natural Resources to establish minimum energy efficiency standards for state buildings, based on the 2006 IECC. The Commissioner of the Office of Administration may exempt any state building from meeting the minimum energy efficiency standard requirement for safety reasons or when the cost of compliance is expected to exceed the energy cost savings. Missouri has no mandatory or voluntary statewide energy code for private residential and commercial construction.  Public Buildings Code: Based on the 2006 IECC. TEXT: SB 1181 (2008) Citation: SECTIONS 8.295 - 8.837 - STATE BUILDINGS Application: Applies to all new and renovated state-owned construction. Approximate Stringency: As stringent as the 2006 IECC. Effective Date: July 1, 2009 Approved Compliance Tools: REScheck | COMcheck Background:  In response to legislation signed in 1993, for Energy Efficiency in State Facilities, a rule was finalized and published on January 26, 1996, with an effective date 30 days later that established "state building minimum efficiency standards." The rule covered new state buildings (or portions), additions, substantial renovations, or existing buildings considered for lease (when over 10,000 sq. ft.) or acquisition by the state. ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1-1989 was adopted by reference for buildings other than single-family and multi-family residential buildings not over three stories high. For single-family and multi-family residential buildings, the latest editions of the Council of American Building Officials Model Energy Code (MEC) or ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 90.2-1993 was applicable. New editions/revisions to these adopted standards would automatically be adopted by reference and become effective three months after the date of their publication. (10 CSR 140-7, Department of Natural Resources.) No statewide requirements existed for other buildings; local cities and jurisdictions adopt their own requirements. Information last updated February 7, 2012 **** Based on:  2006 IECC Mandatory Date Passed:   Thursday, July 10, 2008 Date Effective:   Wednesday, July 1, 2009	History Missouri has no mandatory or voluntary statewide energy code for private residential and commercial construction. After the passage of SB 1181 in July 2008, all state-owned buildings must comply with Missouri Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard for Public Buildings, which is based on the 2006 IECC, beginning on July 1, 2009. The previous state-owned building code was based on ASHRAE 90.1-1989. Due to its history of strong local government, Missouri does not have a mandatory statewide energy code. However, however all local jurisdictions except class III counties have the right to adopt an energy code. As expected, this system creates a sometimes confusing patchwork of different codes throughout the state. Seethis page or see below for more details on local adoption.  Regardless of the system in place, the bottom line is that many jurisdictions in Missouri still don't have an energy code—meaning that many residents do not receive the benefits of energy-efficient construction. Missouri has considered adopting a state code previously. For example, SB 745, drafted by BCAP in 2010, would have adopted the 2009 IECC and ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2007 statewide. It also would have directed DNR to establish an automatic review cycle, either every three years or within nine months of the publication of a new model code version. In addition, HB 938 in 2011 would have established most of the 2006 International Code series as minimum statewide construction standards (the 2006 IECC was not specifically cited, but would have been included via its position as an alternative compliance path to Chapter 11 of the 2006 International Residential Code). Both bills, however, failed to move past the committee stage.  Local Adoption: For more, view the BCAP Missouri Gap Analysis Report, starting with pages 19-22. All local jurisdictions except class III counties have the right to adopt an energy code. As expected, this system creates a sometimes confusing patchwork of different codes throughout the state. It is typical for Missouri communities to adopt codes on a 6-year cycle rather than the 3-year code development cycle for ICC.  It is also typical for communities to follow the code adoption of surrounding communities. These adoption practices have developed two trends in Missouri; eastern Missouri communities are generally on the 2003 I-Codes and are moving/have moved to the 2009 I-Codes and western Missouri communities are generally on the 2006 I-Codes and are moving to the 2012 I-Codes. Code Change Process:  Legislative: In Missouri, only the General Assembly is authorized to enact legislation to establish statewide building construction regulations and/or authorize a state agency to do so. However, there currently is no state regulatory agency authorized to promulgate, adopt, or update construction codes on a statewide basis. Code Change Cycle:  No set schedule.  The most recent update to Missouri's energy code for state-owned buildings became effective on July 1, 2009. Next Code Update:  There is no pending state energy code update.
Basic Facts Climate Zone:  4A, 5A  (zones based on DOE's most recent zoning: zone numbers based on a spectrum, zone 1 represents very hot weather and zone 8 represents subarctic weather.  Letters indicate climate type, A-Humid, B-Dry, C-Marine) Population:  5,987,580 (2009, U.S. Census Bureau) Construction Activity:  New Housing Units Authorized by Permit: Total units: 13,273 Number of Housing Units by Structure Type: 1 unit: 7,777 2 units: 654 3 and 4 units: 854 5 or more units: 3,988 (2008, Real Estate Center) Projected Construction Rate:  7,782 dwelling units (-48% less than the previous year), maintaining an average value of $187,000  per dwelling unit. (2008, Real Estate Center) CO2 Emissions:  140.04 MMT CO2 (2007)	Energy Data Primary Energy Source:  Coal: 41% (2007, EIA) Energy Consumption:  Total Annual Energy Consumption of 1,964.1trillion Btu (2007, EIA) Energy Expenditures:  23,341.8 Million Nominal Dollars (2007, EIA) Energy Snapshot:  58% of the state's natural gas supply is used for heating the home. Natural gas is the largest consumed source of energy for the state's residential sector Residential use of natural gas in Missouri costs up to $12.97/thousand cu ft. Source: EIA
Materials supplied by: http://bcap-ocean.org/state-country/missouri	Materials supplied by: http://bcap-ocean.org/state-country/missouri

It all starts with using your energy efficiently. Scotty

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How to Fix a 2nd Floor Porch/Deck Railing

Thank you for stopping by St Louis Renewable Energy. Feel free to comment in the section below or contact Scotty for any Home Improvement Projects or Energy Reducing Needs and Scotty, Scotts Contracting will respond ASAP.


In the following CAD Diagram you will see how to straighten a Deck Railing Before Anchoring Deck Posts to Building.  Deck Posts Anchored to Masonry Wall w/ 3/8"x3 1/2" Lag Bolts & Anchor @ 8" OC

How to Straighten a Deck-Porch Rail before Anchoring Post to
Wall, Simple CAD Drawing by Scotty, Scott's Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Scotty Adding 2x4 Support for 2nd Floor Porch-Deck Rail
http://www.stlouisrenewableenergy.com

Click Here for More Action Photos of Scotts Contracting

Adding Deck Support

Adding Deck Support

New Company Website for St Louis Renewable Energy

Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy has just finished the New Web Site http://stlouisrenewableenergy.com, in partnership with the New Google Small Business Promotion.


 If you’re looking for high quality and personal service, you’ve come to the right place. At Scotts Contracting we’ll give you the attention and personal service you’ll come to expect and enjoy.                         

We will not leave you high and dry or take your money and run like the "other contractors" operating in the St Louis Region.

Complete List of Services 

Provided by Scotts Contracting​

• Roofing

• Flooring

• Interior

• Exterior

• Additions

• Remodeling

• Rehabbing

• HVAC

• Plumbing

• Electric
• Doors / Windows

• Weatherization

• Insulation

• Climate Control

• Kitchen / Bath

• Basement

• Water Proofing

• Painting

• Staining

• Custom Wood Work

• Special Finishes

• Tuckpointing

• Siding

Solar Power – Will the USA ever catch Europe? Guest Post

Europe has historically been a long way ahead of the USA, with over 45GW peak capacity as of 2011 compared to the USA's figure of 2.6GW. Last week, the Solar Power Generation USA conference was held in Las Vegas, and Shayle Kann, director of research at Green Tech Media declared that the "U.S. solar market is poised for growth in 2012", and that it will be in the top two leading world markets for solar in the next two years.

  Guest Post Provided by: Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy 

Where will this growth come from for the USA? California saw the greatest amount of solar capacity installed over 2011, with New Jersey in second place and Pennsylvania lagging some way behind in third. These increases were a mixture of commercial and domestic sized systems.

 

For 2012, a lot of the USA's growth looks to come from large scale solar projects. For example, National Solar Power are building their 3^rd PV project in Florida – a gigantic solar farm of 100MW. During the President's State of the Union address at the end of January, he announced that federal land would be used for solar development - the Department of Interior have proposed Solar Energy Zones across the south west states. This move has widely been supported, both from within the solar industry and from environmental advocates around the world.

 

A recent study by California's Research and Policy Center concluded that even residential solar in California could reach grid parity by 2015. This is because the falling price of solar panels and the increasing number of installers means that competition has driven down the cost per watt, to an estimated $5.25 per watt installed by 2015.

 

However, Europe isn't being lazy on the solar front either! The Desertec project is currently well underway – it is a very large solar farm being constructed in the Sahara. The aim of this project is to meet 15% of Europe's energy needs by 2050. Tunisia has just announced that it is building a 2,000MW solar power plant, six times the size of the world's current largest solar farm. The Desertec project already includes a 500MW solar power plant in Morocco that is current under construction, at a cost of $2.8 billion, and an expected date to start producing electricity in 2014.

 

Excitingly, it seems that both the USA and Europe are continuing to push hard with solar power.  Whilst some of Europe's latest projects are extremely large, they are still very much in a planning phase. The USA is starting to make some very large leaps forward, and even if it doesn't catch up to Europe in the next few years, it's important to remember that solar power is always a matter of large, long-term investment - a very large amount of funding is required up front, and so getting such projects as the Florida plan into action bodes well for the future of renewable energy generation. As the Desertec website reminds us – by 2050, we will need three Earth's to support mankind if we don't increase our renewable energy production, and if the Sahara were covered in solar panels, it would meet our annual energy needs in just six hours.

 

Article Written by James Hawkins, from a UK energy efficiency company, coming shortly - a similar service for boilers. email-->James Hawkins <james@comparecompanies.co.uk>

 

  Guest Post Provided by: Scotty-Scotts Contracting, St Louis Renewable Energy 

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On Thu, Feb 9, 2012 at 9:07 AM, James Hawkins <james@comparecompanies.co.uk> wrote:

Hi Scott,

Sorry for the slight delay - I got a bit snowed under this week.

I've attached the article we discussed last week for your site.

If you'd like it in a different format, such as plain text or html, if you'd like any revisions just let me know.

Best wishes,

James

On 30/01/2012 11:32, Scotty, Scotts Contracting wrote:

your article idea sounds interesting and insightfull. i also heard about a project that compared the various solar panels on the market going on in the Uk. im headed to work soon my best. put all the info you want into the guest post. using phone  to type .its a pain
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