Metal Deck Decisions
Just got all my building/historic district permits to build all metal parlor floor deck (no wood allowed at all bec. of building configuration). Also need to make door through a window, which involves masonry work. I’ve gotten these names thru bwnstoner: Ricardo and Armand Petrillo. Also Architectural Iron Co in Pa. which makes components. Sketch…
Just got all my building/historic district permits to build all metal parlor floor deck (no wood allowed at all bec. of building configuration). Also need to make door through a window, which involves masonry work. I’ve gotten these names thru bwnstoner:
Ricardo and Armand Petrillo. Also Architectural Iron Co in Pa. which makes components. Sketch and Hammer would only do it if I agree to get a wooden pallett, and then acts as a contractor with her metal guy. I’d like someone who can build a slightly ornamental but not staten islandy (sorry) look. Three questions: Any strong feelings about iron guys? How do I communicate what look I want? And who can I get to do the window to door…has to be able to “pull the permit”, whatever that means.
The regulations regarding decks are a PITA. To all those suggesting folks should avoid the DOB–wait until you try and refinance and the lender won’t close because of the deck.
It happens, and it sucks, and it costs thousands of dollars to resolve. So unless you don’t plan on selling until you are dead, are never going to file anything w/ the DOB, have neighbors that won’t ever drop a dime (now or in the future), and have a great interest rate, you should file.
kwar228, OK, now I understand because Susan is the one who does the wood work. I like the look of it. Susan will use 2″ pressure treated and do a nice job staining it. I haven’t felt the need to restain after 2 1/2 years.
As far as someone to do the window/door conversion, I went with Allied Arborcraft which was Susan’s recommendation. He was easy to work with and did a great job and installed a very high quality insulated glass door. I think it was in the neighborhood of $3,000 but can’t be sure
greggallied@optonline.net
you brainiac boy scouts who want to go to the City for their blessing of you deck will get exactly what you deserve. Bupkus with a side of psorus and some shpilkus too.
“If that’s true, this city is bananas. ”
So it is, as you will find out if you buy a house!
OP here. I used Scott Schnall to do the drawings and get all the permits. I found him easy to work with (yes, he is odd), and although others have posted that he’s hard to get in touch with I didn’t find that to be the case. Either answered the phone or called me back within minutes. We are a 5 story 4 family brownstone and bec. of the 4 fam have different permitting issues. Meaning no wood at all.
Tybur6-at the risk of betraying my non-wealthy jewish roots we too played platform tennis in the winter, and it’s a totally different kind of metal. I know many people with wrought iron decks who have no issue with the heat. Plus we don’t get almost any direct sun.
Daveinbedstuy- Susan says that if I’m using her service it’s not really worth her while to just have him do all metal. So she’d do the job if I would have her build removable wood floor sections after the final inspections. What do you think? I feel like it might be just another element that I would need to fix, stain, clean etc. over the years.
The window to door conversion seems to be too small a job for guys I’ve called, but I want to get someone who has personal (or bsnstoner) recommendation.
smokychimp-thanks!
Did your architect not draw elevations of what this looks like? What did you file to pull a permit?
WAIT?! You can’t be your own “General Contractor” to build a friggin’ deck on your own house?!
If that’s true, this city is bananas.
The regs are that within three feet of a property line the deck has to be non-combustible, and egress stairs have to be non-combustible. I have seen wood decks built according to these regulations and they end up being hybrid looking things, half metal and half wood.
The regulations took place with the adoption of fire districts in the 1968 code. Decks built before that –or “repaired” since then — are grandfathered.
And good luck on your project, Kwar228. Being able to “pull” the permit means you need to find a GC with a home improvement license and up-to-date worker’s comp. You cannot act as your own contractor, as Sketch and Hammer seems to have incorrectly suggested, for this construction without these. So even if the parts are fabricated in Pennsylvania, you are going to need to seek out a licensed GC to take responsibility for the install, as far as the paperwork goes.
Perhaps they have to be fireproof if they provide a means of egress? is that it?
Interesting to think of fireproof decks on houses entirely framed in wood. Can’t see much point to it.
In case of a house fire, your deck will survive intact.