Decks & Patios in Altadena, CA
Outdoor space for Altadena's older houses, shaped by what the footings and framing turn out to be, plus any ember-resistance rules the lot faces.
Digging a test hole beside the foundation tells us more about an Altadena deck than any drawing does. An old footing that is shallow, cracked or sitting on loose fill cannot carry a new frame, so the posts shift or fresh piers go in. Some Altadena parcels fall under fire hazard mapping, and that can layer ember-resistance rules over the structural question.
What the old footing decides
Before a post location is final, we expose the existing footing and probe the soil beside it. A sound footing on firm ground may be reused for a porch landing. A footing that has shifted, or sits above fill, gets replaced so the deck does not settle away from the wall. Finding that early changes the layout, because new piers need clearance from buried lines and from the house foundation. It also tells us whether the original porch can stay and be repaired, or whether its base has to be rebuilt before anything is added on top.
Fire-hazard lots
If the parcel is inside a hazard-mapped area, the reviewer may ask for ignition-resistant decking, closed gaps along the house wall and an enclosed underside. Those choices are easiest to make while the frame is still on paper. Skirting the underside, keeping dry leaves from collecting against the wall, and choosing railings that do not trap embers all affect how the finished deck behaves. We lay these out alongside the footing findings so one plan shows both and the reviewer sees them together.
About our Decks & Patios serviceEverything we do in Altadena
Decks & Patios in Altadena: common questions
We open the siding where the ledger will sit and check the rim joist for rot. Flashing goes over the ledger and tucks behind the weather barrier, with spacers that let water drain past the board. Bolts go into sound framing only, never into trim or soft wood.
Often, yes. Railings, columns and sound decking can stay while rotted posts, steps or sub-framing are rebuilt to match. We probe the base and the posts first. If the footing under the porch has failed, that part is rebuilt and the original details go back on top.
Most raised decks and covers do. Altadena is unincorporated, so the county building department reviews the plans. A parcel with fire hazard mapping may carry ember-resistance requirements as well. A flat patio at ground level can fall outside permit rules, and the walk-through settles which applies.
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Send the details and we will set up a walk-through and a written scope.