TOPIC: porch/deck

Hi guys
I am doing an inspection tomorrow on house very close to my house so I thought I would take a ride by. I have a question about the porch on the back. This is a big house and a big multi story porch. My question is the joists run parallel to the structure for lateral support they look like they only used some tapcons into the stone. Check out these pics

more pics

mor pics

more pics

Jeff, here is a link for your own benefit about Tapcons. www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR-1671.pdf
I personally don't like what I saw, but I am only seeing pics. Lag screws and through bolts are the industry standard as far as I am concerned. I would note it and refer them to an Engineer. Look at the tables on page 3 about shear strength and depth of embed.

The porch is pretty solid except for the way it is connected to the structure. It has footings and the posts are 6x6 and they are notched. If it was only one floor I would think it would be a stand alone porch. I am just wondering where you would get your lateral stability. With it being so high It has got me worried. It actually looks like it is a natural stone facade not pre-cast. that is why I am going to refer it.
thanks
jeff