What Sets Us Apart
We are passionate about what we do and are always excited to show customers why. We encourage you to read more because a lot of the following issues may not seem interesting, but they are IMPORTANT if you are considering a project of your own.
We build with Stainless Steel Fasteners. Stainless Steel is a must when working outdoors. In 2003 there was a production ban on the common CCA treated wood, and new treatments such as CA and ACQ were introduced to the market. The copper content in these treatments is about 6 times greater than in the previous CCA, and the corrosion of the fasteners is also much greater. The only safe resolution is to build with stainless steel. However, because the change is relatively new, there is limited regulation. Just walk in your local hardware store and you will see plenty of “ACQ approved” fasteners that are not stainless, however there is no organization that awards such an approval. Reading the fine print on Simpson Strongtie’s website, they actually recommend stainless steel fasteners. Although they are more expensive, when compared to the rest of a project, using stainless steel is an extremely minor expense.
We build better.
• Standard IRC code is quite lenient on decks. However, with so many deck failures in America it is becoming a major concern. Integrity Building and Design conforms to the Fairfax Virginia building code. We do this because they are the leaders in code related issues. We want our decks to be code-compliant as long as they are being used.
• When it comes to decks, there are some simple practices that cost little or no extra, and will conform to the new and upcoming code. It is important for the customer to know these simple code issues because they really do make for a safer deck.
• Railing: The railing code requires that the railing withstand 500 pounds of force in all directions at the top of the guardrail. MOST deck railings today do not conform to this code. Many builders notch their railing posts to sit on the deck, however, this practice makes for a weaker railing and is not code-compliant. Railing posts must be bolted on to the deck. The band or rim-joist, must be attached to the joists with screws or bracket of some sort to withstand pullout. There are other code issues, but these are a few that are typically ignored by local builders.
• Ledger attachment: The Ledger attached to the house can typically support up to half of the weight of the deck. This weight is often attached by fasteners alone, relying on the fasteners over time to hold up the deck. With “code compliant” deck failures increasing in America, Washington State University performed a study on ledger board attachment. Their study has greatly influenced the IRC. The results include information about the correct lag screw and lag bolt spacing, as well as attachment of the house band joist. Another study by Virginia Tech reveals many of the same issues.
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• Flashing (coming soon)
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• More links:
Critique’s Page
We are not trying to be mean or rude, but there are a lot of people out there who claim to do good work, but in reality, should probably not be builders. We have put together a sampling of projects that we hope will be of benefit to our customers in showing how “not” to build, and also bring awareness for proper and improper construction practices and techniques. We hope that you will find this page to be humorous and educational. Page coming soon...
The Integrity Guarantee
We love the life of the outdoors and feel that everyone should be able to enjoy nature with an outdoor retreat of their own. We also know that this can be a significant investment. We take pride in being honest people that live with integrity, and therefore we build with integrity. Building with Integrity means that we guarantee all of our work. We call this, “The way we live, the way we build.” GUARANTEE and we put this in writing in most all of our project contracts.
Our Process
Step ONE.Give us a call: 423.400.2856
Step TWO.Meeting and idea phase.
•We will come to your property to assess your project and get an idea of what you are looking for. We will take measurements and photos and discuss what you would like to see in the design phase. If you already have a design or sketch of your project, we can take that and go directly to the proposal. If you are not located near Chattanooga TN but would like us to be involved with your project, you can still feel free to call us and email measurements and photos of your property. We can take those photos to create a design, and communicate via email and telephone until you are satisfied with the design.
Step THREE.Design Phase.
•We will gather all of your ideas and concerns, and our design team will create a project that you’ll love. Whether it’s the first option or the tenth, we will make sure you’re happy with our design.
Step FOUR.Proposal
•We give you a price, an estimated start date, and a contract. Once signed we require a small down payment to secure your spot in line, and to pay for us to organize your project, possibly design the construction details, line up material orders and other project management expenses. This is typically a 10% payment.
Step Five.Construction
•When your project is ready to go we take up to 40% payment to cover the initial costs, and then we begin. Our courteous team keeps in constant contact with you, cleans the site every day, and finishes your project before we begin another one. We take great pride in the process, and like to go over and above in making it enjoyable to you and your family.
Step Six.Happily Ever After
•Inspect your beautiful, built-to-last, outdoor project, sign the guarantee and hand over warranty information, make the final payment, and get outside!
About Us
Micah Rayburn is a graduate from Covenant College, atop Lookout Mountain, with a degree in Physics and concentration in art. He met his wife there and they are now living in Chattanooga. He enjoys being involved in the community and is an active member with the HBAST. With his love for soccer and other sports, he has always had an active outdoor life. He and his wife love getting outside to rock climb, hike, horseback ride, and enjoy a good campfire or lounge under the stars.
Integrity Building and Design Incorporated was created in 2005 because of the need Micah saw for quality outdoor living in Chattanooga. When he first started building decks, he built for a pool company in town and stayed busy by referrals through that company. Now he builds for three major pool companies in town, maintaining that good relationship through quality work. From the beginning, he learned the difference of traditional building practices and the needed modern practices of building outdoors. He has been proactive to take Integrity to the Deck Expo and stay updated on the upcoming code concerns and changes, and all the innovative new materials.
His designs have been recognized nationally, and published locally, and his joy comes from using his artistic gifts to give unique and exciting outdoor projects to his customers that will last a lifetime and truly encourage outdoor living.
Locally Published Article about Integrity
In the summer of 2007, Integrity was published in a local section of the Chattanooga Times Free Press. Click here to see that article. Integrity has not sought after publications, although much of our work could very well be published soon. We have begun to look for local and national publications to showcase our work. If you are excited about your project and would like to help us out, give us a call or send a letter to a publication that you think would be a good fit for our projects.