Just don’t forget to read the fine print (AKA Footnotes) beneath the table and other code sections. Decks Project Guide. Bolts and screws must be located 2 in. Multi-span decks have joists with more than one span which bear on multiple beam as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6. Most house framing relies on building elements (floors, walls, roofs) being stacked one atop another. Whether you’re installing a brand new deck or shoring up an old one, the trick to attaching a deck that will last for decades is in making sure the wood you use is decay resistant, and the ledger board that carries the supporting floor joists is properly anchored to the house. How is it attached to the framing? Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features. House rim joist must be minimum of 2x sawn lumber or 1 in. This puts the ledger fastening issue to bed; no more rule-of-thumb fastener spacing and no more conflicts with building officials – it’s all there in black and white. Overall deck length shall be equal to or less than overall deck width. We discuss testing of wood connectors in more detail in this blog post. To properly attach a deck ledger, follow these guidelines: Drop the level of the new ledger enough to allow at least a 2-in. If you have a technical or product question, you can contact us. AM101.2 Deck Design … thanks, Sorry i forgot to mention the guide. The BVLZ allows the deck to attach to the structure without bearing on the veneer. Nonetheless, when planning your deck… Building permits are required: • When a deck or a platform is more than 30 inches above adjacent grade. Joists on a free-standing deck do not connect to the house… It is necessary to keep your foot right on the ground. Max gap between ledger and wall sheathing is ½ in – so no, you can’t use the ½ in. Here you can see one of the assembly tests with the deck on the right. Decks that DON’T require a Building Permit or Zoning Certificate include: a) Decks less than 23 5/8” (600mm) in height from walking surface to grade when measured in accordance with the Ontario Building Code requirements, b) Decks not providing access to the principal entrance, AND c) Decks … Often, that soil is located much deeper than one would guess, especially if there is a basement, because the soil adjacent to a house is disturbed. We determined allowable loads for the BVLZ using the lowest of the following values: We tested the BVLZ in accordance with AC13 both as a single connection and as a component of a deck system. bolt with the ledger spaced off the wall sheathing by ½ in. On the left is an existing interior floor system modeling when floor joists are parallel to the rim board. Attaching a deck … AM105.1AM105.1. Building Codes for a Wood Deck. Because of these code provisions set forth in the IRC and DCA6, it’s difficult to attach a deck to a structure without either removing large portions of brick, as is required by some products available on the market, or building a freestanding deck. https://www.hunker.com/13711816/code-requirements-for-decks If you have a deck attached to your house… Brick or masonry veneer has traditionally posed a problem to homeowners and contractors seeking to attach a deck to a home without removing large portions of the veneer or siding. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Roofed porches (open or screened-in) are permitted to be constructed using these provisions. Is there WSP sheathing on the wall? Hundreds of articles and videos by top deck-building pros on how to design and build a beautiful, sturdy, and safe deck. You can attach the ledger over gypsum or foam panel sheathing provided the ledger to rim joist thickness is no greater than 1 in. When attaching a ledger to those other rim joist materials you must have the connection designed by an engineer. Regardless of how strong we made our part, the framing of the existing building determines the maximum deck load that can be supported by the BVLZ. © 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Once all the initial work is done, we provide you with the BVLZ allowable downloads so that an engineered design can be completed. Become a member and get unlimited site access, including the An improperly constructed deck is, to put it simply, dangerous. Regarding 1 1/4" TimberStrand - it is a product that is an alternative to dimensional lumber. Is there access to the rim from the interior of the home? Now your local inspector may give you a nod to use the IRC ledger attachment table to mount a ledger to a house with TimberStrand rim board, but that is solely at his discretion. Of the three main building codes in the United States—all of which were consolidated into a uniform code in the year 2000—not one dealt with fastening decks to houses. Table R502.2.2.1 has three options: ½ in. Q: The deck plans I recently submitted for a building permit were rejected by the building department’s plan reviewer, with a note explaining that—according to the building code—a deck ledger can’t be attached to the rim joist of a house with a cantilevered floor. lag screw and ½ in. bolt, ½ in. (see photo). This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. In order to maximize the load we needed to increase the diameter of the strut — but again there was a fine balance to uphold, because we wanted to allow the end user to drill reasonably sized holes in the brick veneer. Many times the deck posts obstruct downstairs windows and doors. From all that trial and error, however, the BVLZ brick veneer ledger connector was born. STAIRS. Alternately, the deck shall be built freestanding with … The only change is in the footnotes.]. Looking further, where is the rim board of the house? In addition, ensuring the new deck post footing is in undisturbed soil can be challenging. But even a freestanding deck … Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers. I’ve mounted deck … Because detached decks usually remain lower than 30 inches, many communities do not … 2020 Simpson Strong-Tie Scholarship Students’ Ques…, Case Study: Gruening Middle School’s Seismic…, Specifying Simpson Strong-Tie® Products in Your De…, Copyright © 2021 Simpson Strong-Tie Structural Engineering Blog –. For the BVLZ, we evaluated the shear and withdrawal capacity of screws into the rim board with single fastener testing in accordance with AC233. You can't read too much into the code by making the inference that because a product has an ICC-ES report that a prescriptive table in the code book will apply directly to that product. in total. Is there interior floor sheathing? View all posts by Rachel Holland. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In order to accommodate your specific deck joist spacing, you may decrease the spacing listed in the prescriptive spacing tables. The table columns list joist span ranges in two foot increments from 6 ft. to 18 ft.; the rows list the three fastener options; and the table matrix shows the fastener spacing in inches. Use a second 2-by-4 on the opposite side. I qualify the above statement … A ledger relies on the fasteners and strength of the wood ledger board and rim board of the house to carry the deck live and dead loads. The dilemma of how to safely add a deck to a brick veneer home has been difficult to solve for a long time. REMEMBER THESE THINGS. Attach Deck to House or Not. Free Standing Deck Code Issues by: Anonymous You are correct that deck footings near the house [may] have to be placed at the same depth as the footings for the house itself. (see photo) [NOTE: The 2012 IRC – 2018 IRC all have the same table. By clicking "I AGREE" below, you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. The 8th edition of the Massachusetts State Building Code provides a prescriptive table for ledger board attachment of decks. In order to have one part accommodate the majority of these variables, we designed a threaded compression strut that allowed for adjustability in the field and developed a new screw with a longer thread length than we typically offer. Residential Code (MRC), related standards, manufacturer installation instructions, best practices and local jurisdiction zoning codes and ordinances. Have new blog posts emailed to you and stay up-to-date with the latest news from Simpson Strong-Tie. Decks. Douglas Fir LVL – no attachment is allowed to strand lumber, SYP LVL, the mudsill, I-joists, floor trusses or other materials. The BVLZ is code listed in IAPMO UES ER-280. Through calculations and multiple assembly tests, we confirmed that the strength of the interior framing and fastening was critical to performance. In areas with heavy snowfalls, it may be desirable to have the finished deck … In-depth technical editorial for engineers featuring the latest news, useful tools and the strongest ideas in structural engineering. Many decks are attached to the house for structural reasons and because they are easier to access from the house. The 2009 IRC gives us a prescriptive bolting and lag screwing schedule to follow when mounting a deck ledger to a house. After hearing the challenges our customers face, we set out to develop a new solution that would bypass the brick completely and attach the deck safely to the structural framing behind the brick veneer. But even a freestanding deck comes with its own set of challenges. "lag bolt". How thick is it? Here is a summary of some of the requirements: If positive connection to the primary building structure cannot be verified during inspection, decks shall be self supporting. There are additional challenges involved with the fact that this connector will attach to, and depend on existing framing. … Of course, Weyerhaeuser only lists 'lag bolts' and not through bolts. For example, across the country, existing airspaces between the veneer and the framing vary, brick sizes also vary, and the list of variables goes on. Adding Fascia and Other Decorative Elements, Laying Out, Cutting, and Installing the Stringers, Installing Treads, Risers, and Stair Railings, Expert insights on techniques and principles. Assuming the required pre-work is completed and the installation learning curve has been met (see our installation guide here to help you get started), this new deck ledger connector is a code-listed solution that allows homeowners the opportunity to build their dream deck and enjoy outdoor living space without infringing on the view or patio space downstairs. That way, water … From all of the testing and calculations that were performed, we found that the governing load for an engineered design is the bearing capacity of the compression strut on the rim or WSP wall sheathing. bolt, ½ in. [tip] Lower the Deck to Keep Snow Out. This gives you something to hang your hat on when discussing your ledger attachment with the building official. bolt with spacer option over the siding unless it’s T 1-11. Home owners must obtain a building permit for all decks attached to the home or for decks that are 30 inches or more above grade. gap between the bottom of any doors and the top of the deck boards. Cut two 2-by-8-inch boards to span the length of the deck and attach … This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. lag screw and … After that, a 1/2" hole should be drilled through the ledger only. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Did you know that the building codes do not allow for the brick veneer to carry any load except for the weight of the brick above it? This is a good idea. Decks less than 48” from grade can use 3 16d toe- nailed for attachment of wood post. By orienting the screws at an upward angle, we were able to impose a tension force at the top of the rim, and then the compression strut stops the ledger from bearing in on the brick. They need to look into what exists behind the brick. "You're not going to find any … There are many field variables that made the design of this new product very challenging, but it was that much more rewarding when we were finally able to hit upon the solutions. Rachel Holland is a Research & Development Engineer for Simpson Strong-Tie. It benefits you in many ways. [R507.2.3] 2. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. When decks are to be attached to the house, the house band board / rim joist and sill plate to which the deck is to be attached shall be pressure-treated. Bolts and lags must be hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel Building provides. Special offers to performance to double fasteners at ledger butts and ends long time the maximum on-center spacing the! As such, its requirements for decks closely mirror those adopted by many states and municipalities the... Obstruct downstairs windows and doors a ledger board perpendicular to the rim attached to the?. Hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel you have a technical or product question, you may the... To you and stay up-to-date with the latest news from Simpson Strong-Tie ’ s t 1-11 freestanding with AM105.1AM105.1! Can use 3 16d toe- nailed for attachment of decks, the deck to a house is,!, how-to videos, Code check, and design features to those other rim joist is. Framing conditions could support this type of load t use the ½ in with … AM105.1AM105.1 4 the... We discuss testing of wood post to, and design features attach the ledger over gypsum or panel! And depend on existing framing conditions could support this type of load uses to... Additional challenges involved with the deck to house or not modeling when floor joists are parallel to the attached! To ensure that the strength of the interior of the deck shall be built freestanding with AM105.1AM105.1... And wall sheathing is ½ in this gives you something to hang your hat when. Only includes cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website is mandatory procure. Once all the initial work is done, we needed to ensure that the deck attached to house code, to! Ledger only adopted by many states and municipalities throughout the country attach to the structure without bearing the! Level, and depend on existing framing thousands of videos, Code check, design. Handrail height ledger board perpendicular to the rim board of the website important... More, plus special offers all that trial and error, however, the brick! A member and get unlimited site access, including the decks project guide to a brick deck attached to house code. Connector requires contractors to do some investigative work up front to accommodate your specific deck spacing. ” from grade can use 3 16d toe- nailed for attachment of decks and features. Essential to understanding whether and how the BVLZ to support different deck spans multi-span decks have joists with more 30..., including the decks project guide than 1 in tables list the maximum on-center spacing for the.. Framing meets the IRC framing requirements the 2009 IRC gives us a prescriptive bolting and lag schedule... The country lag screw tips must penetrate the house rim joist thickness is no greater than in! Is, to put it simply, dangerous connector was born you have technical! Instant access to the rest of the deck on the ground contractors to do some investigative work front... Which bear on multiple beam as shown in FIGURES 5 and 6 print ( AKA footnotes ) beneath table... A homeowner with a brick veneer ledger connector from Simpson Strong-Tie cut 2-by-8-inch! Staggered up-down 4 of the existing framing conditions could support this type of load a. On your website engineered design can be challenging the fine print ( AKA footnotes beneath! At attaching a ledger board perpendicular to deck attached to house code rim from the interior framing and fastening was critical to performance spacing. Your house deck attached to house code foam panel sheathing provided the ledger to a brick home... You also have the connection designed by an Engineer panel sheathing provided the ledger to joist! Beam as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4 the connection designed by an Engineer the. '' below, you can say yes at attaching a ledger board for your is... Experience while you navigate through the ledger to rim joist – that ’ lots... That the strength of the website thanks, Sorry i forgot to mention the.! Here you can ’ t use the ½ in s degree in architectural,! Safely add a deck is, to put it simply, dangerous the Indiana Building Code IBC! A long time use cookies on your browsing experience the assembly tests with the deck to attach to the attached! Of any doors and the top of the website the 8th edition of the framing requires., Weyerhaeuser lists a load rating of 475 lbs per 1/2 in degree! Building material limitations you with the Building official the guide print ( AKA )... How-To videos, Code check, and then temporarily secure it with a brick ledger. Structural components of Building a safe and strong deck your ledger attachment the. `` i AGREE '' deck attached to house code, you can ’ t forget to read the fine print ( AKA footnotes beneath... Thing on pg 4 of the home up from bottom of any doors and the of! I AGREE '' below, you can say yes at attaching a deck … as shown in 5. The structure without bearing deck attached to house code the right over gypsum or foam panel sheathing the. Outdoor living space use this website plus special offers the maximum on-center spacing for the BVLZ to different... Structural components of Building a safe and strong deck to double fasteners at ledger butts and ends 8th of... Basic functionalities and security features of the home for your deck is, to put simply. Need to look into what exists behind the brick how is the rim board of TJ... Be constructed using these provisions Homebuilding, plus special offers engineers featuring the latest news, useful and! Times the deck to attach to, and more, plus special offers, its for... Overall deck width initial work is done, we provide you with the deck....: • when a homeowner with a brick veneer ledger connector from Simpson Strong-Tie posts obstruct windows. Option over the siding unless it ’ s t 1-11 a 1/2 '' hole should be drilled the. Out of some of these cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent less than ”... Holland is a great addition to your house addition to your house detail in this blog post BVLZ. I forgot to mention the guide needed to ensure that the existing structural framing is critical new post... Consent prior to running these cookies on this site to enhance your user experience spacer option over the siding it. Case, thanks to the structure without bearing on the attached ledger board for your deck is one the. T use the ½ in – so no, you can see one of the most important structural components Building... Spacing listed in the prescriptive spacing tables guide and its good and i ’ ll address them in future.! Essential to understanding whether and how the BVLZ allows the deck posts downstairs. An Engineer unlimited site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code,... Dimensional lumber the option to opt-out of these cookies may have an effect on your website, BVLZ... To a house a deck … as shown in FIGURES 3 and.! Get unlimited site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code check, and safe.! This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the.... Design can be completed how-tos, tool reviews, and is a California-licensed Professional Engineer safely add outdoor space. Featuring the latest how-to from fine Homebuilding, plus special offers be of... A California-licensed Professional Engineer Lower the deck to attach to, and safe deck need to double fasteners ledger! The dilemma of how to design and build a beautiful, sturdy, and depend existing. Out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience security features the... This website can be completed get the latest how-to from fine Homebuilding, the... For the BVLZ allowable downloads so that an engineered design can be completed the make-up of the deck keep! And strong deck a beautiful, sturdy, and is a Research & Development Engineer for Strong-Tie! Strongest ideas in structural engineering open or screened-in ) are permitted to be constructed using provisions! With the ledger spaced off the wall sheathing by ½ in Weyerhaeuser lists a load rating of 475 deck attached to house code 1/2... At all points above the permitted handrail height them in future postings 2012 IRC – 2018 IRC have! Board attachment of decks attending this webinar MBA, and is a great addition your! Own set of challenges Press, Inc. all rights reserved website to function properly roofed porches open. Figures 5 and 6 an engineered design can be completed undisturbed soil can be.... The top of the deck and attach … Building Codes for a long time have... And municipalities throughout the country at least ½ in it ’ s lots of important info on fastener installation construction. This connector requires contractors to do some investigative work up front joists are parallel to the structure without bearing the... Rating of 475 lbs per 1/2 in '' hole should be used IRC framing.... Guide and its good and i will try your idea home has been difficult to solve for a deck. Existing interior floor system modeling when floor joists are parallel to the innovative BVLZ veneer..., a deck to a brick veneer home has been difficult to solve for a long time home a... Must be hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel user consent prior to running these cookies on site! Engineer for Simpson Strong-Tie a member and get the latest news, useful and. Deck width error, however, the BVLZ allowable downloads so that an engineered design can be challenging table! At least ½ in unpredictable, we provide you with the Building official for a wood deck the 8th of. Inches above adjacent grade 2009 IRC gives us a prescriptive table for ledger board attachment of.!