Deck ledger attachment when not at the elevation of band ledger–is this possible?
I am needing to replace an existing deck which steps down below the main floor level of my home. Exiting from the house there are 4 steps down to reach deck level, approximately 26 inches lower than main floor. The existing ledger appears to have been attached through the siding–vertical wood–and into the sheathing and framing of the basement wall (2×6 stud framing). The house is on a sloping lot so all of this basement level is accessible. The stepdown of the original deck may have been to limit the post height to less than 14 feet. Tallest supporting deck post currently is 12′. Is there a code-legal way to attach a ledger board by removing siding and attaching through sheathing to the framing when there is no band joist?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Replies
We usually will install a row of 2x or lvl blocking between the studs at the ledger height. If you use tall enough material it can also serve for blocking the edges of your replacement sheathing and tie the whole works together efficiently. Of course, this means you'll have to remove the existing ledger, some siding and some sheathing to access. Ask inspector beforehand if pics of blocking will suffice or if it needs inspection before closing up.
If it's a permitted job you may be required to have engineering done for this work as its not prescriptive that I know of. You'll also have to have the code required lateral connectors as well unless the engineer says otherwise.
https://www.jlconline.com/how-to/framing/attaching-a-ledger-to-studs_o
this might help
to Windwash and graham78:
Thank you very much for the information and the link--very helpful.