I’m not sure how to install my 2×8 deck ledger to my house. On top of my stone and mortar foundation, all I have to nail into is a 4×6 and then the wall studs. I can run a bolt through to the basement on the bottom half of the ledger where I can drill through the 4×6. How should I attach the top half of the ledger? I was thinking lag screws into the studs? All of the wood is old, but decent shape.
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When deck posts exceed what the prescriptive code tables allow, it's time to consult a structural engineer for post sizing and possible bracing.
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This will help get the thread up to where it's still visable.
Why not see if you can post a picture?
I have some ideas, but would rather see the area.
Quality repairs for your home.
AaronR Construction
Vancouver, Canada
Here are some pictures of what I'm talking about......
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS048.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS047.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS045.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS046.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e117/Dudeabides82/DIGITALPHOTOS044.jpg
First thing, if you can,do not install a ledger at all. Instead ,put footings and piers next to foundation wall. Header on joists takes the place of the ledger,leave a 1/2" or so space between the deck and wall. This eliminates the need for flashing,lets water thru to the ground.
The framing cantilevers a little over a beam that sits on the piers.Might seem like more work but on the long run it is about the same amount of time as installing a ledger thru bolted and lagged and flashing.If you decide to install a ledger, thru bolt where you can, lag screw into the studs elsewhere.
mike
I've thought about a free standing deck, but I'm a little worried about digging four foot deep holes so close to my foundation. The foundation isn't in the greatest shape. I also think the holes for the posts would be deeper than the foundation sits, although I'm not positive on that one. I just have visions of my foundation crumbling in a year.
Also consider that you can dig the holes a little ways away from your existing rubble foundation and then cantilever tyhe deck joists over a beam in order to get the edge of the deck up to the house
If you attach the ledger into the studs, won't the deck be higher than the interior floor? Or maybe this is a balloon framed building?
I've already replaced the sheathing, but I think I might remove it so that I can post pictures of my situation. It's hard to explain, but once you see pictures you'll understand. The old ledger was attatched with about a thousand nails across the bottom of the ledger, and a few into the studs. I dont want to do it that way...
I would consider doing as mike reccomends, have a freestanding deck that nearly abuts your existing house. IMO it is a lot better than messing with the old construction and flashing etc.
This may sound weird, but in some locals a deck attached to the house becomes part of the accessed value of the house, but a free standing deck does not!
Actually, it doesn't suprise me at all. I've seen some things in different areas that are pretty out to lunch.
Stone foundations certainly are a PITA. I don't have a solution for you but -
Acording to VA. Bldg Codes:
FOOTINGS
See FIGURE 11 for footing size, footing thickness and post attachment options and requirements. All footings shall bear on solid ground; bearing conditions shall be verified in the field by county inspectors prior to placement of concrete. DECK FOOTINGS CLOSER THAN 5'-0" TO AN EXISTING EXTERIOR HOUSE WALL MUST BEAR AT THE SAME ELEVATION AS THE FOOTING OF THE EXISTING HOUSE FOUNDATION.
LEDGER ATTACHMENT REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL: Attach the ledger board, which shall be equal to or greater than the joists size, to the existing exterior wall in accordance with FIGURE 13 through FIGURE 15. When attachments are made to the existing house band board, the band board shall be capable of supporting the new deck. If this cannot be verified or conditions at the existing house differ from the details herein, then a free-standing deck is required.
his can all be found at:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/decks/
Hope this helps,
Frankie
from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas
Like mike4244 says - don't use a ledger. You can cantivlever 2 to 3 feet to the house which keeps the post footers out of you foundation drains. You won't have a rot problem at the ledger. If you do decide to use a ledger keep it a 1/2 inch or so from the house by using washers between the ledger and the house (like 5 or 6 on each bolt)this allows water to flow thru and not sit and rot your house rim joist or studs as most studs are not PT.