Loading

Lateral Load Connector Device

Under the current code, you will most likely be required to install a positive connection to the house wall to resist lateral loads. Lateral loads can result from earthquakes or from people moving around on your deck. In severe cases, these loads can result in the ledger board being ripped from the house wall and collapsing.

DTT2Z
PinterestSave
DTT2Z

Another method involves installing hold downs to the side of a house floor joist and attaching it to another hold down installed on the side of one of your deck joists with a threaded rod. Some wood or engineered I-joist manufacturers have developed details for this type of attachment to their products. This method is much more difficult than using the DTT1Z connnection because it involves an attachment through the house wall. It is often difficult to gain access to the interior floor system of your house to make this option user-friendly.

DTT1Z
PinterestSave
DTT1Z

The easiest way to ensure your ledger board connection will satisfy this requirement is to install 4 hold down devices. You will need to pre-drill and attach this connector to the solid house rim with a 3/8" diameter, fully threaded lag screw so that it has a minimum 3" penetration to the center of the top plate, studs or header. This L-shaped hold down bracket is then screwed to the bottom of the deck joist. The hold down device will have a minimum 750 lb capacity at 4 locations evenly distributed along the deck and 1 within 2' of each end of the ledger board. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions when installing deck hardware.


Popular Ledger Articles
Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the Ledger Board to the House Rim

Learn how to properly install a waterproof ledger board using flashing and fasteners. Check out our step-by-step video and detail drawings.

Deck Ledger Board

Vents, Pipes and Spigots

How do you install a deck ledger board around vents, pipes and spigots? We offer two solutions that can solve your problem.

Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the Ledger Board to Brick Siding

Do you have brick siding? You should never attach to just the brick. This is very dangerous.

Next Step: Care Articles
Deck Cleaning

Pressure Washer Buying Guide

When it comes to cleaning your deck, it's important to choose the right pressure washer. Use this pressure washer buying guide from Decks.com to help with your decision!

Deck Cleaning

What is Wet Rot and How Do You Treat It?

Wet rot occurs when water or high moisture levels cause wood to decay. Learn how to recognize the signs and causes of wet rot and how to treat it.

Deck Finishing

How to Stain a Wood Deck

Staining your deck, porch or patio can help maintain the longevity of its appearance. Learn how to stain your deck with these easy to follow steps at Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Deck Ledger Board

Lateral Load Connector Device

Under the current code, you will most likely be required to install a positive connection to the house wall to resist lateral loads. Lateral loads can result from earthquakes or from people moving around on your deck. In severe cases, these loads can result in the ledger board being ripped from the house wall and collapsing.

DTT2Z
PinterestSave
DTT2Z

Another method involves installing hold downs to the side of a house floor joist and attaching it to another hold down installed on the side of one of your deck joists with a threaded rod. Some wood or engineered I-joist manufacturers have developed details for this type of attachment to their products. This method is much more difficult than using the DTT1Z connnection because it involves an attachment through the house wall. It is often difficult to gain access to the interior floor system of your house to make this option user-friendly.

DTT1Z
PinterestSave
DTT1Z

The easiest way to ensure your ledger board connection will satisfy this requirement is to install 4 hold down devices. You will need to pre-drill and attach this connector to the solid house rim with a 3/8" diameter, fully threaded lag screw so that it has a minimum 3" penetration to the center of the top plate, studs or header. This L-shaped hold down bracket is then screwed to the bottom of the deck joist. The hold down device will have a minimum 750 lb capacity at 4 locations evenly distributed along the deck and 1 within 2' of each end of the ledger board. Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions when installing deck hardware.


Popular Ledger Articles
Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the Ledger Board to the House Rim

Learn how to properly install a waterproof ledger board using flashing and fasteners. Check out our step-by-step video and detail drawings.

Deck Ledger Board

Ledger to engineered floor joists

Explore your options for building a deck onto a house with engineered floor joists.

Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the Ledger Board to the House Rim

Learn how to properly install a waterproof ledger board using flashing and fasteners. Check out our step-by-step video and detail drawings.

Next Step: Care Articles
Deck Cleaning

Pressure Washer Buying Guide

When it comes to cleaning your deck, it's important to choose the right pressure washer. Use this pressure washer buying guide from Decks.com to help with your decision!

Repairs

Deck Replacement & Repair Costs

Whether you’ve decided to tear down and rebuild your deck or if you’re only looking to repair smaller portions, you can find benchmark prices here.

Deck Maintenance

Deck Maintenance Checklist

Wondering how to best care for your deck? Download our comprehensive deck maintenance checklist to ensure your deck is safe and lasts for years at Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic