TOPIC: Deck Question

I heard something the other day that I was not aware of.  Are Decks adjacent to masonary structure now to be totally independent and not bolted in.  Is this true and if so what year did this start?

Thanks in Advance
Preston Sandlin

Preston, that's new to me as it will be to the whole world. Please name your source. 

One of my guys did a re inspection yesterday and the buyers had their own structural engineer out at the same time and this is what he was saying.  It was news to me but I wonder if this guy was maybe over zealous.  I will try to find out his name.

What's important is where is he qouting from , what construction governing body? New IRC / IBC changes or is he making it up as he goes along? Actually it might not be a bad idea for changes dictating all decks, not just at masonry be freestanding, since improper ledger attachment to the house are the main reason for decks collapsing. Wondering if it's just his opinion or is there something that is coming as far as changes in code. So what's his source?

Good point.  I will try to find out.  My guy did ask him why though and he said it was because water will foollow the the bolt right through the flashing to the sill (since the bolt penetrates the flashing)  Still I don't know if he was getting this from some where or this was hust his opinion.

Preston Sandlin

The IRC does not allow for ledger board attachment to brick veneer.  The applicable portion states, "masonry veneer shall not support any vertical loads other than the dead load of the veneer above."  Some may say that drilling through the brick to the band takes the load off the brick but it does not, due to the separation of the structural components and the brick.  It puts the pressure right back on the brick.

The best way to do this is to have independent supports  (i.e.  posts and beams) next to the home for the support or to build the deck independent of the home and cantilever the joists back towards the home.