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

Framing Around a House Cantilever

Learn a technique for framing around a cantilevered house bay to properly support your deck.

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

Cleaning A Deck

Follow our step by step instructions for how to clean a deck.

Deck Finishing

How to Seal Your Deck & Best Deck Sealers

Once you clean or stain a deck, it is ready to be sealed. Learn how to properly seal your deck in order to protect it from damage caused by harsh climates and weather at Decks.com.

Deck Cleaning

How to Remove Moss & Algae from Your Deck

Moss and algae growth can be detrimental to the integrity of your deck if left untreated.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Popular Ledger Articles
Deck Ledger Board

Attaching the ledger board to hollow block

Our inspector discusses how to attach a deck to a hollow concrete block foundation wall.

Deck Ledger Board

Removing the Siding

Learn how to cut and remove aluminum, vinyl, wood and cement board siding for installing a deck ledger board to a house wall.

Deck Ledger Board

Checking House Framing

Make sure your house frame is solid and in good condition before installing a deck ledger board. We list some problem areas to look for before building.

Next Step: Care Articles
Repairs

How to Remove Scuffs and Scratches from Composite Decking

Removing scuffs and scratches can help make your composite deck look like new. Learn how to fix and prevent your composite deck from future scratches.

Repairs

How To Fix Loose Deck Railing and Prevent Wobbly Banisters for Years

Learn how to fix a loose outdoor railing on your deck to avoid future damage.

Deck Cleaning

How to Ink Stamps from Pressure Treated Lumber

Ink stamps seen on pressure treated wood represents where the lumber came from and its grade. Learn a few tricks to remove this ink from your wood at Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic