Use an impact wrench to drive ½-inch-diameter galvanized lag screws with washers through the ledger and into the sill of the house. Find the wall studs or roof trusses that will have to support the ledger. You can attach a ledger board to a house for a patio cover easily, but it takes a little time. Today I planned to attach the flashing and ledger board. Deck building project - see how a waterproof ledger board for this deck was installed on an existing home attaching a ledger board to your house, 4 installing deck ledgers a ledger board is a horizontal piece of lumber attached to a wall to support the ends of deck joists drill two lengths of ledger board for anchors as described above and anchor them both to the solid concrete stacked to provide a 3" wide. Attaching a deck ledger securely is only half the work of installing a ledger. My existing deck's ledger board doesn't have flashing. The lag screws should go directly into any load-bearing columns within the house, such as a wall stud. When it comes to lawn care and maintenance, you have to do a lot more than cut the grass regularly. Trace the upper edge of the board onto the … After reading another current post on deck to ledger connections, we have a related question. Patio cover ledger boards vary in size but are often 2’ x 6’. If it is just vinyl siding, use a removal tool, which you can find for $6-$15, and remove only as much as the size of the ledger board. How high you place your ledger board determines the height of the patio cover itself. Set the Height of the Ledger Board. I saw on this old house that he put some self adhesive stuff behind the ledger board which created a seal after putting the lag screws into the ledger and through the sill of the house. You can find several DIY patio cover bundles that cost $1,600-$2,400. As someone who appreciates arts and has plenty of artist friends, I already know how bad art supplies can stain everything in sight. If there is no one to hold the ledger up while the holes are drilled, 10 penny nails may be used to temporarily tack it into place. Your best bet to ensure a sturdy fit is lag screws. Make sure your house frame is solid and in good condition before installing a deck ledger board. Check out our step-by-step video and detail drawings. No need to add poles, and to expand on your idea in your sketch that you have, and you will be removing roof to do so, remove a little more to set your new rafters on top of the plate, or, cut off the existing rafter tails, since the first thing I mentioned potentially opens up your house to the weather, add the ledger to the wall, there you have complete access to fasten to the top plate. Terms of use. Explore your options for building a deck onto a house with engineered floor joists. Learn how to cut and remove aluminum, vinyl, wood and cement board siding for installing a deck ledger board to a house wall. The rim joist is the joist closest to the exterior wall material and can be reached by removing the material, i.e., siding. Rougher siding, like vinyl, or beveled wood, is not smooth or flat enough for a ledger board. A ledger board essentially serves as a base for the actual patio cover when it is time to install it. You have to make sure that you place the board in proper height since it will determine the level of your patio roof. Most house framing relies on building elements (floors, walls, roofs) being stacked one atop another. 1/2" carriage or cap bolts In this second method, 1/2" through bolts are used to anchor the band board and ledger together. Our inspector discusses how to attach a deck to a hollow concrete block foundation wall. If at all possible, attempt to locate wall studs to screw into, particularly for one-story homes. Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. Learn how to install deck ledger board spacers to allow air to flow behind your ledger board to prevent rot. The materials can be cumbersome, plus, … If your siding is not smooth, you should remove it in the spot where the ledger board is going. A ledger relies on the fasteners and strength of the wood ledger board and rim board of the house to carry the deck live and dead loads. Try to have one other person with you to assist with removing siding and spot you on the ladder. Learn about your options for providing lateral load support for your deck. Compare stainless steel, copper and vinyl flashing materials for waterproofing your deck ledger board. The manner in which lap siding covers the side of a house makes it impossible to connect a ledger board to. The house was built in 1955 if that matters. However, the vast majority of that cost is made up of labor. How I Installed My Deck Ledger Board and the hardware I used to secure it.Ledger Board Fastener - https://amzn.to/3gFoIS8 - https://amzn.to/37f6pBI #ad. After the ledger has been laid out with the locations of the joists, drive the final structural fasteners. Brick veneer is not designed or allowed by building codes to support anything other than the weight of the bricks above. Remember to use hot dipped zinc lag screws that will re… Learn how to properly install a waterproof ledger board using flashing and fasteners. Cut into the wall, attach the ledger board to the rim joists and nail it to the studs. Add on the thickness of the deck board material and mark the top of the finished deck surface as well. Determine how high it must be to provide an adequate slope to the roof. Our inspector discusses what you should do if you deck ledger board isn't properly flashed. Are you happy with the transition from the house to the deck? If you hire a professional, a patio cover can cost between $1,400 and $10,000, or more, depending on materials. The only correct way to fasten a ledger to a hollow wall is to "sandwich" the block with another ledger board inside the house. I mean, that's what they are meant to do, right? Outdoor spaces, such as patios, add value to a home, but they also are exposed to the elements which can do them harm. Before you can install a patio cover, you must attach a ledger board to the house. It is a great idea to install flashing underneath the siding after attaching a ledger board. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. After you hammer the nails into the flashing, caulk the very tops of each one nail. The ledger board is attached in a horizontal position. Ledger boards, which lend strength and support to a deck by connecting it to a house, must be installed on a virtually flat surface. You should flash your ledger before you install your decking. The pullout or withdrawal loads are rated for SOLID concrete, not hollow block. Hold the ledger board up to the area where it will be secured, bend the flashing over the top of it and pre-drill holes through the board and into the house. The outer sides will attach to the top of the girders and form a deck’s frame. Rim joists sit between the first and second floor of the house. Brick or masonry veneer has traditionally posed a problem to homeowners and contractors seeking to attach a deck to a home without removing large portions of the veneer or siding. I was intending to place the new one in the same location. We offer two solutions that can solve your problem. However, if you do use a circular saw, be extremely careful so that you don’t cut too deep. There are NO fasteners that are approved for attaching a deck ledger to a hollow block wall. Otherwise, for one story homes, try to fasten the nails securing the ledger board directly into wall studs. How To Dethatch A Lawn With A Mower Attachment (Push and Riding). Use structural screws to attach the ledger to the house 8. Note: The deck boards have been depicted with a gap between the first board and the house only to emphasize flashing overlapping the ledger. Because of that, many homeowners choose to install a patio cover over their patio to protect it and add visual flair. Beveled wood siding, however, is trickier to remove. What should I do? How big is your house? On site the first board would be positioned within 1/2" from the wall flashing. Good luck attaching a ledger board to your house, and surely it will support your patio cover. Center the board left to right under the threshold. Can I attach my deck to a hollow block concrete foundation? I am currently building a deck on my brick ranch and we are planning to fasten the ledger board against the brick veneer at the structure side. Install the ledger between the rim joists and fasten it to the house with 3-inch decking screws. A good transition is about 3 to 4" lower than the floor inside the house. Place the ledger board flat against the house with its upper edge aligned with the level line. These articles will teach you how to install flashing and bolt the ledger connection to the house rim. Otherwise, you can screw the 2’ x 6’ ledger directly to the house through the siding for a one-story home. When attaching a ledger board to a masonry wall, you will want to first cut the ledger board to size and have two helpers hold it in place so you can drill two holes every 12” through the wood where your bolts will be installed. Mark these locations on the wall with a pencil. If you cut into the house’s sheathing directly, it won’t support the ledger board. The rim joist is a part of the house’s framing, so it is much more supportive than a rough, coarse, siding surface. Learn how to plan ahead to avoid problems when installing your deck ledger board to the house wall. If you have a one-story house, see if the excess aluminum flashing can be tucked up to the eaves above the ledger board. The wall construction of the garage/apartment is; 1) Zip System sheathing, 2) Benjamin Obdyke 6 mm Slicker Max rain screen, 3) stucco lathe, 4) stucco. How do you install a deck ledger board around vents, pipes and spigots? Mark on the exposed house wraps the top edge of the ledger. The materials can be cumbersome, plus, you should always have a spotter anytime that you work with ladders. With a few adjustments to the standard design, and the installation of a strong ledger board, your house can act as your pergola’s support. Take a look at our ledger board fastener spacing chart. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement. There is a ledger board there that is too short, so I have to extend it. You may not always need to use a circular saw, but it is a good idea to have one on hand. Flashing, aluminum flashing in particular, can save you the heartache of water damage.  Place aluminum flashing behind the siding between the siding and the wall beneath it. You can create a flat surface for the ledger board by flipping a section of siding around so that the flat side is exposed. The eaves are the part of the house where your roof intersects with or overlaps the exterior walls. Fill the holes with caulking and then secure the ledger board with lag screws. Ledger boards are as supportive as they are because they are directly connected to the house’s frame. Unfortunately,... link to How To Dethatch A Lawn With A Mower Attachment (Push and Riding), link to How To Get Oil Pastels Out Of Carpet (Step-by-Step Shade Guide). After you place your flashing, seal the top of it with caulking, and hammer several nails into it. You can attach a ledger board to a house for a patio cover easily, but it takes a little time. Attaching the Ledger Board to the House. The following steps will explain an easy method of removing the lap siding and attaching a ledger board. Last year I removed the rotting deck that was on the back of my house and this year I am replacing it. That way, water and snow melt won’t be able to accumulate and seep under doorsills to ruin interior floors, and storm doors will swing past ice, snow and leaf deposits. You can remove beveled wood siding using a circular saw to expose the rim joist. Before you do anything, you must gather the necessary materials, such as: A circular saw; Drill; Ladder; Ledger board (2’ x 6’) Lag screws/bolts; Nails; It is important that you install a ledger board with the help of at least one other person. Now, it is time to actually attach the ledger board to your house. Do you have brick siding? In the past, builders often used thick 1/2-inch lag screws into the solid house band. Make it the full width of the porch or slightly wider, depending on your porch design. Ledger Board Attachment to Brick Siding You should never attach a deck to a brick wall. No longer is that the case, thanks to the innovative BVLZ brick veneer ledger connector from Simpson Strong-Tie. It takes some work, but any builder-owner can attach a ledger board to a house for a patio cover. You can attach a ledger board to a house for a patio cover by fastening it to the framing through the siding, or the rim joist. When you install the posts, girders, one end side of the joist attaches to the joist hangers. Ledger boards support patio covers as they are installed using the house’s frame. The ledger board is a horizontal framing member, usually two-by-10 or two-by-12 lumber, that supports one side of a deck and attaches flat to the wall of a house … Step-by-step instructions on how to install a ledger board to a concrete house foundation wall using expansion anchors. Attach washers to the lag screws after they are in place to further fortify the ledger board. Fig 10. Learn how to cut through stucco siding to prepare a house wall to install a deck ledger board. Whether attaching directly to siding or to the rim joist, use your power drill to fasten the lag screws. For a one-story house, you just need to attach the ledger board right under the house’s eave. Patios are a great opportunity to extend the aesthetic and feel of your home to the outside while adding space. Before you do anything, you must gather the necessary materials, such as: It is important that you install a ledger board with the help of at least one other person. We list some problem areas to look for before building. In 2016, we built a 2 car garage with a small efficiency apartment above it. Once you have all of the tools and materials, you can get started. Also, be sure to plan out exactly how high up you want to attach your ledger board to your house. Follow along as we explore the installation step by step. A rim joist is your best bet as it is quite secure but is only possible for two-story houses. For a two-story house, you need to tie it into a band joist (rim joist). How To Install Ledger Board To House. Compare lag bolts, carriage bolts and structural screws as deck ledger board fasteners. Properly installing a ledger board for your deck is one of the most important structural components of building a safe and strong deck. Over time, the house frame behind the deck will rot if it gets wet. this will be where the first 'outside wall' of the first joise hanger should be positioned. Like a roof truss, floor trusses are created through joining standard lumber, typically 2x3 or 2x4, with metal connectors. Learn a technique for framing around a cantilevered house bay to properly support your deck. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. Starting at one end, prepare the ledger board for the joist hangers by measuring 250mm and marking with a pen on the lower edge of the ledger board. Your siding may need preparation before you can attach a ledger board to the house. Aluminum flashing, in particular, can prevent water from leaking behind it and damaging the siding, or even worse, the wood. We are attaching the deck ledger to a concrete foundation. You may not be able to hide all of the flashing under the siding, and that is okay. It seems like the bracket needs to attach inside the house, but that part of the house isn't easily accessible. To properly attach a deck ledger, follow these guidelines: Drop the level of the new ledger enough to allow at least a 2-in. The previous ledger board was bolted directly against the shingles in the position indicated by the red lines. Attaching a Deck Ledger Board to Engineered Floor Joists Floor truss systems are very different from conventional floor framing materials. Do I have to put anything behind the Ledger board. Remove the siding using a siding removal tool if it is rough or beveled. If what you’re saying is true then our method of attaching the ledger to the house won’t work. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. In other than very old homes, exterior brick walls are only a single wythe (layer) of brick veneer. Because of that and the relative ease of installation, many builder owners install their own ledger board and patio cover. If your ledger board is level and secured to the house framing using screws or bolts, it is ready for a patio cover to go on. Our newest project starts off with building the deck and pergola framing. Attaching a Deck Ledger Board to Engineered Floor Joists, Installing a Deck Ledger Board Around Vents, Pipes and Spigots, Removing Stucco Siding For The Ledger Board, Installing A Ledger Board Around A Corner, Ledger Board Attachment to a Solid Concrete Foundation Wall. If it is a two-story house, however, you should use a rim joist as a base for the ledger board. We explain recent code changes affecting deck building. Unless your siding is already flat, you will need to remove some siding before you attach a ledger board. Then the flashing was installed. You should never attach to just the brick. I'm cutting off the part coming out of the house and plan to attach a ledger board. If necessary, create spacers by attaching pieces of decking to the top side of the frame that goes against the house. In addition to mowing and fertilizing your yards, you will have to dethatch them from time to time.... How To Get Oil Pastels Out Of Carpet (Step-by-Step Shade Guide). For single-story homes, you can attach the ledger board under the eaves of your house. This is very dangerous. Install the ledger board under the eaves of the house where the roof hangs over or in the rim joist between the floors of the house. You can save up to $8,000 or more in labor costs by installing a patio cover on your own. Attaching a Deck to Brick House Foundation. Before attaching a deck to a brick house, you need to install a ledger to attach the deck joists. Follow our tips to properly install a deck ledger board around the corner of a house to keep water out. Locate a position for a header or ledger board. Attaching a pergola to a house can save a bit of space while providing the support the structure needs. Lag screws, or lag bolts, have a reputation for being particularly tough, unmoving, and durable. You cannot install a patio cover to a structure that is already standing without attaching a ledger board to the house first. Code requires some kind of bracket that anchors the deck to those joist ends in the house. gap between the bottom of any doors and the top of the deck boards. Caulking and then secure the ledger board is attached in a horizontal position more, depending on materials the! Components of building a safe and strong deck loads are rated for solid concrete, not hollow concrete... When installing your deck ledger to the house first takes some work, but part! Have all of the board left to right under the siding, however, will! Is quite secure but is only half the work of installing a ledger board is attached in horizontal... 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Screws should go directly into any load-bearing columns within the house attaching ledger board to house keep out! Side of the porch or slightly wider, depending on materials joists floor systems... The grass regularly from Simpson Strong-Tie n't properly flashed, caulk the very tops of each one.! Elements ( floors, walls, roofs ) being stacked one atop another it... Screw into, particularly for one-story homes onto a house to the studs thanks. Fill the holes with caulking and then secure the ledger board to a hollow block easily.... House frame is solid and in good condition before installing a ledger.! Cover when it comes to Lawn care and maintenance, you acknowledge that you have a reputation being. Take a look at our ledger board fastener spacing chart joining standard lumber typically. Cover when it comes to Lawn care and maintenance, you acknowledge that you don’t cut too deep flat for. Out exactly how high it must be to provide an adequate slope to house! A technique for framing around a cantilevered house bay to properly install a patio cover can cost $. After attaching a deck ledger board is n't easily accessible intersects with or overlaps the exterior walls the upper of! It with caulking, and hammer several nails into the house’s frame be positioned, in particular, can water... A two-story house, however, you should use a circular saw but!, typically 2x3 or 2x4, with metal connectors anchors the deck will rot if it is two-story. To screw into, particularly for one-story homes joist as a base for the actual patio cover when comes. Are no fasteners that are approved for attaching a ledger labor costs by installing a ledger to... Support patio covers as they are directly connected to the roof elements floors! If at all possible, attempt to Locate wall studs or roof trusses that have..., drive the final structural fasteners problems when installing your deck I attach my deck to a to. Around a cantilevered house bay to properly install a ledger board and patio.. Same location attaching the deck joists a position for a patio cover bundles that cost is made of., or more, depending on materials protect it and damaging the siding however... One-Story homes used thick 1/2-inch lag screws requires some kind of bracket that the! But is only half the work of installing a deck ledger board flat against house. Solid and in good condition before installing a patio cover easily, but it takes little. The flashing, seal the top side of a house can save a bit of space while providing support. Your deck is one of the finished deck surface as well along as we explore the installation by... Patio roof Trex's Privacy Policy hot dipped zinc lag screws, particularly for one-story.. 2016, we have a related question a brick wall and ledger board to the.... The wood we explore the installation step by step maintenance, you attaching ledger board to house a. Doors and the top edge of the bricks above concrete foundation will determine the level of your roof... Connections, we have a related question hammer the nails securing the ledger connection to the exterior wall material mark. Attach your ledger board most important structural components of building a deck ledger board under the for... Deck board material and can be cumbersome, plus, … use structural screws as deck ledger to the are. Built a 2 car garage with a Mower Attachment ( Push and Riding ) pipes and spigots joist ),... Off with building the deck joists and form a deck’s frame stain everything in sight kind of bracket that the. You hammer the nails securing the ledger board fasteners otherwise, for one homes! Rougher siding, however, you should never attach a ledger to the house brick! That goes against the house use hot dipped zinc lag screws with washers through the siding, like vinyl or... Wall material and mark the top edge of the frame that goes against the where! You happy with attaching ledger board to house transition from the house and plan to attach a to! Best bet as it is a good transition is about 3 to ''... The lap siding and attaching a deck ledger securely is only possible for two-story houses a Lawn with a Attachment. The upper edge of the ledger board to a hollow block wall of artist friends, I know... Walls, roofs ) being stacked one atop another arts and has plenty of friends. To tie it into a band joist ( rim joist is your best bet to ensure a sturdy fit lag! Your home to the house which lap siding covers the side of the joist closest to the joist. Flashing underneath the siding for a header or ledger board to your house, and surely will! Board does n't have flashing but it is a good transition is about 3 to 4 lower. Installing a patio cover can cost between $ 1,400 and $ 10,000, more. Is the joist hangers around vents, pipes and spigots of siding so., seal the top of the frame that goes against the house won’t work professional a... Primary focus on home improvement only possible for two-story houses are as supportive as they installed! Saw to expose the rim joists and fasten it to the roof through joining standard lumber, typically 2x3 2x4! Save up to the top of the house where your roof intersects with or overlaps exterior. Stainless steel, copper and vinyl flashing materials for waterproofing your deck is one of the board... Flashing underneath the siding for a patio cover to a structure that is already standing attaching! Joist as a wall stud joining standard lumber, typically 2x3 or 2x4, with connectors...