Expert: Dan Griffin - 7/24/2011

Question
Hi,
I want to put a second storey deck on the back of my house.  When out house was build we had the braces for the second storey deck already build into the house for when we decided to build a second storey deck.  I am wondering how and what matrials to use to attach the deck to the house.  I don't want beams to go down as it will interfer with the deck on the main floor.  Any adice you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Tara, the issues have to do with getting the deck fastened to the structure of the house without causing leaks, with the ability to take substantial loads.  

Brick veneer, siding, and EIFS are NOT structural.  The wood studs are.  Fastening the deck to brick is NOT acceptable.  Sometimes the most simple solution is to carry the load of the deck on columns at the building face.  You have indicated that you don't want to do this.

Proper fasteners must be used to deal with the loads without creating a fracture plane in the ledger band/rim joist that is used at the house.

The deck must be properly flashed to prevent water intrusion into the house and to prevent rotting the ledger band/rim joist.  It should not trap moisture and should be allowed to dry out when the rain/snow stops.

Without knowing what exterior you have, I can give you a few references:
http://www.brainerdhomeinspection.com/attach~1.pdf

http://www.easy2diy.com/cm/easy/diy_ht_3d_index.asp?page_id=36098139

I hope this answers some of your questions.  If you need to ask more questions, please feel free to write again.