AboutEugene Clayton Expertise I would be happy to answer any question reguarding the construction of decks, composites verses natural materials, structure support systems,railing applications,stair design, how to figure stairs etc.. Pretty much anything that has to do with decks and or porches.
Experience I have been in the construction industry for over 26 years including new home construction, custom deck and screen porches. Most of my expertise is from framing custom homes for over 20 years. I now own and opperate a very successful custom deck and screen porch company in Atlanta Ga. Along with my Brother.
Question I have to replace my deck as it is rotting (20+ years old).
It's 17x20, about 17" high.
An 8'section is connected to the house at the back slider with a 2x10 ledger board.
After taking it apart and looking up some codes, uh, oh.
The ledger board is attached directly on the siding of the house on a cantilever off the kitchen.
It's held on by 12-5" lag bolts thru the siding and (maybe) into the rim joist.
Code states decks cannot be attached to cantilever without special work (since the rim joist is likely only end nailed onto the joists).
Rather than rip the house apart, I want to just stick a beam there and make the deck free standing.
All the other footers are in ground and I can reuse those.
Can I get by with using deck blocks & beam instead of the ledger or do I need to dig & pour footers?
Thanks in advance!
Answer Hello Chris,
Codes are different from county to city to county. But I would recommend you dig footers and pour concrete 3 " above grade and attach the support posts to the concrete with a galvanized post base (Simpson) Most areas want a permit for any work done to the house, it's all about the money. If you permit the work most places inspect the footers prior to pouring. Hope this helps
