FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Deck and Cinder Block Wall

NotYoungButStupid | Posted in Construction Techniques on February 11, 2021 02:59pm

I have a hollow cinder block wall to which I want to attach a deck. For multiple reasons I am trying to avoid digging foundation posts right up against the house. (The ones on the other side of the deck will be o.k. to dig and install). Are there any possibilities here on how to attach this girder to house without new posts? Is filling in the cinder block even a option here?

Reply

Replies

  1. calvin | Feb 11, 2021 03:53pm | #1

    How close can you dig to the house?
    Enough so you can cantilever the frame to the house with no connection?

    While filled block would hold the deck connection “up”, I’d be concerned with force on the block in/out. Horizontal rebar laid in conjunction with bldg the wall might have resisted that force. But then again, never run into that problem nor am I an engineer.

    1. NotYoungButStupid | Feb 11, 2021 04:21pm | #2

      The closest I can dig would probably be 3 feet away and that’s the edge of the hole and not the center. I am estimating a 12”-18” diameter hole will be needed.

  2. User avater
    UncleMike42 | Feb 11, 2021 05:39pm | #3

    https://www.awc.org/codes-standards/publications/dca6

    (you may have read it)

    https://www.finehomebuilding.com/membership/pdf/385972/021282054.pdf

    has a hint.

    https://www.strongtie.com/screentubes_adhesiveanchoringaccessories/steel_screentube/p/steel-adhesive-anchoring-screen-tubes

  3. User avater
    UncleMike42 | Feb 11, 2021 05:40pm | #4

    https://www.finehomebuilding.com/membership/pdf/385972/021282054.pdf

    has a hint at the end. adhesive and screen tubes.

    1. User avater
      UncleMike42 | Feb 11, 2021 05:41pm | #5

      An example of hollow wall anchor screens:

      https://www.strongtie.com/screentubes_adhesiveanchoringaccessories/steel_screentube/p/steel-adhesive-anchoring-screen-tubes

      and you need some adhesive to go with it.

      https://embed.widencdn.net/pdf/plus/ssttoolbox/zjc7nxkcoh/S-A-PG19.pdf?u=cjmyin

      see page 34

      Note that these are not on the approved list, which is included in the fairfax county document mentioned later.

      Hilti screen and adhesive is on the list:

      https://www.hilti.com/c/CLS_FASTENER_7135/CLS_INJECTABLE_ADHESIVE_ANCHORS_7135/r8298802

      https://www.hilti.com/c/CLS_FASTENER_7135/CLS_ANCHOR_RODS_ELEMENTS_7135/r2804

      as is the read head

      https://www.itwredhead.com/products/adhesive-anchors/a7

      https://www.itwredhead.com/Portals/0/Documents/2019%20Catalog/Adhesive%20Anchoring%20Systems/Umbrella%20Inserts%20and%20Screen%20Tubes.pdf

  4. Andy_Engel | Feb 14, 2021 09:00am | #6

    Building codes prohibit attaching deck ledger to hollow block walls. However, attachment is allowed to a block wall if the cores are grouted solid with concrete. It's all in this document. https://www.awc.org/pdf/codes-standards/publications/dca/AWC-DCA62015-DeckGuide-1804.pdf

    1. User avater
      UncleMike42 | Feb 14, 2021 09:14pm | #7

      The end of Mike Guerten's article (post #3 above)

      last paragraph in figure:

      "Fairfax County also permits ledgers to be fastened to hollow CMU using adhesive anchors and a “screen” (mesh tube) on the inside to retain the adhesive. Follow the adhesive-anchor-system manufacturer instructions."

      https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/landdevelopment/sites/landdevelopment/files/assets/documents/pdf/publications/deck-details.pdf

      See page 15 of 28

      The next page identifies anchor sources which are approved. These do not include the ones I pointed to earlier as examples.

      Of course, the code in the jurisdiction of the deck in question applies.

      1. Andy_Engel | Feb 15, 2021 07:04am | #8

        I'm surprised Fairfax County allows that - They're about the strictest jurisdiction in the country.

        1. User avater
          UncleMike42 | Feb 15, 2021 12:36pm | #9

          I suspect there were some interesting conversations.

        2. User avater
          Mikeljon | Feb 15, 2021 01:57pm | #10

          I've had too many CMUs fall apart from putting in tapcons to be able to trust this, no matter the engineering standing behind this.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Building Wildfire-Resistant Homes

13 articles to help you make a new house or existing home safer from the threat of wildfires.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Keep Craft Alive Podcast: Ep. 19, Jesse Neumann, Arborist
  • FHB Podcast: Special Edition With Neil Freidberg of Louisiana Pacific and Kyle Stumpenhorst of RR Buildings
  • DeWalt Recalls 12-in. Sliding Compound Miter Saws
  • Podcast 483: Recalled Electrical Panels, Drainage Behind Brick, and Lazy Additions

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • 2021 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Outdoor Projects
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job
  • Issue 308 - July 2022
    • Pretty Good House Book Excerpt: Copper Farmhouse
    • 10 Dos and Don'ts for Electric In-Floor Heat
    • A Sturdy Rail for Outdoor Stairs
  • Issue 307 - June 2022
    • How to Raise a Post-Frame Home
    • Trimming Deck Stairs
    • Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope
  • Issue 306 - April/May 2022
    • Framing Stairs to an Out-of-Level Landing
    • Building a Zero-Energy Home for Less
    • Good-Looking and Long-Lasting Traditional Gutters
  • Issue 305 - Feb/March 2022
    • The Steady Surge in Residential Solar
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
    • How Good Is Your Air Barrier?

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2022 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in