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Deck Framing Questions

user-172358 | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 27, 2006 01:16am

I’m putting up a new deck adjoined to my brick sided house and am looking for some good advice on three issues.  1) What’s the proper way to attach the ledger to the brick siding?  2) Should I leave a small gap and/or flash the joint between the pressure treated Southern Yellow Pine ledger and the brick?  3) Where I live in Michigan the frost line is 42″ deep, should I set my posts on top of a footing and pier system that reaches that deep or bury the post into the concrete filled hole that reaches 42″ deep (my building inspector will accept either).

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  1. User avater
    PeteDraganic | Jun 27, 2006 02:10pm | #1

    Q: What's the proper way to attach deck to house?

    A: Don't

     

    Q: Do you need to flash?

    A: See first answer

     

    Q: Do you bury posts or set atop footings?

    A: Atop, for sure.  I will post a drawing later but I have to run now.

    The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

    http://www.peteforgovernor.com

    1. user-172358 | Jun 29, 2006 02:03am | #4

      Thanks for advice.  Any additional advice on special bracing to keep a free standing deck from moving away from the house?

      1. User avater
        PeteDraganic | Jun 29, 2006 02:10am | #5

        How high of a deck?  Most decks within 24" or so of grade should be ok with minimal or no cross-bracing.  Higher builds may require simple cross-bracing from post to joist.

        I can't find my old files with footer details... lost my Hard Drive recently and have been using it as apiggy back, being able to dig out certain things from it.  I'll keep looking or have to rescan it.

        The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

        http://www.peteforgovernor.com

        1. User avater
          PeteDraganic | Jun 29, 2006 02:26am | #6

          heres the footer detail I promised

          The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

          http://www.peteforgovernor.com

          1. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 29, 2006 02:37am | #7

            Sorry, for some reason I am unable to post a picture or attach any files.  maybe later?

             

            The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

            http://www.peteforgovernor.com

          2. User avater
            PeteDraganic | Jun 30, 2006 05:50am | #8

            Ok, figured it out... it was my virus software blocking the upload interface.

            Here's the pic.

            The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

            http://www.peteforgovernor.com

  2. wghulley | Jun 27, 2006 08:39pm | #2

    You should never attach a ledger to brick veneer.

    See: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/decks/sheet09.pdf

    I would use a freestanding deck to avoid this problem.

    Garth

  3. Stilletto | Jun 28, 2006 12:21am | #3

    I live in Michigan as well,  and we dig the hole 42-48 inches if the inspector is fine with 42"  go with it.  Less digging is a good thing.

    As for the brick veneer that is not a good idea in this state.  Any water will get in the holes you put in the brick and freeze.  Causing mortar and bricks to magically pop off the house.

    With a freestanding deck you don't need to flash it but I would leave a 1/2 gap between the finished decking and the brick,  giving water some place to go. 

    Can't you hear the violin playing your song.

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