How to properly secure to the house?

If a deck is going to be secured to the house, we must always consider the type of support we are looking for. We usually try to achieve a strong load bearing point, but sometimes all we require is simple lateral support for our deck (side to side, and to prevent the deck from separating from the home).

Once we have determined the type of support required, we then look at what part of the houses structure we will be fastening our deck to. We could be fastening to the poured or block concrete foundation, we may be fastening to the structural toe-plate of the homes floor, or we may be securing to the framing of the exterior walls. Some points of the home are more suitable for fastening then others.

We must also consider the veneer (exterior wrap) of the home such as brick, stone, or siding and it's unique depth, properties and limitation.

Once these factors have all been considered, we will then choose the appropriate fastener style, size, length, and quantity. Often times, situations will required more then 1 type of fastener to properly achieve both bearing and lateral strength.

Common fastener type will include expanding anchor bolts, RSS (rugged structural screws), or lag bolts.

And of course, you can't forget one of the most important and unfortunately most commonly forgotten step

s. Making sure that your assembly includes all of the proper membrane, flashing and insulators. To insure that the home remains water-tight, and weather proof.

Writen by: Andrew Robic (Espace Unik)