The most critical member of your deck is the ledger. A ledger is attached to a home by structural screws or carriage bolts. If the ledger is low enough it may be attached via concrete wedge anchors. The reason this connection point is so critical is two fold:

Half of the weight of your live and dead load is supported by this board. It is critical you use structural screws in the proper pattern and in the proper amount. We fasten 5/16 Structural GRK’s in the top corner and bottom corner between each joist. And when you are able, use a deck tension kit by Simpson Tie as shown here.
Number two may be more important than one. When you fasten the ledger to your home you penetrate the vapor barrier (waterproof membrane). This means flashing is crucial. If you do not flash your deck properly the damage can be catastrophic.

Water Damage Due to bad Flashing — Water Damage due to improper Ledger Flashing.

This is a great example of a deck not flashed properly. We had to rebuild this entire basement wall.

Water shedding is very important when flashing your ledger. Fifteen years ago we used rolled aluminum flashing behind your ledger. We have discovered the copper in the pressurizing treatment creates a chemical reaction in the aluminum causing rapid oxidation and deterioration of the aluminum. Not to mention it does nothing to seal holes made by your structural screws. Butyl 12” wide flashing between your ledger board and home is the proper way to flash and to maintain the vapor barrier(water proof membrane) of your home.

Proper flashing By the Divergent Team — Torch Lake Deck

Here is an example of bullet proof water shedding, ledger flashing. Notice Butyl flashing between ledger and house above and below ledger board. Install Steel (not aluminum) deck flashing (sometimes called z-flashing) so you can over lap the house wrap.

Finished Deck Ledger Flashing — Finished Flashing

When you have finished, any water that might penetrate from above deck is diverted around ledger and away from your home.

DREAM..DESIGN..BUILD..

What Next?

If you’re in the market for a brand-new deck, let’s talk!

At Divergent Deck Builders, we build composite decks for clients across West Michigan. We work with each customer to design and build their dream deck while meeting all the codes and requirements. Feel free to check out some of our Most Recent Builds.

If you’re ready to get started, request a FREE DESIGN SESSION, and we’ll provide you with a custom quote based on your specific project.

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