How to attach ledger joist after house is built?

13 years ago

My house is half built and the siding on the 1st and 2nd floors as well as stone to grade will be installed in a few weeks. We planned to install a deck after the construction is done by the builder.

My boss, who built his own house mentioned today that I should ask the builder to put in a "ledger joist flashed and probably with Tyvek protection" before the sidings are up so my future deck can be attached to it and not have to freestand. Since I have already signed the redline prints, every change to the house will incur a hefty fee. I am wondering what other people are doing when they build a deck after the sidings are up. Are there other things I should think of now in preparation for the future deck?

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Comments (2)

john_hyatt
13 years ago
This is common with new construction, no for thought for the deck. Even more common doing an upstairs deck.

For the life of me I do not understand why Folks do this.

If you want a free standing couple of decks you need to install a ledger.

If you do not want a free standing deck you need to install a ledger.

Ghessssssssssssssss. J.
tool_fool
13 years ago
Even if it's free standing, I think attaching it to the house seems needed for the sake of bracing it. The deck I tore down at my house was freestanding but it had a "Band/Rim" joist parallel to the house and was attached to the siding. It felt plenty sturdy. I hope the deck I'm building now feels as stout as the last one did. I guess what I mean is, what is the downside of a freestanding deck that's properly built? Maybe interfering with a patio beneath?
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