DIY deck project?

Question

So the old deck has rotted in many spots and now water is leaking into the room below the header board ( is that what it's called? The board that connects the deck to the house?). Anyway we've removed everything but that header board thing. Is there a right or wrong way to remove it? (If it makes a difference, we have siding). Any advice on DIY books - like "Deck Building for Dummies"? I've done my share of painting, wallpapering, wood finishing but no real construction type projects.

Thanks.

Answer 1

That's called a ledger board.  There is no secret trick to removing it.  Unscrew the bolts if there are any, or pull the nails.  Caulk the holes where the fasteners were.  When you install the new one, make sure to get some Z-flashing.  This slips under the siding above the board and over the ledger to keep water out.  Find the joists on the other side of the plywood or wall studs, run 3" lag screws in to secure the new ledger.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I don't like using ledger boards when building a deck, will build it free standing with posts and beams that do not connect to the house.  It doesn't make sense to me to have holes through the wall when it is not necessary.  Check out this link for designing a deck.  I have used it many times, can generate a materials list and is fairly easy to use.

Answer 3

I'd probably give the 10 to woodtick, as first and as accurate as you need, although I might re-think re-attaching the deck to the house, and design the sub-structure to stand freely. Obviously the damage to the house hs to be repaired before you do anything else, after you get rid of all the damaged decking material.

  I can't know if the ROTTED refers to just the decking surface, or any of the framework, especially the posts supporting it all. You don't state the height of the deck off ground level either. Any re-install/repair should be NEW pressure treated 2 x or 4 x stock, using galvanized carriage bolts.

Steven Wolf

AKA: The Deck Doc

Just my two "sense"

Answer 4

Z metal is very important, but so is a board that doesn't have cracks going all the way through it.  You should use at least 15# felt behind the ledger such that the felt is behind the Z metal and on top of the siding below the leader such that if water does get behind the board, it will run out of the building instead of into the building.

Answer 5

I have heard it called ledger, bond or sill plate.  Try going to a hardware store and buying a catspaw or a wrecking bar.

http://milesbradley.com/

here is my site for some deck replacement photos and new decking ideas

Answer 6

The item you are refering to (header thing) the attachment to the house is called a ledger. The ledger supports 50% of the deck so it's important to securley fasten it to your home. This attachment should be done with carrage bolts if you have access to the back side of the perimeter joist. Otherwise use lag screws (two per attachment point) You'll want to put flashing under the siding and over the ledger to prevent rot. good luck! you can do it.