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Proper Ledger Fastener Placement

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2:58
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Learn why decks fail and how to install a deck 💪 #decks #learn #carpentry #flashing

What happens here

Using a wooden diagram, the presenter illustrates the critical placement of fasteners for the ledger board when installed into the rim joist. Fasteners should be placed no closer than 2 inches from the top and sides, and 3/4 inches from the bottom. The vertical distance between the top and bottom fasteners must be 1 5/8 inches or more. Installing fasteners too low can cause the rim joist to split, compromising the deck's stability.

Goal: Correctly position fasteners on the ledger board to ensure structural integrity.

Tools and materials

  • Drill/Driver — Driving screws (demonstration)
  • Ledger Board — Demonstrating fastener placement
  • Metal Rod — Pointing at diagram details
  • Mud Sill / Block — Representing the mud sill/block below the rim joist
  • Rim Joist — Representing the house's rim joist for ledger attachment
  • Screws — Representing fasteners in the diagram

What they say

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ledger height. Flash is above and below your ledger. Attach your ledger. Ledgers get installed into the rim joist. For a ledger, you'll never have fasteners 2 in from the top and the side or 3/4 in from the bottom. Distance from the top to bottom fastener will be 1 and 5/8 or more. The rim joist is the opposite. Two at the bottom, 3/4 at the top. Ledger can get installed anywhere in this green zone. If I install this ledger too low, it can split [snorts] your rim joist. Footing diameter is determined by the weight of the deck, not the size of your post. Taller decks need thicker posts.

Auto-generated from the video audio.