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Stesso

Secure the Ledger Board

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15:02
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Why patio roofs fail - and how to build them right!

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What happens here

The video begins by illustrating how a patio roof can fail due to improper ledger board attachment. It demonstrates the incorrect method of nailing a ledger directly into wall studs through the sheathing using ordinary framing nails (e.g., from a nail gun), which offers insufficient pull-out strength and is not always code-compliant. The correct method involves using structural screws driven directly into the center of the studs, allowing the sheathing to remain in place while providing superior withdrawal resistance and shear strength for the ledger.

Goal: Properly attach the ledger board to the house structure for stability.

Tools and materials

  • 16D Nails — Demonstrating the incorrect method of ledger attachment (should not be used)
  • Cordless Drill / Impact Driver Makita — Driving structural screws into the studs
  • Hammer — Demonstrating the incorrect method of ledger attachment and failure
  • Lumber — Constructing the ledger board
  • Nail Gun — Demonstrating the incorrect method of ledger attachment (should not be used)
  • Plywood Sheathing — The existing exterior wall material of the house
  • Structural Screws — Properly attaching the ledger board to the studs

What they say

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This is how your patio roof fails. And what keeps it standing? Before you install your ledger, we need to be sure this gets properly attached. You may be able to attach your ledger directly to the studs with nails. And this will typically require a 16d nails, not just nails from your gun. But this method can have less pullout strength and isn't allowed everywhere. If we use structural screws, we can leave on the sheathing and attach our ledger directly to the stud. And this makes the ledger resistant withdrawal. And this can handle much more shear. When ledgers get directly

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