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The 2009 International Residential Code has new provisions concerning the attachment of decks to homes. Most significant in this is the new hold-down tension device requirement of R502.2.2.3. This device is illustrated below and will certainly add construction costs to deck addition projects due to the invasive nature of the interior tension device attachment.

2009 IRC Figure R502.2.2.3

From the 2009 IRC:

R502.2.2 - Decks.

Where supported by attachment to an exterior wall, decks shall be positively anchored to the

primary structure and designed for both vertical and lateral loads as applicable. Such attachment

shall not be accomplished by the use of toenails or nails subject to withdrawal. Where positive

connection to the primary building structure cannot be verified during inspection, decks shall be

self-supporting. For decks with cantilevered framing members, connections to exterior walls or

other framing members, shall be designed and constructed to resist uplift resulting from the full

live load specified in Table R301.5 acting on the cantilevered portion of the deck.

R502.2.2.1  -Deck ledger connection to band joist.

For decks supporting a total design load of 50 pounds per square foot [40 pounds per square foot

live load plus 10 pounds per square foot dead load], the connection between a deck ledger of

pressure-preservative-treated Southern Pine, incised pressure-preservative-treated Hem-Fir or

approved decay-resistant species, and a 2-inch nominal lumber band joist bearing on a sill plate

or wall plate shall be constructed with 1/2-inch lag screws or bolts with washers in accordance

with Table R502.2.2.1. Lag screws, bolts and washers shall be hot-dipped galvanized or stainless

steel.

R502.2.2.3 - Deck lateral load connection.

The lateral load connection required by Section R502.2.2 shall be permitted to be in accordance

with Figure R502.2.2.3. Hold-down tension devices shall be installed in not less than two

locations per deck, and each device shall have an allowable stress design capacity of not less

than 1500 pounds (6672 N).

1. 2009 Code Update: Decks and Balconies
2. Connecting Wood Deck Railing Posts with the Simpson DTT2Z
3. CODE UPDATE: Significant Code Changes to the 2009 International Building Code – Fasteners
4. 2009 Code Update: Live / Work Units
5. Structural Implications for a Residential Deck to be Designed for a Hot Tub
6. Varying Design Wind Speeds for Arvada, Colorado
7. Braced Wall Specification Changes to the 2009 IRC (pt. 2)
8. Jefferson County Blows Less Than Last Year: A Reduction in Design Wind Speed.