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Footings and Ledger

MN DIY Helpline: (612) 389-2073 | Chicago DIY Helpline: (331) 300-3071

DIY Academy > Footings & Ledger

What to Expect after Footings Installation

All helicals are placed within 3” of the final “perfect” location. The final location of each footing is adjusted with both the helical’s eye bolt and the Simpson post-to-base hanger.

Loosen the nut on the post base to adjust the plate and base to the desired location.

The helical’s eye bolt can be positioned anywhere inside the pipe. You may be limited by the bolt’s angle. A longer eye bolt can be used to utilize the lower holes if that angle is better.

The Simpson post base comes with a channel (see pic). Position your bolt anywhere inside this channel. Rotate the base if necessary to maximize the channel’s position.

The helical top plate and Simpson base do not need to be centered on the helical to be load-bearing, and most installations will be off center. Both can be off to the side as far as the eye bolt and channel allows.

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Ledger Lock

What to Expect After Ledger Installation

  1. A 3” gap between the door threshold and the new ledger is ideal. This allows the drip cap to tuck under the siding/trim.
  2. We attempt to pick the straightest board when attaching a ledger. However, wood is inherently imperfect and carpentry knowledge is often required to solve these issues.
  3. The ledger may crown in the middle and/or taper at the ends. Carefully measure the top edge using a string and level to identify your high and low points.
  4. Use the highest point of your ledger to determine the height of your joists. You may need to hang joists 1/16” – 1/8” higher than the ledger to level your frame. Do not cut your posts and lay your beam until you identify your highest ledger point.
  5. Your drip cap is not finished until you pinch it under your decking. Until then, expect it to be loose and “unfinished”. The inspector will approve the ledger as long as the cap is tucked under the siding, even if it is loose. They will check it again at final inspection to verify that it was pinched by the decking.
  6. Caulk is used on the sides and bottom of the ledger. If the siding (including stucco) on top of the ledger was cut by us, the homeowner is responsible for adding finish trim or hiring a stucco specialist to finish the edge if they desire. Siding is behind the edge of the decking and not required to have trim.

Simpson Strong Tie

Strong Ties are required. Place the 2 outer ties within 2 feet of the ends of the ledger board and equally space the remaining 2 ties in the center of the deck framing. Your kickout landing is considered a part of the main deck for this purpose.

Helical Piers

Video Courtesy of Strucutral Pier Tech

Diamond Piers