Encountered a deck that used Foundation bolts to secure the Ledger Board to the masonry exterior wall of the home.
Angled end at the ledger with the threaded portion secured in the basement with washers and nuts. Pattern was staggered with a bolt in every floor joist bay.
Would this type of fastener be acceptable for this application and/or use?
Well, only my opinion here, but first of all hopefully the ledger board was fastened to what kind of masonry? Was in block or veneer(brick)?
In my opinion I would contact or do a little research on the fastener to see if it offers any kind of horizontal application methods.
And honestly I don’t see it being much different than a thru-bolt other than the surface area of the exterior securing. What I mean is that the bolt portrayed is more or less a barrel, while other bolts would offer a washer and nut, creating more surface area and spreading this over a larger area. Checking into the manufacture’s application method would be the best way of getting an answer.
I would bet that this would not be an approved use. But it is cheaper than what is required.
Joe,
I’ve never encountered this type of installation, they appear to be foundation to sill tie down bolts.
I’d call this out due to the hook not being an accepted practice of holdind a deck ledger in place. I believe the ledger portion of the anchor must be threaded with a nut attached. Either way, I’d like to see this attachment threaded with a nut.
I don’t like the fact that the hook end is the support.
Joe,
Here is a link to some basic info on bolt strength… http://home.jtan.com/~joe/KIAT/kiat_2.htm
As you can see in the info, bolts are graded primarily by the material and method used to manufacture it. Just because it has threads and fits through the hole, does not mean it is strong enough…tensile and yield strengths. My biggest concern is it’s shear strength. (Could be another Chicago porch incident waiting to happen).
I personally would write it up as a safety hazard, due to improper fastners used to afix the ledger board. (I seriously doubt you will find that a j-bolt is allowed for this application).
Jeff
I would recommend that the seller demonstrate that this method of attachment was engineered, or that it was inspected and approved by the AHJ.
I would recommend they be replaced with proper fastening devices immediately.
I am positive if a person kept righting the nut it would draw the bolt out through the ledger board.
Cookie
I agree with Roy, it’s an inappropriate use of sill plate bolts.
That was my thought. While it appears to be acceptable and secure, how would one determine the strength of the bolt in this type of application?
This bolt has no strength as it could pull out .
Shear strength is another thing .
Need to look up and this can vary considerably from stainless not much to all thread better and high tenstile very strong.
http://www.rocscience.com/downloads/unwedge/webhelp/unwedge/Bolt_Shear_Strength.htm
http://www.derose.net/steve/resources/engtables/bolts.html
… Cookie
What you have is a serious Code Violation.
While the International Residential Code recommends or even requires anchor bolts to fasten ledgers when connected to masonry walls, the method of installation you describe is backwards.
Here is how a properly installed anchor bolt should be installed for a deck ledger in hollow wall masonry:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/homebild/DeckBolt/10-08-2004070810AM.jpg
Here is how a properly installed anchor bolt should be installed in poured concrete…Note also the Table for proper spacing of bolts based on joist sizes and size of bolt:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c126/homebild/DeckBolt2/10-08-32.jpg
Anchor bolts can also be used to fasten ledgers or ledger in ICFs but in all cases the bolt needs to be properly embedded in concrete or grout.
Otherwise a threaded rod bored through the ledger and foundation then nutted and washered on the inside of the foundation and outside of ledger is acceptable.
Deck ledgers in no case can be bolted to brick veneer.
Here is the soon to be released IRC 2007 Code Supplement indicating bolt spacing for decks:
Rather than try to prove a negative - that it won’t work / is not approved - I would recommend that the seller demonstrate that it’s engineered or approved for this application.
When they can’t do that, the question is settled - it’s wrong, and needs to be corrected.
Thanks for the help.
First, you must attend and obtain your engineering degree. 
Then, you must put in your Inspection Agreement that your inspecting outside the scope of HI and are qualified to do so.
Don’t forget to charge for the added service as you have paid your dues.
Just wondering if any of you have seen this or used it.
Works really well and solves a lot of problems consistant with deck to house attachments.
Our Products provide a Revolutionary method of attaching Decks, Stairs, Signs and other appendages to buildings. Both the Bracket AND the attachment system methods are patented.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/1.jpg
The sheithing is cut out to expose the box sill.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/2.jpg
The Maine Deck Bracket is bolted to the sill With 1/2" bolts,washers on the inside.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/3.jpg
A small slot is cut in the siding for the web of the bracket to go through.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/4.jpg
The slot is small so as to leave no significant entry point for water or insects.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/5.jpg
The slot is then caulked with silicone, caulking , sealing out moisture and insects.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/6.jpg
The Maine Deck Brackets make a nice neat job on the building.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/7.jpg
The brackets are ready to receive the deck framing.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/8.jpg
The double ledger is used so that you can span the distance between brackets safely.
http://www.deckbracket.com/9series/9.jpg
The deck is now framed and ready to cover.
1 1/2" spacing between decking and siding is recomended for an air space.
Marcel
Michael;
I preferr pictures that are worth a thousand words.
Marcel 
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Inappropriate use of a foundation bolt. Calling it puts the burden of proof on the seller. Unless they put something heavy like a hot tub up there (which they might do, you never know) it won’t matter anyway.
You are absolutely correct Kenton, (Improper use of a foundation bolt).
I believe that is the consensus of the upper post as well.
Foundation bolts are designed this way so when embedded in concrete will increase it’s pull out strength.
Used as was posted to hold a deck ledger and the J positioned parallel to the grain, under stress of pull out, would just shear the wood grain straight out.
It is not what it is designed for.
I would certainly write it up as a concern that an inappropriate fastener was used and in no way would it be safe under loading of appurtenances such as a hot tub or sauna in the future by a prospective client.
This was obviously built by the owner or the dime a dozen Deck Builders out there.
Unapproved installation.
Marcel 
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