Originally Posted By: krichardson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
When attaching a guardrail to a deck ledger board using carriage bolts, is it a requirement to add a washer and nut to the carriage bolt on the inside of the ledger board?
Originally Posted By: dlittlefield This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Kevin,
There is a great article in The Journal of Light Construction (JLC) this month. They tested standard deck railing attachments. They also tested a product from Simpson Strong-Tie that works very well. Check It Out.
Originally Posted By: rcloyd This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Kevin:
The IRC requires the guardrail to be able to resist 200 PSF applied at any point along the top of the rail. Without a washer and nut a carriage bolt connection could not acheive this required strength and would eventually release.
Originally Posted By: ccoombs This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Kevin
I agree with Russell. The connection should have washers on both sides of the bolt (machine bolt or carriage bolt). I typically provide calculations for the connection and require between a 1 1/2" to 2 1/8" dia. washer. In theory, if the bolted posts are close enough a washer wouldn't be required. However, they would have to very close together.