I’ve been trying to decide how I feel about these timber lock bolts being used in place of lag bolts or ledger bolts to secure the deck ledger to the home. I’ve never seen them used for this. Is this an Issue or not?
I’ve used them for attaching the ledger board to the house. If I remember correctly you need two at each end and then can stagger them up and down the entire ledger 16" OC. If you look at Simpson Strong Tie you can see the installation instructions. These are designed to eliminate lag bolts.
3 Likes
Look up on their web site to see if they have IRC special code approval.
IMO, they don’t look like structural screws appropriate for that application. My guess is they are not appropriate. I don’t see an identifying stamp on the head. You’re going to have to become familiar with what is code approved and used in your local area. Of course, galvanized 1/2 inch fasteners are the universally approved fastener.
When I was a contractor, we used structural screws from GRK. The “RSS” screws with a larger head have code approval for deck ledgers. “RSS” is stamped on the head for identification. GRK has special code approval documents on their web site.
4 Likes
The smaller size is what concerns me and the small head as well.
2 Likes
If there were an adequate amount of them, plus the nails visible in your pics, I’d probably be ok with it, depending on the deck size and height from the ground. Even though it is a bit smaller, it is still a structural screw.
1 Like
Just eyeballing the screws is not enough. You need to ensure that the manufacturer’s instructions were followed. If they were followed then there is no concern. For deck construction these type of structural screws have replaced lag bolts.
1 Like
I know they’re supposed to be as good as regular old Lag bolts but the fact that there are no washers gets me. I wish the heads where wider. It looks like they are lined up with the studs and offset as they should be. From what you show its a pass (with the nails) but if it was my house I would add a couple Simpson Strong Ties for added security.
1 Like
Good instincts. Staggered 1/2" galvanized lag bolts with washers securing a pressure-treated ledger is the standard. Timberlock bolts with no washers is not even comparable.
2 Likes
Again, go to the manufacturer web site and view the special code approval documents.
If you’re worried about head size, and if the screw is code approved, make mention of the need for deck joist tension ties. The manufacturer code approval documents may even include the need for tension ties.
As an edit here is the document.
3 Likes
I’m assuming these are timberlock bolts as they sure appear to be based upon passed usage I’ve been searching the sites and found “TimberLOK screws replace 3/8” lag bolts in a fraction of the time" 3/8 is not 1/2 so I’m calling it not good enough which is par for the rest of the deck. Needs full evaluation and repairs.
Thanks all for the great input and leads!
I incorrectly mentioned Simpson Strong Tie screws in my previous post. LedgerLok are made by FastenMaster and are designed to replace 1/2" Lag bolts and are approved for attaching the ledger board to the house. If those are LedgerLok screws (not TimberLok they look similar) there is no issue when spaced properly.
Next time take a close-up image of the screw head. Observe the raised stamp or its absence. Also note the spacing and layout of the screws on the ledger. You’ll then be able to give the ok or not on the structural condition of the ledger attachment. I like to give a definitive opinion of this critical area of the deck structure. Very often it is substandard, making it a major structural sefect.
4 Likes
Well, the little holder spike looks somewhat seated. That’s good for about 1/4 lbs.
3 Likes
Hey Michael Sentry - THANK YOU for doing the research!