In recent years, the IRC has been updated to incorporate design features that address the many horrific deck failures reported over the years. Of critical importance are the method of attachment of the ledger board to the house and its flashing against moisture intrusion, plus provision for lateral force protection, which ties the deck framing securely to the house floor framing. Even if the state/town's adopted version of the IRC isn't up to date with current version of the IRC, you ought to follow the more stringent version that addresses safety concerns.
|