MyFloridaCode.com

Thanks to everyone for the great feedback and confirming my initial thoughts
on this project.  The homeowner did try to go the correct route by having an
architect draw up plans for this deck.  However, based on the quality of the
drawings (not very readable, hand drawn plans) I believe he really didn't
put a lot of effort into them.  He definitely does not show or state the
need to remove the stucco but on the other hand he doesn't label the
existing structure as stucco or otherwise so maybe he's just leaving it up
to the contractor to take the appropriate steps to comply with structural
requirements (that's is our job as contractors).  The problem with this is
there are so many contractors out there who will not do this and take the
approach that "if the plans don't say I have to do it then I'm not going
to."  Based on some of the other quotes this homeowner received for the
project I know for a fact they were not planning on removing the stucco and
additionally I was one of the only ones who actually mentioned the need to
flash the ledger board.  So, if the homeowner goes with the lowest bid he'll
get a structure that is not structurally sound (IMO) and is open to water
infiltration which will in turn lead to further compromising of the
structural integrity of not only the deck but the primary structure as well.
I guess the only way to compete with these kind of folks is to explain to
the homeowner the need for the additional measures to keep their house dry
and keep their 40+ party guest that will be on the deck safe. 

Thanks again!!

Ken

Ken Rodgers
ArtisanBilt Construction





-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Koning [mailto:Bob at ContractorsInstitute.com] 
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 12:25 PM
To: Ken Rodgers; codetalk at myfloridacode.com
Subject: RE: [Florida Code Talk] Attaching Deck to Stucco

Ken, you will need to remove the stucco and install a new "Z" flashing
weep screed under the existing drain plane (even if it is paperback
lath.

1. if you lag through the existing stucco and drain plane, water will
saturate around the lags and begin decay.
2. in this instance, stucco is a cladding not a structural component
3. you will need to inspect the ends of the existing joists for their
integrity anyway

For this and other reasons, bolting a ledger board through a metal lath
stucco cladding that was installed over framing is never to be
considered.

IMHO


R.J.Koning - Director
Contractors Institute
rjkoning at contractorsinstitute.com
8301 Joliet Street
Hudson, Fl 34667
727-863-5147

  

-----Original Message-----
From: codetalk-bounces at myfloridacode.com
[mailto:codetalk-bounces at myfloridacode.com] On Behalf Of Ken Rodgers
Sent: Tuesday, January 20, 2009 10:19 AM
To: codetalk at myfloridacode.com
Subject: Re: [Florida Code Talk] Attaching Deck to Stucco

The structure is a new D.R. Horton home wood frame with (I'm assuming)
EFIS
stucco.  Plans call for two lag bolts at each floor truss.  I agree that
finding these trusses with the stucco left in place won't be simple but
shouldn't be impossible either.  It will however require finding them
with
the "manual stud finder" (a small drill bit) which of course just opens
up
more holes to moisture.  Overall, I'm confident I can keep the
waterproof
integrity of the structure either way.  My primary concern at this point
is
the structural integrity for safety purposes.  I'm just not comfortable
having the stucco between structural members.

Ken

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Kuritzky [mailto:kuritzky at bellsouth.net] 
Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 10:41 PM
To: codetalk at myfloridacode.com; Ken Rodgers
Subject: Re: [Florida Code Talk] Attaching Deck to Stucco

There is no simple answer.

Money is the ultimate answer.  Because, to do it right will require
money,
and skill.

Stucco on what? 
Frame? 
Block? 
What kind of sheathing (if frame) is under all this?

Remember, if the system is solid, and doesn't leak now, anything you do
to
it will increase the possibility of a failure.

And caulking is not the answer to anything.

Leaving the stucco in place may very well be the best approach.

There are a sufficient quantity of anchors available to secure the
ledger
through the stucco.  No matter how you look at it, you're putting holes
in
the system; either through the stucco, or through the ledger.  And the
holes
go all the way into the structure.

If you peel off the stucco, you create at least two flashing conditions,
AND
have broken the existing water-proof barrier.  You'll need to flash the
top
of the ledger, and the bottom.  The ledger, wood, then becomes the
barrier
to whatever is left behind the stucco.

And frankly, it could very well be a code problem.  It's both structural
and
water intrusion related.

Anyway, good luck with it.  Each problem is unique, and even with more
information, this group will probably come up with several good ways to
attend to this.

Eric D. Kuritzky, Architect, CBO
Orlando


On 1/19/09 11:13 PM, "Chandler Knowles" <chandlerknowles at att.net> wrote:

> What kind of stucco?  Cementicious?  EIFS?  How thick?
> 
> You are indeed correct that the proper flashing will be the key which
ever
> way you go.
> 
> Chandler Knowles
> Pensacola, FL
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ken Rodgers" <Ken at artisanbilt.com>
> To: <codetalk at myfloridacode.com>
> Sent: Monday, January 19, 2009 9:02 PM
> Subject: [Florida Code Talk] Attaching Deck to Stucco
> 
> 
>> All,
>> 
>>  I know this is not really a code question (unless someone has a code
>> reference that applies) but I would still appreciate your expert
opinions
>> on
>> the subject.  I was asked to give a bid on building a second story
deck
to
>> a
>> house with stucco covering.  Based on research and my own
inclinations, I
>> feel it would be best to remove the stucco where the ledger board
will be
>> so
>> it (the ledger board) can attach directly to the structural members
of
the
>> house (e.g. - floor trusses).  It seems to me that leaving the stucco
in
>> between the two would not be as structurally sound since it could
compress
>> over time and with movement of the wood and make for a loose joint.
It
>> could also cause stresses and cracks in the stucco.  Obviously,
proper
>> flashing will be a key factor in either case.  Any opinions,
experiences,
>> etc are appreciated.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Ken
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Ken Rodgers
>> 
>> ArtisanBilt Construction
>> 
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Eric D. Kuritzky, Architect, CBO



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