Walk in any Michigan neighborhood and you'll see decks bolted directly through brick veneer. It's common, but that doesn't make it right. Here are the top three reasons you should never attach a deck ledger to brick, and what to do instead.
1. Brick Veneer Isn’t Structural
Brick veneer is decorative cladding. It’s not designed to carry weight. The Residential Code prohibits supporting deck ledgers on stone or masonry veneer. The reason is simple: veneer is held to the sheathing with small metal ties, not anchored to the framing. When a ledger is bolted into brick, it can pull away under load, causing catastrophic deck failure.
2. You Risk Water Intrusion and Structural Damage
Even when fastened “securely,” bolts through brick compromise the wall’s weather barrier. Moisture seeps in through the holes, rotting the rim joist and wall framing over time. In Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, this can quickly lead to structural decay and unsafe deck conditions.
3. Code-Compliant Alternatives Are Safer and Simpler
There are smarter, approved ways to build a deck when a home has brick veneer.
- Engineered connectors like Simpson Strong-Tie’s BVLZ™ Brick Veneer Ledger Connector transfer load directly to the structural framing, not the brick.
- Helical piers allow for free-standing deck designs, keeping the structure independent from the house wall altogether. They’re fast to install, frost-resistant, and eliminate the risk of wall damage.
Bottom Line
If a home has brick veneer, do not attach the deck ledger to it. Use an engineered system or build the deck free-standing on helical piers. You’ll protect the structure, pass inspection, and avoid costly liability issues down the road.
Stay Current on Code Requirements and Reduce Your Liability
Understanding proper deck ledger attachment is just one of many topics covered in the Michigan Builders License 3-Hour Continuing Competency course led by Sid Woryn, Michigan’s most experienced instructor. We offer in-person and online courses that provide practical, real-world insight into common code violations and how to avoid them.
Sources
- City of Madison Heights, MI – Deck Guidelines
- Simpson Strong-Tie – BVLZ™ Brick Veneer Ledger Connector
- Hubbell/CHANCE – Helical Pile Deck Support Systems
