Simpson Strong-Tie Announces Tested Solution for Attaching Decks
Innovative BVLZ Brick Veneer Ledger Connector Attaches Ledgers to Wood-Framed Houses through Brick Veneer
Simpson Strong-Tie announced the release of the BVLZ brick veneer ledger connector kit, a code-compliant, tested solution for attaching decks to wood-framed homes that have a brick or masonry veneer exterior covering.
While brick veneer is an exterior covering used on buildings in many parts of the country, it lacks the load-bearing properties of structural masonry and cannot support the weight of exterior structures like decks. By connecting a wood ledger to the framing through the brick veneer, the BVLZ enables decks to be safely attached to the home without the need to remove or replace large sections of the veneer.
The BVLZ brick veneer ledger connector kit includes a steel ledger connector plate, a compression strut, two 14" Strong-Drive SDWH Timber-Hex HDG tension screws and six Strong-Drive SD Connector shear screws. The BVLZ is designed so tension screws pass through the mortar into the structural framing, allowing the compression strut to transfer forces from the ledger plate to the rim joist without bearing on the brick veneer.
“Brick and masonry veneer remains popular for its durability, aesthetic, and ease of maintenance, but it doesn’t have the load-bearing benefits of structural masonry in residential construction,” says Sam Hensen, vice president of Connectors and Lateral Systems for Simpson Strong-Tie. “With the BVLZ brick veneer ledger connector kit, builders have a new, code-compliant solution for attaching decks to homes through brick or masonry veneer, providing homeowners with an alternative to a freestanding deck.”
Fabricated from 12-gauge steel, the BVLZ connector also features a ZMAX galvanized coating to stand up to tough exterior environments. Additional benefits of the BVLZ include:
- Code-listed, engineered design — allows for drilling through the mortar joints
- Versatile solution — accommodates a wide range of airspace and veneer thicknesses
- Non-intrusive — minimizes penetration of existing water barriers
For more information about the BVLZ, including load tables, code reports and step-by-step installation instructions, visit strongtie.com/bvlz.
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