A builder is constructing a deck that will be attached to the house with a ledger board. What is the maximum spacing allowed for lag bolts connecting the ledger to the rim joist according to Michigan Building Code?
Correct Answer
C) 16 inches on center
Michigan Building Code requires lag bolts for ledger board connections to be spaced no more than 16 inches on center for proper load transfer.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Michigan Building Code (adopting IRC standards) requires lag bolts or through-bolts used to attach a deck ledger to the house rim joist to be spaced no more than 16 inches on center. This spacing ensures adequate load transfer from the deck to the house structure and prevents ledger pull-away failures.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 32 inches on center
32 inches on center is too widely spaced for safe ledger attachment. Lag bolts at this spacing would not adequately transfer deck loads to the house structure and would not comply with Michigan Building Code.
Option B: 24 inches on center
24 inches on center exceeds the maximum allowable spacing of 16 inches. While this is a common spacing for many structural elements (like studs and joists), it is not acceptable for deck ledger lag bolt connections.
Option D: 12 inches on center
12 inches on center is tighter than required but is not the maximum allowed spacing. The question asks for the maximum spacing, and 12 inches on center would be compliant but is not the code-specified maximum.
Memory Technique
Deck ledger lag bolts = 16" OC maximum. Remember: 'LEDger = 16' — both start with sounds that rhyme with 'sixteen.' Just like wall studs are 16" OC, so are deck ledger bolts.
More Michigan Questions
A residential foundation wall in Michigan is 8 feet high with 2 feet above grade. The backfill exerts lateral pressure of 30 psf per foot of depth. What is the maximum lateral pressure at the bottom of the foundation wall?
A builder discovers that the electrical service entrance was installed without proper permits. According to Michigan law, what is the most appropriate next step?
What is the maximum allowable span for a 2x8 floor joist (Grade 2 Douglas Fir) at 16" O.C. with 40 psf live load and 10 psf dead load according to Michigan Building Code span tables?
According to Michigan Building Code, what is the maximum height of a wood-framed bearing wall using 2x4 studs with standard construction?
A homeowner requests to convert a bedroom into a bathroom on the second floor. What is the primary Michigan code concern the builder must address?
According to Michigan plumbing regulations, what is the minimum pipe size required for a water service line serving a single-family residence?
A contractor is building a basement foundation wall that is 8 feet high and will retain 6 feet of soil. What is the minimum wall thickness required by the Michigan Building Code for poured concrete?
A homeowner wants to install a gas fireplace in their living room. The contractor notices the existing gas line is 1/2 inch black iron pipe. For a 40,000 BTU fireplace with a 25-foot run, is this pipe size adequate according to Michigan gas code?
During a framing inspection, the building official notes that the contractor used 2x4 studs at 24 inches on center for an exterior wall. According to Michigan Building Code, what is the maximum wall height allowed for this configuration?
A contractor is installing a beam to support floor joists. The beam must carry a total load of 8,000 pounds over a 12-foot span. If the allowable fiber stress for the lumber grade is 1,200 psi, what is the minimum required section modulus?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Contract Administration
60 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Related Study Resources
Previous Question
According to Michigan Building Code, what is the minimum thickness requirement for a poured concrete foundation wall that is 7 feet high and supports a two-story structure?
Next Question
What is the maximum allowable deflection for a floor joist with a span of 14 feet under live load conditions according to Michigan Building Code?