Home Inspection State Practice Exam

Which fastener is most acceptable for connecting a deck ledger to a band board?

1. 3/8 inch diameter stainless steel screws.

2. 1/2 inch diameter hot-dipped galvanized steel machine bolt.

3. 1/4 inch lag screws.

4. Wooden dowels.

The correct answer is: 1/2 inch diameter hot-dipped galvanized steel machine bolt.

The choice of a 1/2 inch diameter hot-dipped galvanized steel machine bolt as the most acceptable fastener for connecting a deck ledger to a band board is based on its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Machine bolts are particularly effective for structural connections where high strength is essential, such as in the case of a deck ledger that must support significant loads and withstand the forces exerted on the deck. Hot-dipped galvanization adds an extra layer of protection against rust and corrosion, making these bolts suitable for exterior applications where moisture exposure is a concern. This is critical for ensuring the longevity and safety of the deck structure, as failure of the fasteners could lead to deck instability or collapse. In contrast, while 3/8 inch stainless steel screws and 1/4 inch lag screws could serve similar purposes, their respective sizes may not provide the same level of strength and load-bearing capacity required for securely fastening a ledger board. Wooden dowels are not typically used for such applications because they lack the necessary tensile strength and load capacity needed for structural connections in outdoor environments.