FastenMaster Lateral Tension System for Decks

The FastenMaster Lateral Tension System (LTS) is a complete system designed to transfer the lateral forces on an exterior deck when attached to the wood frame of a structure. The Lateral Tension System is approved for the five most common installation conditions.: the sill plate or wall plate behind ledger, sill plate or wall plate directly below ledger, sill plate or wall plate 2"-5" below ledger, wall stud in line with deck joist, and when the wall stud is between deck joists. With the LTS, you can install the fastener first and then add the plate. The long fastener allows you to achieve the 3” of threading within the sill plate without having to access the interior of the house. You can achieve the code compliant connection in seconds.

The International Residential Code (IRC) requires that decks be designed to withstand both vertical and lateral loads. This 2015 code allows for tension ties to be attached to the deck joist then fastened directly to an interior sill plate, wall plate or stud – all from the outside. Per code, these lateral connections must be designed to resist 750 pounds in tension and installed in four locations along the length of the ledger: one within 2' of each end of the ledger with two more evenly spaced between.