Re: deck ledger connection
Pc - They're all 'MCA' with varying amounts of chemicals per cubic foot. Basically, the lower the number the farther above ground it needs to be. MCA 0.06 pcf is for 'Decking Only', the other two don't specify pcf, but refer to ESRs (ESR-2067 on one and ESR-1851 for the other). The 'Decking Only' tag refers to ESR-2325.
The particular lumber manufacturer is Culpeper, and their website has some interesting information on the chemicals they use... one is the same active ingredient that is in 'Advantix' - the tick prevention stuff for your dog or cat.
I kind of thought this was all pretty much common knowledge at this point (at least for Code Officials).
If John Q. Public took the time to know his (built) environment none of this would be a problem. It was the arsenic that caused the majority of the problems. Had owners/installers/specifyers ensured that the exposed surface was sealed, kids would not have gotten sick from exposure to the arsenic.
Had any of them actually READ the warranty and product specifications, they never would have used the stuff in above grade applications that led to premature deterioration due to dehydration of the wood.
Quick sidebar: My Mother-in-Law had a pool deck built around her above ground pool for the grandkids. Kids jump in the pool, get out on the deck and jump back in. All day long, 2, 3, 4, 5 at a time. The water doesn't look right. She takes a sample to the pool store. High in copper they say, use this. Copper? Her whole house is plumbed in CPVC.
Then it dawned on me. The lumber is treated with COPPER based arsenic (hence the green hue... DOH). Seal the deck and no more high copper levels in the water (and no more arsenic either!)