Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Re-connecting metal joist hangers
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Richard904
10-15-07, 08:04 PM
I was inspecting a porch on our recently purchased house, and the metal joist hangers are missing nails and screws. It seems all the connections were made with #8 wood screws, and maybe 25% of the holes are missing screws or nails. I would like to use wood screws to finish the job finally, but is there not a queston of the shear capability of screws versus nails. It seems that the professionals and the manufacturers recommend nails. This porch was built in 1994, and we have put six people on it, so it has not collapsed yet. What should I do for safety sake?
XSleeper
10-15-07, 09:34 PM
Strictly speaking, you should always use the recommended nail for the hanger, which is usually a combination of Simpson N10 and N16D nails- all holes on the hanger flange should be filled, with the 16D nails crossing each other through the joist hangers for double shear nailing, if your hangers are so equipped. The manufacturer's instructions must be followed to acheive the load specifications that the manufacturer specifies.
Obviously, if less fasteners are used or screws are used (which usually never have a shear rating), the hanger will not hold as much weight without failing.
On your porch, I doubt there will be too much load, but its always wise to be safe rather than sorry.
Obviously, if less fasteners are used or screws are used (which usually never have a shear rating), the hanger will not hold as much weight without failing.
On your porch, I doubt there will be too much load, but its always wise to be safe rather than sorry.
lefty
10-17-07, 08:57 PM
Richard904,
First, go to a lumberyard and get a Simpson catalog. That's free. That will enable you to identify exactly which joist hanger you have, and exactly what you need for nails to attach it properly. There are several LU hangers. Some are attached with N10's, and others (LUS's) need 16d nails in addition to the N10's.
Most of the holes in the hanger are round. Those have to be filled with nails. There may also be some triangle holes. Those only need to be used for additional stength.
First, go to a lumberyard and get a Simpson catalog. That's free. That will enable you to identify exactly which joist hanger you have, and exactly what you need for nails to attach it properly. There are several LU hangers. Some are attached with N10's, and others (LUS's) need 16d nails in addition to the N10's.
Most of the holes in the hanger are round. Those have to be filled with nails. There may also be some triangle holes. Those only need to be used for additional stength.
chandler
10-18-07, 12:35 PM
While you are at it, once you have filled all the open holes with the proper nails, remove the screws and install nails in those holes, too. Screws don't have the shear strength that nails do. And don't use the N10's for attaching the joist to the rim. Use the 16's, since they are longer and will cross each other (by design of the hanger).