Choosing the right fasteners and using them correctly is vital for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of your deck. Simpson Strong-Tie provides comprehensive guidelines and high-quality fasteners designed to meet specific requirements and standards. This blog will cover the key aspects of deck fasteners, including double-shear nailing, power nailing, and fastening identification, along with the correct applications for different types of holes in connectors.
Double-Shear Nailing
Requirements
Double-shear nailing is essential for distributing the load through two points on each joist nail, providing greater strength. It requires the use of minimum 2 ½” long nails or SD Connector screws. Shorter nails should not be used as double-shear nails.
Benefits
- Increased Strength: The load is distributed more effectively, enhancing the structural integrity of the connection.
- Better Load Distribution: Double-shear nailing ensures that the load is shared between the joist and header.
Power Nailing
Power nailing can speed up the installation process, but it requires adherence to specific guidelines to ensure safety and compliance.
Guidelines
- Correct Diameter and Length: Ensure that the fasteners used are of the correct diameter and length.
- Correct Material or Finish: Use fasteners with the appropriate material or finish, especially for ZMAX® or hot-dip galvanized applications.
- Correct Quantity: Ensure the correct number of fasteners is installed.
- Hole-Locating Tool: Use a hole-locating tool or hand-driven nails to ensure accurate placement.
- Full, Round Concentric Head: Ensure that nails have a full, round concentric head.
Important Notes
- Diameter Specifications: Nails with a 0.131″ diameter cannot replace 10d common or 16d sinker nails.
- Avoid Overdriving: Do not overdrive the nails, as this can compromise the integrity of the connection.
- ASTM A153 Compliance: Power-driven nails must meet ASTM A153 Class D or equivalent specifications for ZMAX® or hot-dip galvanized applications. Most framing nails are only zinc-plated, so ensure that the nails used with ZMAX connectors are hot-dip galvanized.
Fastening Identification
Positive Angle Nailing (PAN)
- Purpose: Provided when wood splitting may occur and to speed up installation.
Speed Prongs
- Purpose: Used to temporarily position and secure the connector for easier and faster installation.
Dome Nailing
- Purpose: Guides the nail into the joist and header at a 45° angle.
Correct and Incorrect Applications
Correct Applications
- Full-Length Nails: Always use full-length catalog nails for double-shear nailing.
- Proper Hole Use: Use the designated holes on connectors and fill them as required.
Incorrect Applications
- Short Nails: Do not use short (1½”) nails for double-shear nailing.
- Obround Holes: Purpose is to make fastening a connector in a tight location easier; always fill unless noted otherwise.
- Diamond Holes: Used to temporarily fasten a connector for easier installation; no filling required.
- Square Holes: Always fill unless noted otherwise.
- Hexagonal Holes: Always fill when fastening a connector to concrete or masonry.
- Triangular Holes: Used to increase a connector’s strength or achieve maximum strength; fill when the designer specifies max nailing.
- Pilot Holes: No fasteners required; tooling holes for manufacturing purposes.
- Round Holes: Always fill unless noted otherwise.
Conclusion
Using the correct fasteners and adhering to installation guidelines is crucial for building a durable and safe deck. Simpson Strong-Tie provides a range of fasteners and detailed instructions to ensure that your deck meets all structural and safety standards. For more information on fasteners and their applications, refer to the Simpson Strong-Tie Fastening Systems catalog or use the Fastener Finder software at strongtie.com/software.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. For professional advice, consult experts in the field.
