My 2x6 exterior walls are up, plumbed, lined and ready to be nailed down. I'm a little worried about using 16d nails as they will only give me 1.25" penetration into the rimjoist and floor joists (3.5" nail length minus 1.5" sole plate minus 0.75" subfloor thicknesses). However, as I am planning on using 18" Strongtie straps every 4 feet linear that will connect to all components it covers (mudsill, rimjoist, subfloor, soleplate, wall stud) I'm thinking it may not be necessary to go to something larger than a 16d sized nail. I also will lap the OSB sheathing over the rim and mudsill and nail into them.
So, is my thinking of using 16d anyway a bad idea? If so...recommendations.
thanks
As you describe should be plenty. Have you checked what the local building requirements are?
Thanks Don.
I live out in the county, so no requirements, no inspectors, no permits.
I pinned mine in place with the air nailer. Then I screwed it between each stud with 4" coated screws.
Quote from: MountainDon on September 25, 2008, 09:47:38 AM
...what the local building requirements are?
I asked that because that could give you an indication of any special considerations might be recommended for local conditions; wind, seismic, etc. Any nearby regulated area could give you an idea.
You'll be fine, especially with the OSB lapping the rim joist. Remember that nails don't keep boards together so much as they keep them from sliding around.
Confirm with PEG or Glenn, but I betcha you are plenty good to go.
Regards,
-f-
The 16d nails and the lapped OSB are fine , the straps are overkill unless your in a high wind ( hurricane / tornado area) and even then IF the wind breaks a window / blows a door open and the wind can get in your MTL screwed.
All these "hold downs" we use here in Washington are over kill IMO as well. IF we have a big quake , sure the building may not pancake , but it will be severely damaged , MTL beyond repair.
So yes it (hold down / straps, etc ) may save the odd life or two , BUT the buildings will be toast.
The only bottom plates I screw down are interior wall partitions that run parallel / with the floor joist direction. Those nails and plate can squeak as folks walk along a wall and the sub-floor flex's some that those nails squeak like crazy.
Remember MOST, not all , screws are not designed with shear in mild a 16d nail is. Your looking for shear strenght in this case not up lift prevention.
G/L PEG