jar546
Forum Coordinator
Is it possible to prescriptively frame a house under the IRC using nominal, not engineered lumber and screws instead of nails?
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Can You Prescriptively Frame a House Nominal Lumber Using Screws?
- Thread starter jar546
- Start date
Yankee Chronicler
Registered User
Prescriptively?
I'm too tired to look it up but my recollection is that there are no prescriptive fastener tables in the IRC for screws with conventional dimension lumber, so my off-the-cuff answer is "No."
I'm too tired to look it up but my recollection is that there are no prescriptive fastener tables in the IRC for screws with conventional dimension lumber, so my off-the-cuff answer is "No."
mark handler
SAWHORSE
Yes and no,
Screws, not sized per IRC but
Simpson SDWS Framing screws are designed and load-rated for replacing 16d, 10d and 8d nails in framing applications. The SDWS Framing screw is 0.160" in diameter and superior to nails in holding power and pull-out resistance. It is code listed under IAPMO UES ER-192 and meets the IRC and IBC code requirements for several common wood framing applications.
Strong-Drive® SDWS™ FRAMING Screw
The Strong-Drive SDWS Framing screw is a code-listed, multi-purpose structural fastener that can be used in framing applications, remodeling and interior or exterior DIY projects.
you do not need engineering, but it is an alternate method, allowed by code
jar546
Forum Coordinator
I wonder how much cost the added labor would bring to a typical SFR.....Yes and no,Screws, not sized per IRC butSimpson SDWS Framing screws are designed and load-rated for replacing 16d, 10d and 8d nails in framing applications. The SDWS Framing screw is 0.160" in diameter and superior to nails in holding power and pull-out resistance. It is code listed under IAPMO UES ER-192 and meets the IRC and IBC code requirements for several common wood framing applications.Strong-Drive® SDWS™ FRAMING Screw
The Strong-Drive SDWS Framing screw is a code-listed, multi-purpose structural fastener that can be used in framing applications, remodeling and interior or exterior DIY projects.www.strongtie.com
you do not need engineering, but it is an alternate method, allowed by code
bill1952
SAWHORSE
That's assuming they never have to take any framing apart? Some pros may be perfect and not have to disassemble any framing, but I usually do.
Kearney.200
Silver Member
Just looked at the 18 IRC screws not even for decks which around here is standard practice. Not sure if I would ever call it out or not.
Paul Sweet
Sawhorse
The main problem with screws is that nails can bend before failing when overloaded, but screws are more brittle and likely to snap, Deck screws have negligible side loads so this isn't a problem with them.
Screws that are designed and have been tested for shear loading can be used instead of nails as long as they have the same or greater strength as the nails in the code tables. If I were a building official I would want to see the manufacturer's data before approving them, and would want to check that the correct ones are actually being used on the job.
Screws that are designed and have been tested for shear loading can be used instead of nails as long as they have the same or greater strength as the nails in the code tables. If I were a building official I would want to see the manufacturer's data before approving them, and would want to check that the correct ones are actually being used on the job.
tbz
Silver Member
Here is the real question?
Cost: Nail Gun vs Screw Gun?
I venture the nail gun has a distinct advantage....
Cost: Nail Gun vs Screw Gun?
I venture the nail gun has a distinct advantage....
jar546
Forum Coordinator
bill1952
SAWHORSE
Disregarding the economics, is there consensus for Mark Handler's post - that screws are permitted for light wood framing?
Inspector Gadget
Registered User
I had someone frame an entire freaking two-storey building using wood screws. They were *adamant* that screws were superior.
Eventually, I had them drive a three-inch screw 1" deep into wood, and do the same for a nail. Then apply perpendicular force to both.... Then I printed the nailing table for them ("It's called 'the nailing table' for a reason.).
Sometimes I'm a building inspector. More often than I care to reflect upon, I'm a freaking carpentry school on wheels.
Eventually, I had them drive a three-inch screw 1" deep into wood, and do the same for a nail. Then apply perpendicular force to both.... Then I printed the nailing table for them ("It's called 'the nailing table' for a reason.).
Sometimes I'm a building inspector. More often than I care to reflect upon, I'm a freaking carpentry school on wheels.