• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Use of construction screws in framing

R

Rod1985

REGISTERED
Joined
Sep 1, 2024
Messages
1
Location
Sudbury
My son and I are building a home and when attaching ladder trusses used 3" deck screws to firmly pull in and attach ladders to the common rafters, use of screws something we overlooked. Regular nails were used elsewhere.

Here is question:
Since we appear to have contravened the OBC by using screws, is it an acceptable remedy to simply add appropriate nailing where screws were used?
Anyone been there?
Thanks
 
Are the screws listed for structural use? Adding more nails could set the inspector's radar off. Might need to get the truss folks to sign off on either solution. JMHO
 
Rod1985 said:
Here is question:
Since we appear to have contravened the OBC by using screws, is it an acceptable remedy to simply add appropriate nailing where screws were used?
Anyone been there?
Thanks
Click to expand...
It can be, as long as the wood is not destroyed by having too many holes in one spot.
 
tmurray said:
It is not uncommon to see screws used to pull two structural members together then nailed.
Click to expand...
Used to that, OK with that.
It's stuff like this I see too often:

IMG_20240903_135019_606.jpg

Want to know how far back in my pics I had to go to find that?
Yesterday.

I remember going onsite for a framing inspection of a two-storey residence-above-garage construction. EVERY connection was screwed. Trusses, lintels, joists .... every one.
{sigh}
 
  • DIVISION 06 00 00 WOOD, PLASTICS AND COMPOSITES Section 06 05 23 Wood, Plastic and Composite Fastenings (for nails, staples, screws used for wood connections and screws and PAFs used to attach wood to other base materials).
Not sure about the fear of screws for structural. As stated by

redeyedfly​

Most are rated for structural and approved by IRC and IBC
 
Simpson connectors require the use of Simpson screws only. Another thing to look for when using screws.
Typically screws did not have the shear capacity of nails and therefore not commonly used. However, todays wood screws can be used in various applications. Verifying the screws used are for a specific product and application are the issue when inspecting.
 
redeyedfly said:
I don’t know what testing is acceptable in Canada but the tests will give the same results. A typical #10 3” framing screw far exceeds the shear of a 16d common or sinker. Not all screws are drywall screws.
Click to expand...
The way the code works in Canada, you can either do this with the nails specified by code or have an engineer stamp off on all the uses of screws. I've never seen that.

I did a lot of deck inspections for structural engineers at their personal residence in my previous job. I've never seen them use anything but nails. We would even joke about no screws used for structural framing.
 
redeyedfly said:
I don’t know what testing is acceptable in Canada but the tests will give the same results. A typical #10 3” framing screw far exceeds the shear of a 16d common or sinker. Not all screws are drywall screws.
Click to expand...
A framing screw is not a deck screw. Please re-read my original post(s), as I specifically mention deck screws. (Robertson or "square" heads up here, Phillips heads south of the border.)

Just to make sure we're on the same page, screws that are acceptable fasteners for structural connections are quite different and usually have Torx heads, but I have no idea why anyone would use them over nails save for unique situations, as they're vastly more expensive.
 
tmurray said:
The way the code works in Canada, you can either do this with the nails specified by code or have an engineer stamp off on all the uses of screws. I've never seen that.

I did a lot of deck inspections for structural engineers at their personal residence in my previous job. I've never seen them use anything but nails. We would even joke about no screws used for structural framing.
Click to expand...
I am a structural engineer and use screws all the time. I don't know any structural engineers who would hire a third party inspector for their personal residence. TBH, that sounds like a whole lot of didn't happen.
 
redeyedfly said:
I am a structural engineer and use screws all the time. I don't know any structural engineers who would hire a third party inspector for their personal residence. TBH, that sounds like a whole lot of didn't happen.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure what you mean. They were required to get permits the same as anyone else. Inspections the same as everyone else.

What to do you mean by third party?
 
I would think the truss designer would call out "Stick Build" on the ladder trusses and any small doghouse roof dormers, may not call out the fasteners?

A call to the truss designer would be a good thing, IMO. I've had to call the truss guy before to get some guidance.
 
tmurray said:
I'm not sure what you mean. They were required to get permits the same as anyone else. Inspections the same as everyone else.

What to do you mean by third party?
Click to expand...
I misunderstood, my mistake. Sounds like a long time ago when there were very few structural screws available.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top