I want to add hurricane ties , the wood is old and splits a lot with nails, do any screws meet the code?

Question

Beach house open walls and ceiling, 55 years old, hurricane ties needed any other suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Answer 1

Screws alone will not do the job. If you are putting the ties on every rafter, you can use lighter ties. Look at Simpson H2.5 to connect wall studs to top plates - or Simpson LTSMTS12. Then use a Simpson H5 or A23 or another H2.5 to connect the rafters to the plate - the H2.5 usually needs to be fastened from the exterior. though. You can also rotate an H2.5 or H5 sometimes and fasten to the rafter from the top of the plate, rather than the side of the plate.

Optionally - install a LTS16 or D49 directly from the wall stud to the rafter (if it will reach and if they line up correctly).

Answer 2

Amy R is right. Additionally, screws should never be used with straps unless they are specifically made for straps. Take an ordinary drywall screw and hold it in a vise and smack the other end with a hammer. It will snap in half. Do the same with a nail and it will bend - you can bend it numerous times without breaking it. Screws aren't necessarily better or "stronger" than nails. Sometimes they're just easier.

Pre-drill with a slightly smaller bit before nailing to avoid splitting the wood. Read the Simpson handbook for other tips.

Answer 3

I think you are talking about an older home and replacing the wood isn't an option. If thats the case, I would go with the inspectors hint-- Pre drill slightly smaller holes before nailing. If you feel that they aren't holding in the wood much, you could coat the nails with construction glue before inserting the nails.

Answer 4

These two answers may be right but, they both missed the point, even the "building inspector"

You said these were hurricane ties and, "splits with lots of nails" are you saying it's beyond building material really?

I suggest you get new ties or timbers and, replace them one at a time, rather then try and save them, otherwise your going to have a building that's falling apart whenever the wind blows.