When using a Simpson Strong Tie on a rafter, do you still need to toenail the rafter to the top plat IN ADDITION to fully filling out all the nail holes? I’m talking about the H4 tie (diamond shaped). Also, is blocking still required when using these, or will these provide enough holding power to prevent the rafters from rolling over?
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
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I normally use the H2.5s, but I thought the H4s were similar - not so "diamond shaped"? Anyway, normally, rafters are nailed in place, and then, later, the hurricane ties are installed, and since our code gives specific requirements for rafter nailing, would think nails would be required. Around here, blocking is rarely used, and I prefer not to, as it often interferes with insulation and possibly ventilation. If you are worried about rolling, there is a hurricane tie that nails to both sides of the rafter and is more diamond shaped. Don't remember the part number though.
You may need to hear from someone who knows more about requirements for seismic areas.
Edited 5/23/2005 8:03 am ET by DIRISHINME
I could see it being a seperate step on new construction, where you have dozens of rafters or trusses to place so other work can be completed. But don't the ties themselvs provide better holding power than the nails - making the nails unnecissary?
The H4 looks like a square tipped up onto one corner, and a vertical slot for the rafter.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
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The ties are to keep hurricane winds from lifting the rafter. The toenails are fro the same purpose they have always been - to keep the rafter from slip sliding away down over the wall.
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I see what you are saying. In this case, the rafters are resting on top of a beam instead of pressing against a ridge board. The nails didn't seem to be obviously needed since the rafters weren't trying to slide down the wall! Thanks!Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
You miss my point. it doesn't matter if they are sitting on a wall, on a ridge beam, or on any other kind of beam. The toe nails have a different purpose than the tie plates do. The tie plates are a recent addition to building to resist wind uplift. they do that better than toenails do, but they do not replace all the other functions of the nails. They are an "added to" no an "instead of" item.
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No, I got your point. I was just saying that is was not obvious to me that they were needed when the rafter just sits there resting on two birdsmouths. Now I see why they are needed in addition to the ties that prevent uplift. Again, thanks for pointing that out. No stop making me say thank you!;)
It is surprising that Simpson does not make a tie that could work for uplift AND the horizontal shear forces in one tie. I would think that would simplify the building process a bit. Even if they just added a third folded tab on the horizontal axis to the H1, you could drive three 16D's vertically after the uplift ears were filled.
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
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Edited 5/23/2005 11:18 pm ET by xxPaulCPxx
Look at this web page:
http://www.strongtie.com/products/connectors/h.html
Which "H4s are you talking about?
Matt
D'OH! Sorry, I ment the H1.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
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