In the world of construction, there are three main structural fastening methods to consider; end-nailing, toe-nailing, and joist hanging. In this guide, we’ll be focusing on joist hangers.
What are Joist Hangers?
Joist hangers are metal brackets that come in various sizes for different projects. They have face-mount attachments to fasten ledger boards and beams.
What are Joist Hangers Used for?
Joist hangers are used to anchor joists and wooden beams in construction. They’re mainly used in roofs, decking, flooring, and ceilings. Their purpose is to anchor constructions and create long-lasting support. Joist hangers slot under and over the edge of a wooden beam over three sides. They offer much more support than just using traditional nails alone.
Are Joist Hangers Necessary?
Although joist hangers are not technically required in construction, they are necessary if you want to increase the strength, durability and longevity of your construction - particularly if it’s a large one! Joist hangers can add peace of mind and real sturdiness to your wooden beams.
Should You Nail or Screw Joist Hangers?
When installing joist hangers, the type of fastener used is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of the structure. Nails are generally recommended over screws for several reasons. Structural nails, such as galvanised or stainless-steel nails, are specifically designed for use with joist hangers. They provide the necessary shear strength to support heavy loads and resist the forces acting on the joist.
Screws, while often stronger in tension, are typically not designed to handle shear forces as effectively as nails. Using screws can lead to potential failures under heavy loads or dynamic stresses, as they are more likely to snap. There are specialised screws available that are rated for structural appliances, but these are the exception rather than the norm.
Joist Hangers vs End Nailing
Joist hanging involves using metal brackets to secure and connect a joist rim joist or ledger beam and hold the different pieces of wood together. On the other hand, end-nailing is where a large nail or screw is driven into the face grain of a joist to connect it to the ledger beam.
Both have their advantages, with end-nailing being more time-efficient and suitable if you’re on a budget. However, joist hanging will provide a much more solid connection for various projects, ensuring they last for much longer.
Joist Hangers vs Toe Nailing
Toe nailing involves driving nails at an angle through the joist into the supporting beam. This traditional method is often quicker and doesn’t require additional hardware, making it cost-effective for some projects. However, similar to end-nailing, it can be less secure compared to using joist hangers - particularly under heavy loads or in areas subject to significant stress.
Can I use a Nail Gun with Joist Hangers?
Using a nail gun to install joist hangers can significantly speed up the process and improve efficiency. However, it’s important to use the right type of nail gun and nails to ensure the job is done correctly. A positive placement nailer is typically recommended for joist hangers.
Standard framing nail guns are not suitable for this purpose as they may not drive the nails at the correct angle or with sufficient precision. Additionally, the nails used in joist hangers are usually shorter and thicker than those used in regular framing, requiring a specialised nail gun. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for both the joist hangers and the nail gun to ensure compatibility and meet building code requirements.
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