Tie top plate to header and stud

[mark2457]

About to start construction of my garage. inspector said I need some kind of metal tie on the short walls to tie the top plate, header and stud together. (exterior will be sheathed with 5/8 ply)

Anyone know what he's talking about and how many I would need?

 

[evildky]

Hurricane straps, any hardware store will have a selection of these for various uses.

 

[BillK]

You should be able to find what you need at Home Depot etc. Look at this web site first.
http://www.strongtie.com/

One warning, no matter what you think or what anyone on this site thinks, you need to make sure that whichever tie you decide to use will pass your inspection. Only your inspector can tell you that.

 

[mark2457]

You should be able to find what you need at Home Depot etc. Look at this web site first.
http://www.strongtie.com/

One warning, no matter what you think or what anyone on this site thinks, you need to make sure that whichever tie you decide to use will pass your inspection. Only your inspector can tell you that.

Thanks

 

[mark2457]

You should be able to find what you need at Home Depot etc. Look at this web site first.
http://www.strongtie.com/

One warning, no matter what you think or what anyone on this site thinks, you need to make sure that whichever tie you decide to use will pass your inspection. Only your inspector can tell you that.

Hey Bill

Being looking at the dizzying array of hurricane straps and will call inspector tomorrow. I was planning to sheathe the walls while they were lying down, but that means I have to find straps that can be installed over sheathing (have seen some simpson ones designed for retrofit) and check if they're appropriate. OR install them on the interior, as there will be no interior sheathing or drywall. Do you know if this is generally permitted?

Thanks

Mark

 

[soapii]

Hurricane straps get installed on the interior.

--Joe

 

[Zeke]

Sounds like you need the middle one here:

Used like this:

 

[rburke65]

Yes, hurricane straps are required and are applied on the inside.....my opinion. Ask what the inspector wants to be sure.

 

[mark2457]

Sounds like you need the middle one here:

Used like this:

Thanks zeke, so it doesn't wrap around the top plate, just wraps over it 3.5 inches, kind of like an upside down "L"?


Regards

mark

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Thanks zeke, so it doesn't wrap around the top plate, just wraps over it 3.5 inches, kind of like an upside down "L"?


Regards

mark

It appears to wrap over. If it starts out as a straight piece (would hardware strap meet the inspectors standards?). You could attach the outside as you build your wall. Then wrap it over and nail the inside after you have the wall stood up and everything else installed.

 

[mark2457]

It appears to wrap over. If it starts out as a straight piece (would hardware strap meet the inspectors standards?). You could attach the outside as you build your wall. Then wrap it over and nail the inside after you have the wall stood up and everything else installed.

That makes sense!

 

[dave*99]

Follow the nailing instructions carefully. The inspector will look at that too.

 

[gtae07]

It appears to wrap over. If it starts out as a straight piece (would hardware strap meet the inspectors standards?). You could attach the outside as you build your wall. Then wrap it over and nail the inside after you have the wall stood up and everything else installed.

I used a bunch of different ones on my build (given that I live in a hurricane zone).

Most common were ones that actually tied the rafters to the top plate to the stud, in one go. I stood the wall, added the clips, then installed the ceiling joists and rafters. I put one on the outside (before sheathing) and one on the inside. See the USP RT10. You can also use these to tie your end truss to the walls if you build it that way.

The "wraparound" u-shape ones come prebent, you can slip them over and nail one side before standing the wall, then get the other side afterwards. Also good for tying jack and king studs together to the plates. See the USP SPTH series.

I suggest getting a palm nailer to put all these nails in; I don't think there are any you can use a regular nailgun with. It works even better with the holddown brackets if you have to use those.

 

[mark2457]

Follow the nailing instructions carefully. The inspector will look at that too.

Yeah he already told me that he wants to inspect nailing patterns on sheathing

 

[wnstwolf]

You need to buy that guy a cup of coffee. He is looking too close at your project.

I failed my final inspection as I did not have the ties in place. Easily installed on interior prior to any interior wall surface. Like you I built my walls then pulled in place. Inspector said with all my roof surface on pre made trusses just nailed to top plate even in a non hurricane area heavy winds could lift it.

As I was about to build a deck soon with a lot of hangers I added a nailer for those special nails used on the hangers my inspector suggested I use those same nails for my hurricane ties. He passed me with envy of the new nailer.

 

[mark2457]

I used a bunch of different ones on my build (given that I live in a hurricane zone).

Most common were ones that actually tied the rafters to the top plate to the stud, in one go. I stood the wall, added the clips, then installed the ceiling joists and rafters. I put one on the outside (before sheathing) and one on the inside. See the USP RT10. You can also use these to tie your end truss to the walls if you build it that way.

The "wraparound" u-shape ones come prebent, you can slip them over and nail one side before standing the wall, then get the other side afterwards. Also good for tying jack and king studs together to the plates. See the USP SPTH series.

I suggest getting a palm nailer to put all these nails in; I don't think there are any you can use a regular nailgun with. It works even better with the holddown brackets if you have to use those.

Thanks!

i do have a palm nailer

 

[mark2457]

You need to buy that guy a cup of coffee. He is looking too close at your project.

I failed my final inspection as I did not have the ties in place. Easily installed on interior prior to any interior wall surface. Like you I built my walls then pulled in place. Inspector said with all my roof surface on pre made trusses just nailed to top plate even in a non hurricane area heavy winds could lift it.

As I was about to build a deck soon with a lot of hangers I added a nailer for those special nails used on the hangers my inspector suggested I use those same nails for my hurricane ties. He passed me with envy of the new nailer.

When you say new "nailer", are you referring to a nail gun or a plate/tie?

That kinda makes sense. from what I've read, if you're really building for hurricanes you need hurricane ties from stud to sill plate so that the wind force is transferred all the way to the foundation.

 

[bczygan]

About to start construction of my garage. inspector said I need some kind of metal tie on the short walls to tie the top plate, header and stud together. (exterior will be sheathed with 5/8 ply)

Anyone know what he's talking about and how many I would need?

If by "short walls" he means the not very wide walls on either side of your garage door, then he may be talking about treating them as shear walls:

Verify with him. And ask if they need connections to the foundation as well.

This helps prevent racking and possible collapse because these walls aren't wide enough to resist these kinds of forces.

Bill

 

[padroo]

I hate it when someone tells you what they want and don't give you more detailed information. The inspector should have been able to give you a manufacturer and part number and they know you are not a contractor.

 

[Evilunclegrimace]

When you say new "nailer", are you referring to a nail gun or a plate/tie?

That kinda makes sense. from what I've read, if you're really building for hurricanes you need hurricane ties from stud to sill plate so that the wind force is transferred all the way to the foundation.

It sound like he is talking about a MCN 150 nail gun from Bostich

 

[rayra]

There's a couple types, one is typically called a hurricane tie or strap and looks sort of like a bow tie.

Another style is a diamond-shaped gusset sort of thing -

There are a lot of other types as well, you need to check your local codes and your inspector to find out just what types are required and with what density of placement.

And you'll need stout nails or proper woodscrews and not drywall screws for all of it, to pass an inspection

 

[mark2457]

If by "short walls" he means the not very wide walls on either side of your garage door, then he may be talking about treating them as shear walls:

Verify with him. And ask if they need connections to the foundation as well.

This helps prevent racking and possible collapse because these walls aren't wide enough to resist these kinds of forces.

Bill

Thanks Bill

Yes they are sheer walls. but are 4' each side, which normally requires no extra handling. IIRC you need 4' sheathing at each corner and then every 25'.

Anyway will call him in next few days. Thanks for the pic too, haven;t see that one before

 

[mark2457]

It sound like he is talking about a MCN 150 nail gun from Bostich

That is nice. If I were a contractor, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Will slum it with my palm nailer

 

[mark2457]

There's a couple types, one is typically called a hurricane tie or strap and looks sort of like a bow tie.

Another style is a diamond-shaped gusset sort of thing -

There are a lot of other types as well, you need to check your local codes and your inspector to find out just what types are required and with what density of placement.

And you'll need stout nails or proper woodscrews and not drywall screws for all of it, to pass an inspection

Thanks. I was planning to use the diamond ones, but that wouldn't allow me to sheathe the walls first (as I assume these have to go under sheathing). Will try and find ones that attach from the inside.

 

[theoldwizard1]

That is nice. If I were a contractor, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Will slum it with my palm nailer

Again, you need more specific direction from the inspector ! In many cases, you have to use "special" nails or screws, which are a LOT more expensive.

I have to admit, the Simpson "structural" screws do work well, but $$$ !

 

[theoldwizard1]

I used a bunch of different ones on my build (given that I live in a hurricane zone).

Most common were ones that actually tied the rafters to the top plate to the stud, in one go.

Yes ! This is the first case I have heard of requiring the top plate/header to be strapped to a stud, Is the OP in an earthquake zone ?

 

[mark2457]

Yes ! This is the first case I have heard of requiring the top plate/header to be strapped to a stud, Is the OP in an earthquake zone ?

Nope, can't find any evidence of past or impending quakes in Chicago http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

 

[Kevin54]

There's a couple types, one is typically called a hurricane tie or strap and looks sort of like a bow tie.

Another style is a diamond-shaped gusset sort of thing -

There are a lot of other types as well, you need to check your local codes and your inspector to find out just what types are required and with what density of placement.

And you'll need stout nails or proper woodscrews and not drywall screws for all of it, to pass an inspection

Thanks. I was planning to use the diamond ones, but that wouldn't allow me to sheathe the walls first (as I assume these have to go under sheathing). Will try and find ones that attach from the inside.

The diamond shaped thingies are commonly called rafter ties. They are used to tie the rafter to the top plate and they go on the inside, so you can sheath your walls first. the other twisted straps can also be used and I've always heard them called "Hurricane Ties". These are a requirement almost everywhere in the U.S.of A.

What you are needing are straps that tie your studs to your top plates, to your header like in the picture shown. Usually, or at least around here, the box store lumber yards will have a Simpson Strong Tie display showing what ties are to be used where. Or Simpsons website should show what you need. Again, around here, Simpson ties are all acceptable for use. You just have to know which one goes where. But as far as the Rafter Ties or Hurricane Ties......you will need them no matter what. And DO NOT use roofing nails in them or you will fail inspection. You have to use the proper nails for the ties. They are a smaller headed, heavy duty nail, and a little pricey for a nail, but they are a requirement. Also as far as the rafter ties go, you have to nail every hole. Skipped holes can be a reason to not pass your inspection

 

[mark2457]

The diamond shaped thingies are commonly called rafter ties. They are used to tie the rafter to the top plate and they go on the inside, so you can sheath your walls first. the other twisted straps can also be used and I've always heard them called "Hurricane Ties". These are a requirement almost everywhere in the U.S.of A.

What you are needing are straps that tie your studs to your top plates, to your header like in the picture shown. Usually, or at least around here, the box store lumber yards will have a Simpson Strong Tie display showing what ties are to be used where. Or Simpsons website should show what you need. Again, around here, Simpson ties are all acceptable for use. You just have to know which one goes where. But as far as the Rafter Ties or Hurricane Ties......you will need them no matter what. And DO NOT use roofing nails in them or you will fail inspection. You have to use the proper nails for the ties. They are a smaller headed, heavy duty nail, and a little pricey for a nail, but they are a requirement. Also as far as the rafter ties go, you have to nail every hole. Skipped holes can be a reason to not pass your inspection

Thanks a lot Kevin!

 

[Evilunclegrimace]

Yes ! This is the first case I have heard of requiring the top plate/header to be strapped to a stud, Is the OP in an earthquake zone ?

His inspector is looking to prevent uplift from a high wind condition.

 

[theoldwizard1]

His inspector is looking to prevent uplift from a high wind condition.

Uplift from high wind usually occurs between the roof structure (rafters/trusses) and the top plate, not between the top plate and the studs.

 

[gtae07]

Thanks Bill

Yes they are sheer walls. but are 4' each side, which normally requires no extra handling. IIRC you need 4' sheathing at each corner and then every 25'.

Anyway will call him in next few days. Thanks for the pic too, haven;t see that one before

Only corners and every 25ft?! Hell, a stiff breeze would knock that over! Of course, that would explain wanting the studs tied to the top plate. The WFCM supplements note that sheathing can help transfer uplift loads down to the sill if it's continuous from the top plate down. Fully sheathe your exterior with the panels vertical and you shouldn't have to tie the studs, except maybe on the short walls where you're trying to hold the header down.

 

[GTO]

You better hope he doesn't want you to install those Simpson Shear Walls...$$$$$$$$$$,hoping you just need either the H2.5 or some Coil Strap,IIRC the roll is CS16,comes in 25 and 150' rolls.

Good luck

 

[mark2457]

Only corners and every 25ft?! Hell, a stiff breeze would knock that over! Of course, that would explain wanting the studs tied to the top plate. The WFCM supplements note that sheathing can help transfer uplift loads down to the sill if it's continuous from the top plate down. Fully sheathe your exterior with the panels vertical and you shouldn't have to tie the studs, except maybe on the short walls where you're trying to hold the header down.

I am sheathing entire skin. Was just quoting what I read regarding shear

 

[fury9]

sounds like Naperville, That's the only time I've ever had an inspector look at the nailing schedule for exterior sheathing

 

[wnstwolf]

Yes it was the bostich nail gun. Another tool that you can do without but love it when you have it.

 

[mark2457]

sounds like Naperville, That's the only time I've ever had an inspector look at the nailing schedule for exterior sheathing

Skokie