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What do ya’ll use to attach standard trusses to the top plate. Do you just toenail it? Ever use hurricane straps (Simpson)?
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Crusty,
Here in VA, its a builder's call. I like the clips but do toe some of the smaller trusses we use.
*We build in Pierce County, Washington, and are required to use a clip at each truss to top plate attachment point. That usually would be a Simpson H-1 or for locations that are tight or at a double or girder truss we use an H-2.5 which come in both a left and right version. Occasionally the truss manufacturer will send along a special application hanger for high load locations. With the H-1's we usually turn the clips around from what is shown in the catalog illustration so the flange that gets nails into the truss is facing you while you nail--it's a lot easier on the fingers. Be sure to use the proper hanger nails---8d diameter x 1 1/2.
*H-1's are pretty much the standard. Nail them into the plates and make sure your sheathing is fastened to the same plates so the load path is down the wall. DH
*one or two toe nails and then a Simpson H 2.5, unless the experienced guy nails them with a nail gun. Then it is six gun nails only one of them hits anything, if were lucky. But hey its faster that way.jim
*used to be just two 16d toes.. now we're required to meet schedule d for coastal zones.. so it's usually a single 2.5 but some places require a schedule D review by a strucural engineer.. and the uplift calcs might require (2) H2.5... or an H1 OR a whatever...
*I haven't seen a Simpson H1 yet that was installed correctly. They're fairly common around here, enev though there are no codes. The reason I say that they aren't installed right is that they are supposed to go the exterior sheathing and the top plates. Most often they're nailed in on the inside of the plated where it's easier to reach.
*I don't have the literature with me now, it's at home. But just the otherday, I was looking at Simpson lit. I'd have sworn it showed a picture of their H1 on the inside of the wall. Mebbe I didn't see it clearly, mebbe I don't recall correctly, but I don't think that's the case. So I'm thinking you might have it backwards? (I'm not a framer, so my words mean nothing. I wouldn't think twice about this except I literally just saw it 2 or 3 days ago.)
*I nail mine to the inside because it is easier. What difference does it make which side of the top plate receives the nailing?
*OK, I checked the Simpson website. I was right and wrong. The illustration I saw (if the same as the web pic) shows it outside. But, it does say "When installed inside a wall, a birdsmouth cut is required." So they can be used inside or out, if directions are followed... H Seismic and Hurricane Ties Simpson homepage
*The reason I say the straps should be on the outside is that the plywood is out there nailed to the top plates. What holds down the inside of the plates ? The drywall ?
*Ron, If you are concerned that uplift will compromise your wall integrity, Simpson and Huge both make a connector that tie double top plates and bottom plates to the studs. Code here calls for a connector every 32". For the record I've never have been turn down by an inspector for installing hurricane straps on the interior, but then I've never install rafter without birdmouths.
*> Simpson and Huge both make a connector that tie double top plates and bottom plates to the studs.You're right, of course. But I've never actually seen anyone use them. (But I live in an area without building codes)
*stupid question time: How would one fasten these tie downs to a block filled wall?
*You make a good point Ron. I worked in a tornado repair area once. One of the houses that we worked on didn't have any outside double top plate left. The tornado ripped the roof off taking the doubled top plate with it. Obviously, the nailing of the trusses to the plate was superior to the nailing of the double plate to the original plate. I would think that these tie downs would extend all the way down to the stud and be fastened securely from the inside with at least two 10d or better nails. I'm only guessing because I've never installed, or even looked at one.blue
*> How would one fasten these tie downs to a block filled wall?Simpson makes all kinds of straps for just such situations. I'm sure the other manufactuters do also.
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What do ya'll use to attach standard trusses to the top plate. Do you just toenail it? Ever use hurricane straps (Simpson)?