I am using these things so I can get this roof up on a shed I have built, I am using the Ridge Rafter connectors, and it specifies using 10d nails 1 1/2 long. They are slightly larger then the holes, but more importantly is that enough? The ridge board is just one 2×8, it isnt doubled, and will be supporting only the roof. Just curious, hoping I dont need to stop construction for needless trips to HD, wastes time and it is a remote build 2 hours from home.
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Your ridge board does not have to be doubled. Its just there to act as a nailer for the rafters. Be sure your rafters are exactly oposite of each other. The nails specified are because of the shank dia. for shear loads. Be sure to put some of the nails in at differnt angles on the rafter face so they cant pull out so easily. BTW the ridge board in the three story house I live in is a 1x8.
Yeah, use the nails they specify ("special nails" or "joist hanger nails"). DO NOT, under any circumstances, use roofing nails, even though they seem to be the same size. In a pinch you can use 10d common or box nails.
Thanks, I bought their brand of nails, in a small cardboard box, basically galvanized 10d nails 1 1/2 long. But I read an article on this web site regarding joist hanger nails, and regular 10d nails, and the difference and the common mistake that occurs relyin solely on joist hanger nails. Does that make sense?
I used the Simpson RR connectors, they're the ones that sort of interlock to line up the rafters on opposite sides of the ridge. The short nails are to keep from blowing out the other side of the two by. For the holes in the sides of the RR, you need them. Longer nails would go thru the rafter and hit the other side of the RR.
The whole RR setup doesn't seem particularly strong to me, so I put ST-22 straps centered on the ridge board tying opposite rafters together.
-- J.S.