Staples vs nails

[AELLC]

The inspector discovered that staples (1-3/4" x 16 ga.) were being used instead of 8d nails on residential roof sheathing. They are at same spacing specified for the nails i.e. 6:12" o.c.
Trusses are spaced at 24".

I can't anywhere in IRC Code that recommends nominal spacing for staples. The roof diaphragm is typically not designed for diaphragm shear due to wind forces.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

This was just discussed a few days ago. Check the IBC2009. There is a chart for this

 

[woodman88]

The IRC (at least my 2003 version) does not have values for staples to be used with plywood/OSB. You will have to go to another source (IBC, APA, etc.) for it's use as an alternate means of attachment.

Garth Dreger PE - AZ Phoenix area
As EOR's we should take the responsibility to design our structures to support the components we allow in our design per that industry standards.

 

[AELLC]

After more research, I ended up recommending 4:8" o.c. spacing. If this were hurricane country, I wouldn't allow the staples, but the wind here is 90 mph (3-sec gust).

 

[cg3375]

Have you checked IRC 2009 Table R602.3(2). I think it covers you here.

 

[AELLC]

cg, I believe I did. The 4:8" spacing seems to do the trick.

 

[shobroco]

Residential wood framing is so redundant that many items are insignificant in their contribution to the performance of the whole system if considered individually. If you want to compare the performace of staples vs nails, try to pull a few sheets of plywood off the roof. Nails have a greater cross-section and theoretically provide better shear resistance, but you will destroy your stapled-on sheathing before you can remove it, so the point is moot.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Hurricanes don't care how many pieces your sheathing is in when they are done. ... it's still gone. Well, maybe not off the premises; they typically move stuff away, then bring it back after the eye passes, but they don't do a very good job of putting the nails back in, even if they just lift the sheathing a bit.

Wood framing is redundant as designed, not so much as built.
You specify five nails, a contractor will use three. ... and people who don't know any better will use twelve. ... Habitat homes didn't even lose a shingle in Andrew.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[shobroco]

It's a little tough to figure out, Mike, but I think you agreed with me whether you meant to or not. If the hurricane has destroyed my stapled-on sheathing, it performed better than the nailed-on full sheets now at your neighbour's house.

I've also found that guys with nail or staple guns, whether paid or volunteer, tend to have no trouble pulling the trigger as many or more times than specified; their trouble is in hitting some framing while doing it.