FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions for your convenience. If you are unable to find the answer to your questions, please contact us for further assistance.
HOW WELL IS THE WALL PUT TOGETHER?
All of our framing is tight and secured at each end with a structurally engineered hold-down unless noted otherwise on the structural plans.
ARE THERE NAILS MISSING?
All of our structural shear walls are marked off at the structural engineers' required nailing pattern for the allowable shear force in pounds per foot. 6-12 : 4:12 : 3:12 : 2:12 The marks on the structural shear wall plywood panel help us precisely place the nails at the correct nailing pattern resulting in the correct number of nails per sheet. With the correct number of nails per sheet the allowable shear force in pounds per foot for wood structural panels is archived.
HOW LONG WILL THE WORK TAKE?
The length of work will depend on the individual project. Please contact our office to discuss timing.
ARE NAILS HITTING THE STUDS CORRECTLY?
All of our structural shear wall plywood panels have caulk lines centered on each stud for precise nailing, eliminating shiners.
ARE NAILS OVERDRIVEN?
We use nails guns with positive placement fittings to ensure the nails are set at the correct depth. If the nail is over driven, more than 1/32" below the surface of the panel, it is due to a soft spot in the plywood and we will drive another nail next to the over driven nail.
ARE THERE GAPS IN THE SHEATHING?
We use a 1/8" gap at all panel edges to reduce plywood panel edge swelling per the APA. We use a 1/4" gap at all 4'x10' panel edges to reduce plywood panel edge swelling per the APA.
ARE THE NAILS THE CORRECT TYPE AND DIAMETER?
We use hot dipped galvanized gun nails that result in better nail gripping power and don't rust out, unless noted otherwise on the structural plans. All of our shear walls and wall bracing panels nails are 10d x .148, that results in better nail gripping power and do not withdraw from the framing under cyclic loading like the .131 8d nails do. The 10d x .148 also have less fastener fatigue failures under cyclic loading.