Thread: Truss nailing - truss integrity

Hello! I have a question about truss integrity. First, I'll give you a brief background.

I am in the process of buying a home that was built in 91. My current roofers used smooth nails instead of ring shank nails to re-roof my home. It was existing plywood. The renailed it at 3-4 inch intervals. The inspector said they had to use ring shank nails. So they put ring shank nails in between the smooth nails. Which puts a nail in my truss every 1-2 inches. Plus the original nails that were in the plywood/trusses. My trusses are 2x4s not 2x6s. Should I be worried about the integrity and safety of the existing trusses? Should the trusses be replaced? I guess I'm afraid they might split. And I am afraid the smooth shanks might come back up and damage the shingles.

Is there a nailing recommendation instruction sheet that comes with new trusses? Maybe something that states what the safe nailing spacing should be?

Also they did not "stagger" the shingles when they put them on. Is this going to cause me problems?

I live in Panama City Beach, FL. Thank you in advance for your help.

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If you have three tab or architectural composition shingles that are not staggered, that is your biggest problem. The roof will leak.

Darrel Hood
DILIGENT PROPERTY SERVICES

missing the truss should have no issue with its stregnth. the plywood how ever is not fastened to the truss which is another issue along with the comment already about water following the nails into the space if the shingles were not installed properly.
about your comment on the nails being ring shank they do look coated which has similar holding ability to ring shank.

Mike

Originally Posted by Tricia Martin

Hello! I have a question about truss integrity. First, I'll give you a brief background.

I am in the process of buying a home that was built in 91. My current roofers used smooth nails instead of ring shank nails to re-roof my home. It was existing plywood. The renailed it at 3-4 inch intervals. The inspector said they had to use ring shank nails. So they put ring shank nails in between the smooth nails. Which puts a nail in my truss every 1-2 inches. Plus the original nails that were in the plywood/trusses. My trusses are 2x4s not 2x6s. Should I be worried about the integrity and safety of the existing trusses? Should the trusses be replaced? I guess I'm afraid they might split. And I am afraid the smooth shanks might come back up and damage the shingles.

Is there a nailing recommendation instruction sheet that comes with new trusses? Maybe something that states what the safe nailing spacing should be?

Also they did not "stagger" the shingles when they put them on. Is this going to cause me problems?

I live in Panama City Beach, FL. Thank you in advance for your help.

Originally Posted by Tricia Martin

I am in the process of buying a home that was built in 91. My current roofers used smooth nails instead of ring shank nails to re-roof my home.

Originally Posted by Tricia Martin

Which puts a nail in my truss every 1-2 inches. Plus the original nails that were in the plywood/trusses. My trusses are 2x4s not 2x6s. Should I be worried about the integrity and safety of the existing trusses?

A couple of observations:

1) Be thankful the original nails are there.

2) I would not worry about the integrity of the trusses because from the picture it appears that not many of the smooth or ring shank nails hit the trusses.

Originally Posted by Tricia Martin

Also they did not "stagger" the shingles when they put them on. Is this going to cause me problems?

Seriously, as others have said this is a big problem. Any pictures?

Did the person installing the roof have a license? or any inspections?

The shingles need to be staggered, and in your are of the state 6 nails per shingle.

Missed nails will cause potential leak and rot problems if the roof leaks.

If this were a problem on my house, I would break out my caulking gun and put a bead of glue in corner where the the plywood and truss cord.

Tricia,
Really need a Fla member chime in.

Non staggered shingle is a major concern, not if just when it will leak.

What type of inspector did you have?

Why did they re-nail the plywood? Fla hurricane damage prevention?

Being in Fla makes a big difference in methods for attachment. Most other states not as much a concern.

My concern is the plywood deck might be in the weaking of the plywood by having so many nails so closely placed. Sort-of like perforating a paper to make it easier to rear. No idea if Fla has some code for over nailing. You might contact a plywood manufacture and question them on the issue of excessive nailing.

The truss and nails are less of a concern.

Originally Posted by Garry Sorrells

Tricia,
Why did they re-nail the plywood? Fla hurricane damage prevention?

Being in Fla makes a big difference in methods for attachment. Most other states not as much a concern.

Re-roof in our parts requires re-nailing the decking or sheathing to a prescribed standard, one of which is 8D ring shank nails installed (mostly) 6"O.C. There are many other requirements that roofers need to follow.

I see what looks like a staple in the photo, which was the original sheathing attachment. So your original "nails", so to speak, were very thin and didn't penetrate the truss much at all. Your trusses don't need to be replaced because of the extra nails.

"Staggered" shingles may refer to a racking install, but who knows. Not enough info to state one way or another.

I suggest you contact Bay County Building Dept. and verify that the re-roof permit was completed and signed off, which means all the applicable steps were inspected.

Dom.