Thread: Sheer wall nailing code question

Question from a customer in Az Below..
I'm assuming it's a sheer wall panel on the front cornor of his garage.
I'm almost sure this requires 6 D nails and 6" nailing, not sure about screws or nails. Can he use the same piece with nail holes in it after it was removed?



His Question........
I am getting insulation put in the attic above the garage, and I had to remove one of the shear panels to get to some water pipes (to insulate the pipes).

Do you know what the code is on that?
I want to make sure I replace it properly.
I think it is 3/8" shear panel (OSB).
Can I use screws instead of nails?
What is the required nail (or screw pattern)?
What nails (2", 6D??), or screws must be used?????

I want to do it correct.
Thanks..............................Mark

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Originally Posted by Dan Harris

Can he use the same piece with nail holes in it after it was removed?

No, for several reasons, including these two reasons:
- new nails through the old holes in the old panel will not create the same tight fit to the nails as is needed for a shear wall, or any structural wail
- new nails through the old holes into the same old nail holes in the studs (which will likely happen for many nails) will not give the same shear or pull-out resistance for the new nail as that value is based on the grab between the wood and the nail, not just a new nail

It may be possible for him to use the old panel with next-larger-size nails (8d nails) as those would fit in tighter to the old holes in both the shear panel and the stud - however, the real answer for that would be addressed by a structural engineer.

His Question........
I am getting insulation put in the attic above the garage, and I had to remove one of the shear panels to get to some water pipes (to insulate the pipes).

Do you know what the code is on that?

The code on insulating the water pipes? They should already have been insulated or have heat tape to protect them from freezing.

I want to make sure I replace it properly.

Use a new piece of wood structural panel, either plywood or OSB, to do it properly.

I think it is 3/8" shear panel (OSB).

Table R602.3(1) shows the minimum nailing (minimum nail size and maximum spacing) for wood structural panels, plywood or OSB, as 5/16" to 1/2", subfloor or wall, 6d common nail, 6" spacing along edges and 12" spacing along intermediate supports.

I did not find a separate table for shear walls, although I recall having seen one in the past (which could be the long ago past).

Can I use screws instead of nails?

Screws are not shown as an approved optional fastener, not ever under Table R602.3(2) Alternate Attachments.

What is the required nail (or screw pattern)?

See above from Table 602.3(1) "6" spacing along edges and 12" spacing along intermediate supports"

What nails (2", 6D??), or screws must be used?????

Also above from Table 602.3(1) "5/16" to 1/2", subfloor or wall, 6d common nail"

Dan, the above are from the 2006 IRC.

Thanks Jerry. You sure saved me a lot of time.
After revewing the code book for about an hour, I figured there was a quicker way to get him an answer.
RE: Insulating the water lines. They don't provide any kind of protection here.
In the rural areas I do recommend insulating exposed exterior piping .
I'm assuming he's insulating them to help keep them cooler in the summer.

If you go to the American Plywood Assocoation web site there are pdf downloads available for free.

Sheer walls is one of the available downloads.

R104.9 Approved materials and equipment.

Materials, equipment and devices approved by the building official shall be constructed and installed in accordance with such approval.

R104.9.1 Used materials and equipment.

Used materials,
equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved
by the building official.

Originally Posted by Wayne Carlisle

R104.9.1 Used materials and equipment.

Used materials,

equipment and devices shall not be reused unless approved
by the building official.

Wayne,

Thank you for that, I forgot about that section.

The replies answered his questions.
Brian can add yet another happy/ satified Inspection News reader to the list of thousands
Won't be long and this site can be called www.planetInspectionnews.com with millions of members from all over the world and beyond

Info he found in his research on using screws.

Here is a link I found regarding testing of screws for shear.
Just in case you ever wonder. (Table 3)

http://www.grabberman.com/Media/TechnicalData/46.pdf

Originally Posted by Dan Harris

Info he found in his research on using screws.

Here is a link I found regarding testing of screws for shear.
Just in case you ever wonder. (Table 3)

http://www.grabberman.com/Media/TechnicalData/46.pdf

Dan,

Being as screws are not mentioned in the code table for required/allowable fasteners, using screws instead of nails would require a structural engineer signing off on it.