Follow Share this story Story tools Q.The carpenter that built my deck used joist hangers to hold up the joists along the house and at the end of the deck. Are these steel joist hangers approved, and will they stand the test of time?
I’m worried that the joists will fall out of the hanger or pull away from the house. Is there a right and wrong way to install these framing connectors? Is there a way to build without using joist hangers?
A. If the joist hangers your carpenter used are approved for use with the newer ACQ treated lumber, you should have nothing to worry about. These metal framing connectors have been around for years and they are code approved. The biggest problem I’ve seen with joist hangers of all types is if the wrong nails were used when installing them.
All too often, rookie carpenters or do-it-yourself homeowners will install joist hangers using roofing nails. That’s a recipe for disaster, as roofing nails are not structural nails. They don’t have the inherent strength to support the weight of a deck or any framing member. Not only are the shafts of roofing nails too small, but the heads of roofing nails can also easily pop off when subjected to low amounts of tension.
Similar Posts:
- Metal roof may result in energy tax credit
- Wall sheathing prevents houses from falling over
- With practice, this repair can be perfect
- With practice, this repair can be perfect
- Basement window replacement
