IRC-Compliant Nail Size for Zip Sheathing
This may be stupid question but I am having a bit of a hard time sorting out exactly what nail to use in order to be compliant with IRC building code. I am installing 7/16″ Zip on 2×4 16″ oc framing.
I think I am supposed to be using the table R602.3(3) which seems to indicate that I would need to use 2.5″ .131″ nails. I also believe that I should be using galvanized nails (not for code just to make sure the sheathing stays weather resistant until I can get the siding on).
Could someone confirm if this is correct. It’s a single family home in southeast TN, CZ 4A.
The reason I am confused is that I’m having a hard time finding 2.5″ .131″ galvanized nails for a 21 degree nailer. It also seems like I’ve seen many people recommend 2 3/8″ .113″ nails which, if I’m reading the IRC correctly, would not be code compliant.
Any help her would be great appreciated. Thank you.
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Not sure where you're looking, but the local retailers are going to cater to local builders. Do you know what most folks are using locally? For instance, in NJ, most production framing is with coil nailers, not stick nailers.
Check Home Depot (online), nailgundepot.com, and Amazon. I've bought nails from all of them, and if it's easier to get a 3" than a 2 1/2", no harm done.
Thank you. I have looked local and online. Seems difficult to find 2 1/2" .131" ring shanked galvanized nails anywhere I have looked.
You're right that 3" has been easier to find. Maybe I will just need to use the longer length.
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You're correct, the IRC requires 2.5"x0.131" nails for 7/16" wall sheathing. I use galvanized ring-shank nails, usually in a coil nailers but sometimes in a stick nailer. If you can't find them locally, you can get them from Amazon, Build.com, Fastenall or other suppliers.
Edit: see my comment #14 below, I was mistaken.
Thank you for clarifying that for me. I was starting to think I was looking for the wrong nail. I have looked online and can't seem to find many of them. I found one but I think I had to buy 5,000. I probably only need a little under 3,000.
WilliamC,
Nail length is something a lot of builders cheat on. I don't know the logic behind using 2 3/8" over 2 1/2", but I will confess to sometimes using 3" where 3 1/4" are called for when fastening two pieces of 2"x lumber together. Otherwise you end up with protruding nail tips, that you invariably tear your clothes and skin on.
Thanks for the clarification. I'm not sure how important that last 1/8th of an inch is but I thought about using the 2 3/8th just because they're easier to find.
Metabo 10311HPT ring shank, hot dipped
Metabo 10168HPT smooth shank, hot dipped
Thank you Chris. I'll have to see if I can get someone around here to special order these for me. The only place online I can find these is amazon and the reviews are terrible so it makes me suspect they may not be genuine through amazon.
I'm not an expert with code requirements, and I'm not sure which IRC version you're referring to. However, this is my interpretation of 2021 IRC, ref. R602.3(3) snip attached:
Let's say I would like to use 2 3/8" .113 nails for attaching 7/16" zip panels to studs at the exterior: I would be looking at row one of R602.3(3) for .113 nails. 2 3/8" is greater than 2" as stated, so this would exceed the requirement. The penetration requirement would be satisfied, which would be 1 15/16" with 2 3/8 nails- meeting the 1.5" requirement. All other requirements in this row would be met- you would just need to ensure that the framing is spaced accordingly and that any wind speed requirements are met.
I'm curious about this as well (given that I used 2 2/8" on my project ;)
Makes sense to me as well. Thanks for pulling up the table!
That is the table I was referring to. 2021 IRC. I see what you're saying. I think I have to use the 8d common line thought with Zip because the "Minimum Wood Structural Panel Span Rating" for Zip is 24/16. Which would fall on the lower line of that table.
I could be wrong about having to follow that line because of the Span rating though I am also no expert on code.
Hi William-
My understanding is that row 1 would apply provided your framing is 16"OC. In essence, it's fine to exceed the requirements, which is what you would be doing. Using 7/16" zip would not move you to row 2 requirements.
In my view row 2 nailing (minimum) requirements would begin to "kick in" if your framing is 24" OC or you have corresponding higher wind design requirements.
I look at the requirements as a checklist, so for row 1:
*min nail .113x2". OK. (using .113 x 2.375)
*min penetration 1.5". OK (will be 1 15/16" penetration)
*min panel span rating 24". OK. (using 16/24 rated)
*min panel thickness. 3/8. OK. (using 7/16)
*max wall stud spacing 16". OK
*nail spacing. OK. (nail accordingly)
*wind design speed. OK. (need to check for your region)
Best of luck with your project!
Steve, on further review, I agree with you. The table is confusing because it's not meant to be read left-to-right. Normally you would start with wind requirements, then desired stud spacing, then sheathing thickness, then fastener size and spacing. For 1/2" sheathing you would need 2" nails to achieve the required 1.5" penetration.
Steve and Michael - That makes so much sense! Thank you. I was reading the chart from left to right but I can see now that it is probably meant to be read right to left. In which case I think you're right I need the 2 3/8" .113" nail. That definitely makes finding the nail a lot easier and explains why 2 3/8" are far more available in my area.
Best of luck with your project as well Steve!