Using Roof Nails To Install Deck Joist Hangers

The joist hanger in this video calls for 10d common galvanized nails.

Using roof nails to install deck joist hangers.

The precise type of nail varies according to the project s characteristics and the make and model of the joist hanger. Start driving a nail near the top end of the joist then bend it over. For standard joist hangers secure the joist hanger to the joist using only 1 1 2 in. Remove the guide and drive nails to attach the hanger.

This part of your deck construction is labor intensive. Avoid longer nails that would poke through the joist and splay out the other side of the hanger. The use of roofing nails as structural attachments for joist hangers is not uncommon however it should be avoided. What s more chances are high that the use of these nails would fail a building inspection.

For standard joists you will use the 1 1 2 inch galvanized hanger nails to attach the joists using standard joist hangers. We re using a scrap of wood screwed to the joist as a brace to hold the joist in position while we fit the hanger but you can also use a nail bent over to form a hook. Now you can slip the joist into the hanger and drive the nails that go into the joist. In general connector manufacturers recommend 16d and 10d framing nails for anchoring joist hangers to headers or walls and shorter nails called joist hanger nails for anchoring the joists to the joist hangers.

Nail to the joist standard hanger. Long galvanized joist hanger nails. Roofing nails are not made to withstand the structural forces that are required for joist hanger connectors. The 16d nails will fasten your hanger to the wall ledger while the 10d nails will be nailed through the side flange of the hanger into the joists.