Method 3 wall bracing and staples

Posted At : May 1, 2006 2:47 PM | Posted By : APA
Related Categories: Code,Fasteners,Residential,Wall Bracing

Method 3 wall bracing in the International Residential Code uses wood structural panels attached to the framing. But can these fasteners be staples rather than nails?

 
Table R602.3(2) lists staple patterns for various sheathing thicknesses, which indicates that staples would be permitted in lieu of nails in Method 3 bracing applications. Regardless of which fastener is used, however, the panels must bear directly on the studs.

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I have a related question. Can staples be used for the APA Narrow Wall Bracing Method to replace the 8d common nails at 3" on center, and if so, what are the spacing requirements?
# 5/9/06 12:39 PM
The significant amount of testing for the APA Narrow Wall Bracing Method was conducted exclusively with nails. Our current recommendations closely reflect what was tested. We are aware of some building officials permitting substitution of fasteners using design aids such as IRC Table R602.3(2) or ESR-1539 (at http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/icc-es/153...). We strongly recommend that one check with the local building official before this substitution is executed.
# 5/9/06 4:27 PM
Given that the total shank perimeter area of a staple is so much less than that of an 8d nail, how do you justify the substitution of staples for nails when a potential failure mechanism is nail withdrawl, resisted by friction forces directly related to the shank perimeter area?
# 7/1/07 2:18 PM
APA does not test or promote staple fasteners, for specifications on staples and other power driven fasteners we recommend contacting the International Staple, Nail and Tool Association (ISANTA).

ISANTA authors ICC Evaluation Service, Inc. Report, ESR-1539 (65 pages) which provides tables recognizing power driven fasteners including nails and staples for all code applications.

ESR-1539 is available online at:http://www.icc-es.org/reports/pdf_files/ICC-ES/ESR...

ISANTA
512 W. Burlington Ave., Suite 203
LaGrange, IL 60525-2245
Tel: (708) 482-8138
Fax: (708) 482-8186
www.isanta.org
e-mail: isanta@ameritech.net

Nail/staple manufacturers may also have their own individual evaluation service reports.
# 7/5/07 8:41 AM
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