A firm, lasting hold is needed to properly secure trusses and rafters. For decades, hurricane ties were the prescribed method for attaching these materials to top plates. Requiring ten nails, each hammered one at a time, this method consumed time and drained productivity.
Now, there is a new option for builders and contractors: TimberLOK screws from FastenMaster.
Hurricane ties have been an effective way to create a firm, lasting hold between a rafter or truss and a double top plate. However, they are a time-consuming method that requires ten nails that need to be hammered into place one at a time.
To install a hurricane tie, you need to hold the metal piece in place and drive the first nail to fix it to the truss or rafter. Once the first nail is driven, installers can secure the unit by hammering ten hurricane tie nails; five on the top and five on the bottom.
Installing hurricane ties is a simple process that creates an excellent hold. Contractors often install hurricane ties to a deck for a secure connection, but it can take as much as 50 seconds to a minute to install a single hurricane tie. (In a demonstration, the hurricane tie required 54 seconds to install.) Over the course of constructing a single house or a major multi-home addition, these minutes can add up to hours, even days of work.
A hurricane tie typically needs galvanized nails, although the exact size and depth may vary depending on the application and code requirements. An H2.5 hurricane tie, for example, requires ten 8D nails.
While each home will vary, especially based on overall size and length of the rafters, most will need hurricane ties at either end. This means construction professionals will need to install two hurricane ties per rafter.
If hurricane ties are required, builders will need to install at least two for each floor joist. More could be required to meet code if there are interior walls where a hurricane tie can be attached. Again, this will change as different areas will have rules for various home sizes.
The process for securing a truss or rafter with TimberLOK screws is a bit different. Instead of needing a hurricane tie and ten nails (and a hammer, of course), installers simply need a TimberLOK screw and a drill with the appropriate bit.
The screw is placed at the top plate directly underneath the truss and driven through the top plate into the overhead board. It will pull the rafter or truss tight and installers c
an move on to the next step.
Overall, it takes about 5 seconds to install a TimberLOK fastener.
With the TimberLOK system, you can get rid of time-consuming hurricane ties. Instead, your team can simply drill TimberLOK screws into place and reduce the time, money, and effort, all while meeting national codes.
Contact the experts at FastenMaster today or call 800−518−3569 for more information!
