Sill Plate Question

[deerhunter]

I have a novice question for some of you veteran framers. The sill plate for a wall that will rest on concrete should always be pressure treated - This we all know. My question is since the sill plate is pressure treated then why don't framers use galvinized or stainless nails in them to attach the studs with. Framers in my area seem to all just use the same brite nails they frame the rest of the structure with. It clearly says on the new pressure treated lumber to use stainless or galvanized. Am I missing something or shouldn't they be using these "special" nails on the sill plate? Won't this create a problem later on with the nail rotting away? Any help clarifying this would be appreciated!

[montytx]

I suppose in theory it could create an issue. But I wouldnt worry about it unless the area is prone to a lot of moisture. I have torn into 100 year old walls and everything still looks brand new. Bright dont really break down unless there is a catalyst involved. In that case your going to have much bigger problems by the time the nail erodes.

[handyman923]

Prior to December 31, 2003, then main chemical used in pressure treated lumber was CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate). Since then a number of different chemicals have been used in the pressure treating process. The most common chemical used in the new PT lumber is ACQ. The chemical is supposedly safer, but it significantly more corrosive.

For what it is worth, I am a practicing structural engineer and we have begun to specify on our drawings that all fasteners and bolts in contact with PT lumber shall be galvanized.

Simpon Strongtie's website has a good description of the new PT chemicals and what types of fasteners to use.

[Joe Carola]

Deerhunter,

Your 100% right. Any nail that comes in contact with this ACQ has to be ACQ approved. So if you have studs that are nailed to ACQ they have to be the right nail, not bright commons. The same goes for floor joists that sit on top of the ACQ sills, they have to be ACQ approved. It doesn't matter that it's not outside.

Any nail that comes in contact with ACQ has to be ACQ approved.


Joe Carola

[Tom R]

Like Joe and Handyman says, - - should definitely be (hot dipped) galvanized or stainless fasteners, - - and by rights, - - any attached flashings should be copper.

[deerhunter]

Thanks guys! That just reinforced what I thought was true. Hot dipped it is!