Using Roof Nails To Install Deck Joist Hangers

Start driving a nail near the top end of the joist then bend it over.

Using roof nails to install deck joist hangers.

Nail to the joist standard hanger. 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. Remove the guide and drive nails to attach the hanger. 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.

An explanation and demonstration of how to install joist hangers and what type of nail to use. 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. The use of roofing nails as structural attachments for joist hangers is not uncommon however it should be avoided. Roofing nails are not made to withstand the structural forces that are required for joist hanger connectors.

Now you can slip the joist into the hanger and drive the nails that go into the joist. 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. For standard joists you will use the 1 1 2 inch galvanized hanger nails to attach the joists using standard joist hangers.

The precise type of nail varies according to the project s characteristics and the make and model of the joist hanger. The joist hanger in this video calls for 10d common galvanized nails. Long galvanized joist hanger nails. Hang the joist with a bent over nail.