In this post, the last in a series of six, we will discuss how to build code-compliant stairs for your deck. When constructing a deck, ensuring that stair stringers and treads are properly connected is crucial for safety and compliance with building codes. Here are some key considerations for stair dimensions and connections:
Category: Residential Construction
Fastener Substitutions in Connectors — Where We Started and Where We Are
We often get questions about using fasteners different from those listed in a connector’s catalog load tables. A question came up recently, and I said, “I did a blog post about that not too long ago.” Turns out that blog post is over 10 years old, which no longer qualifies as “not too long ago.” The options we offer as alternative fasteners for our connectors have grown since that blog post, so I thought it was worth revisiting the topic.
Unveiling the HDUE Holdown: Engineering Marvels and Rigorous Testing
The HDUE Holdown represents the latest milestone in a long history of innovative products at Simpson Strong-Tie. Our journey began in 1966 with the introduction of the first HD welded holdown, a robust, raw steel piece designed to secure posts to foundations (figure 1). Over the decades, we have continually refined and improved our designs to meet evolving industry needs and standards.
Key Considerations for Deck Guardrails: Connections, Dimensions, and Safety Standards
When it comes to deck construction, ensuring that your guardrails are both functional and safe is paramount. Often overlooked, the connection of railing posts, pickets, and balusters plays a crucial role in the overall safety and durability of the deck. This blog post will explore some of the essential aspects of deck guardrail construction, focusing on the importance of proper connections, minimum geometry dimensions, and code-compliant solutions.
Deck-Drive DSV: Not Just A Deck Screw
Don’t let the name fool you; the Deck-Drive™ DSV Wood screw is more than just a deck screw. It’s not only great for preservative-treated decking, but can also be used for general framing and construction as well. The variety of sizes makes this a multipurpose screw that can accomplish many of your wood-to-wood fastening needs.
30 Years After Northridge: Lessons, Progress, and Community Resilience
Rachel Holland, a Simpson Strong-Tie engineer, reflects on the profound impact of the Northridge earthquake in Southern California on January 17, 1994. Living just 8 miles from the epicenter, the earthquake shaped her perspective on natural disasters and inspired her journey into engineering. In an interview, she shares her vivid memories of the chaos, destruction, and challenges faced during the aftermath. Hear how this seismic event played a pivotal role in shaping Rachel’s career and influencing her commitment to structural engineering.
Rod Elongation: Use of Gross Area vs. Effective/Net Tensile Area
Within the world of multifamily construction, manufacturers design and detail the multistory continuous threaded rod holdowns used as shearwall overturning restraints. The Strong-Rod® anchor tiedown system (ATS) is Simpson Strong-Tie’s solution for the industry and has been the subject of many SE Blog topics in the past.
Roof Framing: Building Strong Stick-Frame Roofs
Although truss-designed roofs are predominant throughout most of the residential construction industry, there are regions where building with stick-frame roofs is still common. In this post, Randy Shackelford discusses some design choices available to stick-frame builders, the challenges they pose, and the solutions offered by the Simpson Strong-Tie® connector system for stick-frame roofing. The post will also discuss some changes in the 2021 IRC that affect construction of stick-frame roofs.