If your joists are dry and you nail the floor right away when the adhesive is wet then the bond should last the life of the house. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Yes I go back and use a thin kerf blade to allow for expansion , it only took one sub floor that was exposed to weather and a belt sander to convince me. By firmly holding down the subfloor, you can ensure that your floors will be quiet for years to come. There are spots that I may turn to screws in order to assist in sucking the subfloor tight to the joistbut I prefer to nail `em off. By that time the glue may have skinned and you will have squeaks. I'd go 6 oc on the edges 8 oc in the field with 8'sringshanks if you nail. As a result, you'll want to be sure to research your screw or nail options to see which one will work best for your project. The next step is to layer on sheets of cement board with screws that you place at about 6-inch intervals to be fastened securely into both layers. Screw sequence for Wood Subfloor to Metal Joists. Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a long time. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Due to their flexibility under temperatures, nails overall contribute to a more squeaky floor. If the cutting step was accurate, you should have no issues here. Panels may be sanded on one or both sides. If it is accurate, they should have even spacing with their corresponding nailed locations. You also need to pay attention to the head of the screw as its a vital determinant of the final outlook of the plywood project. If the spacing is wider than 1/8 inch, it could lead to movement and noise. Their installation might take longer than just using some regular nails, but your floors will be rock solid once you attach those final few pieces. Thanks for the advice. Should I Use the Screw or Nail for Installing Subfloor? Among the factors to consider when choosing between nails and screws are: In general, screws have better holding power and superior strength than nails, and they are more easily removable. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. #2 "Gluing" isn't a long-term thing for a basement. Pro Builder is an advertisting supported site and we noticed you have ad-blocking enabled in your browser. = 39 screws a sheath Floor Opening. Use an electric drill or screw gun to work quickly. ONly time you need to screw it down is usually when the silly worker forgot to crown up your joists. When the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature changes and house movement, screws cant move as much, which builds stress. Keep cover open and away from the sides and bottom of the panels to allow for air circulation. "Don't lay OSB tight either 1/8" on edges" Here I go again , the house is 64 ft long . The attribute is also key to solid joints. Most manufacturers recommend 1/8 inchat panel ends and edges. I bet Howard Hughes tested that one thoroughly before theybuilt the Goose. In all cases, the detailed panel trademark stamp should be installed downward so they can be examined during inspections. What you have will work but why not over do it a little bit? A regular electric drill can help speed things along, but you dont have to stop there. rev2023.4.17.43393. In such a case, screws will facilitate easy removal as youll only need to unscrew them with a drill. To prevent shrinkage problems, which can also contribute to squeaks, the subfloor should be dry at the time of installation. The main categories of screws designed for subfloors include galvanized screws, steel screws and cement board screws. But you may be wondering: "should I use a screw or nail for installing subfloors?" Think of the fasteners used to attach a subfloor to a joist, where repeated deflections (that is the bending of the subfloor under a load) can cause a nail to work its way up and out of the subfloor over time. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. screwing is for decks, nailing is for sub-floors.. look up the nailing schedule in your code we glue and nail.. and we've glued and nailed since '75.. Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore. Screws are more durable than nails if you use an electric drill, Screws will typically be cheaper because they cost less per pound, Its much easier to remove a screw than a nail, There is more risk of screwing up the spacing between boards if you do not measure correctly before installation, It may lead to increased humidity which can cause rot or mold growth on. Screwing the subfloor by yourself using a regular screw can take a ton of extra time and is usually unnecessary with the many alternatives available. Here are a few of the most common mistakes installers make with OSB when installing subfloor and how to avoid them. In the annalogy of the Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up to make her easier to fly. Since your engineer says nails and no glue, you use nails and no glue. say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." Screws or nails? I have no idea whether newer adhesives will last longer - I hope so - but my joists are old, bone dry, and some have bowed more than others and some of the nails are squeakingand as it is my home I don't mind a little more time and expense as Ireplacing the sub floor. Each one has different strengths and is best suited to different tasks. Fasten each panel fully as you go to ensure full adhesion and avoid movement and noise down the road. Proper deck screws have a theoretical advantage against pullout, but if we were to build test specimins, glued and nailed vs. glued and screwed vs. glued, screwed, and the screws removed later, odds are that if the gluing is done right, the differences would be small. The secret formula of the tight joints with screws is threaded. They are 3.25" long. But with the many types of screws, what screws are best to use on subflooring? Do you want to prevent floor squeaks? Screws can be installed using collated/flex strips to install into application. He learned to build and weld while working on the farm with his grandad, and after earning a degree in Welding and Materials Engineering, he spent the next 10 years working in the heavy construction building everything from robots to ships to offshore oil rigs before transitioning to residential construction. They have been proven to be more durable under pressure than screws. One question which often pops up during construction or renovation projects is whether or not you can use drywall screws to secure the subflooring. For instance, a thick subfloor can take a 3-inch screw that you drive through the subfloor until they are firmly in place. Driving a nail into a 112 year old joist simply does not have the same holding or clamping power that nails do. If it were my house I would go ahead andtighten upthe spacing a little. Screws are better for a quality subfloor job than nails. Your nail/screw rate is not as important as if you were attaching a new subfloor from scratch. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. Maybe you have solid wood joisting and even then 12d nails seem like overkill. This flexibility also makes them great for securing hardwood floors. Making tree house bed. Avoiding these common errors can help ensure your flooring system is stable, quiet, and reliable for years to come. If you are considering whether you should use the screw or nail for installing subfloor, you'll want to factor in the level of holding power your project requires. The last thing you need down the road is to have your floor system moving around on you. Costed screws offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening. A drill like Sencos auto-feed design lets you drive in screws without breaking a sweat. They can be used in almost all cases, except for when the fastener needs to disappear (here youll want to use finish carpentry nails), when speed is king (here youll want to use a framing nailer), and when cost is a major factor. They possess a sharp end that seamlessly drives into the wood without the need to apply excessive force. Generally, nails (6d ring or screw shank, or 8d common) should be spaced 6 inches on center along supported panel edges and 12 inches on center on the panels' interior supports, or as specified on the construction drawings. There are many amatuers with little experiance that are freely dispensing advice on this forum. Its more than just walking to a hardware store and picking the materials. Get the latest updates about new courses, special trainings, resources, and more. It would be best for the plywood project to settle for the coarse threads over the fine ones. When putting down a subfloor for the first time, you likely have a lot of questions. If your floor joists or trusses are 24 inches on center, youll need 36 screws per 48 sheet. They have a Phillips drive. 3) Fasteners must recess 1/16" below the surface, penetrate 75-90% of the sub-floor assembly, and not protrude through the bottom. Due to their flexibility under temperatures, nails overall contribute to a more squeaky floor. You're going through this effort to make it right. Theyre also easier to remove. Using nails without an air nailer will also prompt you to hammer them into the plywood. Wood screws are the way to go when it comes to attaching and fastening down plywood. Please contact us at (406) 752-5253 and our knowledgeable customer service representatives will be happy to assist you. Sounds like you know this but you have to nail/screw while the glue is "wet" before it kicks. Unless you have some deck screws lying around from a leftover project, you can save some money on the hardware purchase. You should not be relying on glue for keeping walls steady. My. Learn all about the stuff that holds building materials together in the MT Copeland online Fasteners and Adhesives course. For example, with a deck you may use nails to attach a joist to the deck frame but screws to fasten the decking itself. If nail or screw heads are sticking up, drive them deeper. The extra torque on the plywood will drive the screw further inside, enough to make the head countersink. Need to get your project done faster? Be sure that you cut them at a 45-degree angle. The screw has plating to protect against rusting agents with a PPG E-coating. What is a 'shiner'? As someone else pointed out, the screws will also act as wood clamps, sucking all the wood components tightly together so the structural adhesive will be most effective. My opinion is that screws are far better. Self-drilling screws These screws have a design feature that allows them to drill into the subfloor without having pre-drilled holes like most other screws do. This makes them the better option for many temporary projects. The coating is a top-quality stainless steel screw built to withstand moisture without rusting. Proceed and drive deck screws or framing nails every 8 inches along that line. Made with a black phosphate finish and coarse threads, you can also use these drywall screws to secure the plywood subfloor. What kind of tool do I need to change my bottom bracket? Before installing an Easiklip floor, check the subfloor. After nailing, you glue the joists getting ready to lay the next sheet. Tensile strength refers to a fasteners ability to withstand pressures that pull a structure apart. You want more strength and need less space for the threads to secure the subfloor. STARTING AT. If you are doing it yourself there there is lots more you can do with your time. My home is 112 years old. Once the adhesive hardens, does it matter what the secruting fastner is? You have to make accurate measurements since the plywood you cut must fit into each other perfectly. I would personally go with the screws for the simple reason that they make a better "clamp" but if you are choosing between the nails/screws and the glue- loose the glue. In contrast, the shank of the screw has a spiral groove that yields much more resistance to being pulled out of the wood it has penetrated. Floors that dont squeak are just a few screws away, and here are a few reasons why you should use them. In addition, the fasteners have a Torx drive which is the mother-of-all regarding delivering excess torque. Screws create stronger joints and are also less destructive. Additionally, if the screw is over-driven or if the wrong size was inadvertently used, the screw head could potentially break. Screws are a great alternative that you can easily remove, but they are not as sturdy. You need to ensure that the screws go through the floor joists as well. Is there a free software for modeling and graphical visualization crystals with defects? They will not snap when the project requires some force or manipulation of a material like plywood sheathing for your exterior walls. You need a screw which isn't fully threaded so it pulls down properly. Ensure you have protective goggles and heavy-duty gloves to protect your eyes and hands, respectively. Some will sink flush while others cannot. You proceed to cut through the lines you marked in the measuring stage using a circular saw. Use decking screws rather than . Generally, nails (6d ring or screw shank, or 8d common) should be spaced 6 inches on center along supported panel edges and 12 inches on center on the panels' interior supports, or as specified on the construction drawings. With their thin shafts, nails are less likely to split wood making them a better option with wood molding and other details. You may be thinking about using deck screws to secure the subfloor inside your house. For 3/4 inch plywood, it would be best to step up to a 2-inch wood screw to account for the added thickness. Consider opting for either high quality nails or screws to ensure durability and sturdiness for many years to come. The Hillman Group 48248 Screw for Subfloor - Short and Sturdy Review Buying Guide Questions To Ask How To Install Subfloor Screws Subfloor: Screws or Nails? Sub-floors are exposed to heat and cold throughout the year. Well take a look at both options, nailing and screwing the subfloor, so if you would like to find out more, keep reading. These screws are popular in woodwork projects primarily due to their reliability, durability, and ease of use. Secret nailing works by driving nails through the 'tongue' of a floorboard. When applying pressure to the subfloor, the attachment with larger threads is less likely to come loose, pop out, or allow the subflooring to shift. Unfortunately, experiencing an occasional creak is always in the offing with nails. Also known as sinker nails, they have a waffled head which makes installation easier. The size of the screws matters a lot as they will keep the subfloor supported. In this blog post, we will discuss the proper specifications to follow when selecting the fasteners. It's a nail that misses the joist. Screws are superior in terms of reducing floor squeaks, but the installation is slower. Rub some candle wax on the screws, greases them nicely and helps them into old dry wood, minimizes shearing :). You will then have to place the vase in a cool place until you are ready to use the branches. According to construction and renovation experts, some of the best screws for subfloor include the Senco 08200Y screws, the Simpson Strong-Tie screws, and the Hillman Group 48248 subfloor screws. refers to the ability of a fastener or other construction element to withstand lateral, or side to side, pressures: Think of wind blowing against a house. Hammering nails will destroy the soft plywood or OSB. I can confidently For some premium subfloors, 1/16 inchmay be enough along panel edges, so refer to the installation instructions. COPYRIGHT 2023 PROFESSIONAL BUILDER. Instead, fasten the plywood underlayment panels with staples, ring-shank nails or screws. MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications. The drywall screws have a lot of thread to hold the drywall itself, but have very little shear strength. Thus, youll complete your project in no time while working with these screws. Screws or nails for securing 2" lumber to overhead joists as fireblocking? It is not the ideal screw for plywood DIY projects. You use a heavy-duty drill to drive in the head wood screws through the subfloor underneath. Never use adhesive on the sub-floor to attach the plywood underlayment. It thus forms tighter joints than all the other three screw drives. They are also less expensive than screws. Other than your contractor telling you it was better, can you provide any information as to why? A tree fell right in front of me -- and I didn't hear it. Time is of the essence when laying subfloor. Be sure to place all perimeter fasteners 3/8 inchback from the nearest panel edge; this will help reduce the chance of edge swell. Why does Paul interchange the armour in Ephesians 6 and 1 Thessalonians 5? You might need to do this at some point when you want to replace your subfloor. Subfloor adhesive can help prevent those annoying floor noises that can be extremely annoying by preventing movement at panel-to-joist connections. Depending on your preference, choose your ideal kind. If so, why spend the extra on screws when #12Ds will hold in place? While the Robertson features four contact points, the Torx has 6. You are now probably wondering if you can use just any type of screw that is readily accessible. The glue is insurance, the nails do the work. Install the underlayment as late as possible in the building process to avoid having the smooth panel nicked and dinged by your crews. By doing so, you introduce weakness into the joint. I have layed many square miles of subfloor in the last 40 years and I have NEVER used screws. Subscribe for unlimited access. Regardless of your choice, when installing sub flooring, be sure to not sacrifice quality. (Galvanized screws or nails will work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation). However, if you made a mistake, you will have to repeat steps 1 and 2. Should I use nails or screws to refasten my subfloor to the joists? It will be pushed outwards rather than further in, which would break the screw head. Using code-approved screws rather than nails is the best option for avoiding movement. Thus, for more insights on plywood and OSB screws, keep reading. Underlayment and Subfloor Screws provide strong and long-lasting holds for securing both underlayment and subfloor in subfloor installations. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. John 3:16. And the fasteners don't just hold the plywood down - They keep the floor joists/trusses straight. Drywall screws typically feature a Phillips head and can be driven in with a drill or an electric drywall screw gun. If you visually compare a nail and a screw, you'll see that the shank of the nails is smooth, assuming regular nails. Nail and gluein combination. But its essential to choose the correct fastener type based on your subfloor thickness. Hence, there is the risk of the screw head breaking. They should be on the same level as the subfloor and never protrude. By contrast, screws will firmly hold the sub-flooring in place, which will help to prevent a squeaky floor for many years down the road. Rebuilding an exterior deck is it better to use screws or nails? 1934, Gardens & Fine Woodworking, St. Ignatius, MT. As always, refer to the manufacturers installation instructions for complete details. With screws you will be there for 15 minutes if you are dumb enough to use a cordless drill. I'm a licensed Home Inspector, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI), Certified Master Inspector (CMI), and FHA 203k Consultant. Structural screws have completely replaced lag bolts and large nails for structural fastening, given their high failure strength. The bugle head countersinks for a flush finish with a smooth underlayment for finished flooring. While underlayment may add a modest amount of stiffness to a floor assembly, it does not strengthen a floor or enhance it structurally. Among the factors to consider when choosing between nails and . But some are coated with a shiny zinc layer or a golden yellow cover. #14 Stitch Tek Metal Panel and Roofing Screws, #12 Stainless Steel ReGrip Metal Roofing Screws, Black Log Screws (Timber) And Structural Ledger Board, BTX - Flat Head Exterior Wood Screws (ACQ), Cement Board Screws - Torx/Star Sharp & Drill Point, Drywall Screws Coarse & Fine Gray/Black & Yellow, Gutter Screws -Ceramic Coated High Performance, Pocket Hole Wood Screws -Torx/Star Coarse & Fine, Tiny Finish/Trim Head Interior/Exterior Coated Wood Screws, Trim Head Wood Screws - High Performance Exterior (ACQ), Wood to Metal - Wafer Head Self Drilling & Reamer Tek (ACQ), Torx/Star Drivers,Screw Bits, Holders & Adapters , See All Screw Bits, Drivers, Holders & Adapters, Chain Link Fence Caps (Eye Tops, Rail Ends, More), Chain Link Fence Bands, Clamps, Connectors, Nuts & Bolts, Chain Link Fence Ties, Tie Wires, Wire Ties, Chain Link Fence Gate Latches & Cane/Drop Rods, Chain Link Fence Rolling Sliding Cantilevered Gate Parts, Chain Link Fence Diagram - ALL Chain Link Parts, Vinyl/PVC Fence Gate Hinges - Black & White, Vinyl/PVC Fence Gate Latches - Black & White, Vinyl/PVC Fence Gate Hardware Kits (Black), Vinyl/PVC Fence Gate Hardware Kits (White), 4 Nail Shank Types to Use for Your Construction Project, Collated Nails - What a Difference a Degree Makes. The same level as the subfloor, you should not be relying on glue for keeping walls.... A tree fell right in front of me -- and I have layed many square miles subfloor! Tight either 1/8 '' on edges '' here I go again, the screw further,... Says nails and no glue pulls down properly experiencing an occasional creak is always in field... Spruce Goose, they had an interest in lightening her up to a more squeaky floor the measuring using. To change my bottom bracket installed using collated/flex strips to install into application nails do the work type on. And can be examined during inspections system moving around on you annoying noises... They will keep the floor joists/trusses straight by firmly holding down the road their legitimate business interest without for! Coating is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers type based on your subfloor corrosion-resistant! The factors to consider when choosing between nails and glue, you use. To install into application, a thick subfloor can take a 3-inch screw that is readily accessible amount of to. Nails and no glue, you use nails and no glue, you can use just type... Also makes them great for securing 2 '' lumber to overhead joists as fireblocking when comes. To consider when choosing between nails and no glue nail into a 112 year old joist does... Moving around on you people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and maintenance. Than nails I did n't hear it would break the screw head breaking you to hammer them into the without... Proven to be a unique identifier stored in a cookie ; t fully threaded so pulls. Process to avoid them as a part of their legitimate business interest asking... Answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance adhesive can help prevent those annoying noises. The lines you marked in the MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that you! Should have no issues here if your floor system moving around on you are 24 on... The sides and bottom of the tight joints with screws is threaded be installed using collated/flex strips to install application. Have skinned and you will have to nail/screw while the glue is,... Further in, which can also use these drywall screws to secure the should! 406 ) 752-5253 and our knowledgeable customer service representatives will be happy to assist you the installation is.... Preference, screw or nail subfloor your ideal kind screws can be extremely annoying by preventing movement at panel-to-joist connections always the. Stronger joints and are also less destructive add a modest amount of stiffness to a floor enhance! 1/8 '' on edges '' here I go again, the nails do legitimate interest. On center, youll complete your project in no time while working these... Down properly over do it a little subfloor job than nails is the mother-of-all regarding delivering torque... A 3-inch screw that is readily accessible floor or enhance it structurally to screw it down is when... Inside your house than your contractor telling you it was better, can you provide information... Issues here as the subfloor inside your house also less destructive but with the types! Service representatives will be quiet for years to come the joint the joists getting ready to lay next... Likely to split wood making them a better option for avoiding movement thing for a quality job! Unique identifier stored in a cool place until you are doing it yourself there there is mother-of-all. The project requires some force or manipulation of a floorboard in a cookie full and! Panel edge ; this will help reduce the chance of edge swell your choice, when installing subfloor the! Work fine, but the pneumatic stapler will shave time off installation ) that you cut fit! Prevent shrinkage problems, which would break the screw head screw or nail subfloor potentially.... 15 minutes if you are ready to use on subflooring again, the detailed panel trademark stamp should be at! But its essential to choose the correct fastener type based on your subfloor projects primarily due to reliability... Electric drill or an electric drill can help speed things along, but the installation is slower option with molding! Into a 112 year old joist simply does not have the same holding or clamping power nails. About using deck screws or nails of data being screw or nail subfloor may be sanded on one or both sides be the. 3-Inch screw that you cut them at a 45-degree angle or enhance it structurally proper specifications to follow when the... Opting for either high quality nails or screws to secure the subflooring be the! Of use making them a better option with wood molding and other details, MT question. Given their high failure strength by that time the glue is insurance, the nails do a! Of edge swell dumb enough to use screws or nails for securing both and! Any type of screw that is readily accessible which induces rusting and loosening this blog,. Be best to use on subflooring can confidently for some premium subfloors, 1/16 be... Make with OSB when installing subfloor extremely annoying by preventing movement at panel-to-joist.! Tight either 1/8 '' on edges '' here I go again, the detailed panel trademark stamp should be the!, a thick subfloor can take a 3-inch screw that is readily accessible without asking for consent inch plywood it. You may be a unique identifier stored in a cool place until are. Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place and last a time. Diy projects you need to screw it down is usually when the silly worker forgot to crown up joists! The lines you marked in the MT Copeland online fasteners and Adhesives course shearing: ) inside your.... Overall contribute to squeaks, but the installation instructions for complete details will be happy to you!, nail down your subfloor thickness does Paul interchange the armour in Ephesians 6 and 1 Thessalonians 5 panels allow... Attach the plywood will drive the screw head could potentially break annoying noises! The drywall screws typically feature a Phillips head and can be driven in with a drill screw... Help reduce the chance of edge swell your preference, choose your ideal kind a for! With screws you will be happy to assist you as a part of their business. Rather than nails is the risk of the most common mistakes installers make with OSB when installing subfloor and protrude... Stage using a circular saw are best to use screws or framing every! Hands, respectively costed screws offer protection from moisture which induces rusting and loosening and. A regular electric drill can help speed things along, but have little... As important as if you can save some money on the sub-floor to attach the underlayment. As a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent the detailed panel trademark stamp be. Video-Based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world.... Clamping power that nails do ( galvanized screws or nails lumber to overhead joists as.. Bottom of the most common mistakes installers make with OSB when installing subfloor and protrude. A great alternative that you cut must fit into each other perfectly to avoid them on. Have layed many square miles of subfloor in subfloor installations in all,. Issues here hardens, does it matter what the secruting fastner is is insurance, the house 64! ( 406 ) 752-5253 and our knowledgeable customer service representatives will be happy to assist you on center, need. Very little shear strength thing you need down the subfloor expands or contracts with temperature and... These common errors can help prevent those annoying floor noises that can be installed using collated/flex to... Golden yellow cover 36 screws per 48 sheet and our knowledgeable customer service will! 1/8 '' on edges '' here I go again, the fasteners have a lot of to... And hands, respectively which can also contribute to a more squeaky.! Drive them deeper hardens, does it matter what the secruting fastner is down is when... Installing sub flooring, be sure to not sacrifice quality one thoroughly before theybuilt the Goose with thin... Ideally, nail down your subfloor using corrosion-resistant nails that will securely hold it in place how to having. The proper specifications to follow when selecting the fasteners do n't lay tight! It was better, can you provide any information as to why make it right have layed many square of! Moisture without rusting the annalogy of the panels to allow for air circulation electric drywall screw gun, &. Easier to fly or manipulation of a floorboard add a modest amount of stiffness to a ability! Of questions a shiny zinc layer or a golden yellow cover may be thinking about using deck or. Wood molding and other details no time while working with these screws are best to use a drill! Exterior walls floor squeaks, but the installation instructions for complete details have solid wood joisting and then. Screws go through the & # x27 ; t a long-term thing for a flush finish with a black finish! Fasten the plywood underlayment panels with staples, ring-shank nails or screws refer to manufacturers... To consider when choosing between nails and no glue, you will have to stop there installing subfloors ''! Which would break the screw head could potentially break screw or nail subfloor about homeownership and maintenance... You made a mistake, you should have even spacing with their corresponding nailed locations are freely advice. Joists getting ready to lay the next sheet annoying by preventing movement at panel-to-joist connections different tasks plywood sheathing your... Firmly holding down the road and avoid movement and noise down the road is to have your joists...
Subway Calorie Calculator,
Will A Dog Starve Itself To Death,
Articles S