Page 6 of Wood Construction Connectors 2006 Catalog by Simpson Strong-Tie

7 Wood Construction Connectors CORROSION INFORMATION SIMPSON COATINGS AVAILABLE Contact Simpson for product availability, ordering information and lead times. Products hot-dip galvanized after fabrication (14 ga. and thicker). The coating weight increases with material thickness. Hot-dip galvanizing is available for many products. The minimum specified coating weight is 2.0 oz./ft 2 (per ASTM A123 total both sides). These products require hot-dip galvanized fasteners (fasteners galvanized per ASTM A153). Galvanized (G185) 1.85 oz. of zinc per square foot of surface area (hot-dip galvanized per ASTM A653 total both sides). Z-MAX meets all catalog load specifications listed for the regular products and all published building code reports. These products require hot-dip galvanized fasteners (fasteners galvanized per ASTM A153). Products manufactured from Type 316L stainless steel, and provide greater durability against corrosion. Stainless steel nails are required with stainless steel products, and are available from Simpson. TM STANDARD COATING G90 (Galvanized G90) .90 oz. of zinc per square foot of surface area. Simpson Strong-Tie began producing connectors in G90 when we started participation in markets outside the United States. The minimum standard for galvanization in the United States has long been G60 where the minimum for most of the world equates to G90. We began producing product in G90 specifically for these international markets, but in the late 90s we decided to produce all our structural products with the higher level of zinc coating. Outdoor environments are generally more corrosive to steel. If you choose to use ZMAX or HDG on an outdoor project (i.e. deck, patio cover), you should periodically inspect your connectors and fasteners or have a professional inspection performed. Regular maintenance including water-proofing of the wood used in your outdoor project is also a good practice. For wood with actual retention levels greater than 0.40 pcf for ACQ, 0.41 pcf for CBA-A, or 0.21 pcf for CA-B (Ground Contact), Stainless Steel connectors and fasteners are recommended. Verify actual retention level with the wood treater. When using Stainless Steel connectors, use Stainless Steel fasteners. When using ZMAX/HDG galvanized connectors, use fasteners galvanized per ASTM A153. Testing indicates wood installed dry reduces potential corrosion. If dry wood is used, see our website for additional information. Using a barrier membrane can provide additional corrosion protection, see Technical Bulletin T-PTBARRIER. Due to the many variables involved, Simpson cannot provide estimates on service life of connectors, anchors or fasteners. We suggest that all users and specifiers also obtain recommendations for HDG, ZMAX (G185), mechanically galvanized, or other coatings from the treated wood supplier for the type of wood used. However, as long as Simpsons recommendations are followed, Simpson stands behind its product performance and our standard warranty (page 15) applies. General Simpson Recommendations Interior Dry Low Low Med Med High High High Exterior Dry Low N/A Med High High High High Exterior Wet Med N/A Med High High High High Higher Exposure High N/A High High High High High Uncertain High N/A High High High High High With Ammonia No Ammonia Environment Connector Coating Recommendation Structural Applications Other or Uncertain ACZA SBX/DOT Zinc Borate Untreated Wood ACQ-C, ACQ-D (Carbonate), CA-B CBA-A Higher Chemical Content 1 3,4 2 2 2 2 Use the chart on the right, which was created based on Simpsons testing and experience to select the connector finish or material. If a pressure treated wood product is not identified on the chart, Simpson has not evaluated test results regarding such product and therefore cannot make any recommendation other than the use of Stainless Steel with that product. Manufacturers may independently provide test results or other product use information; Simpson expresses no opinion regarding any such information. Low Use Simpson standard painted and G90 galvanized connectors as a minimum. Med Use ZMAX/HDG galvanized connectors as a minimum. Use fasteners galvanized per ASTM A153. High Use Type 304 or 316 Stainless Steel connectors and fasteners. 1. Woods with actual retention levels greater than 0.40 pcf for ACQ, 0.41 pcf for CBA-A, or 0.21 pcf for CA-B (Ground Contact level). 2. Borate treated woods are not appropriate for outdoor use. 3. Test results indicate that ZMAX/HDG will perform adequately, subject to regular maintenance and periodic inspection. However, the nationally-approved test method used, AWPA E12-94, is an accelerated test, so data over an extended period of time is not available. If uncertain, use Stainless Steel. 4. Some treated wood may have excess surface chemicals making it potentially more corrosive. If you suspect this or are uncertain, use Stainless Steel. Evaluate the Environment. Testing and experience indicate that indoor dry environments are less corrosive than outdoor environments. Determining the type of environment where a connector or fastener will be used is an important factor in selecting the most appropriate material and finish for use on the connectors and fasteners. To help in your decision making, consider the following general exposure information: Interior Dry Use: Includes wall and ceiling cavities, and raised floor applications of enclosed buildings that have been designed to ensure that condensation and other sources of moisture do not develop. Exterior Dry: Includes outdoor installations in low rainfall environments and no regular exposure to moisture. Exterior Wet: Includes outdoor installations in higher moisture and rainfall environments. Higher Exposure Use: Includes exposure to ocean salt air, fire retardants, large bodies of water, fumes, fertilizers, soil, some preservative treated woods, industrial zones, acid rain, and other corrosive elements. Evaluate the Application. Consider the type of structure and how it will be used. These recommendations may not apply to non-structural applications such as fences. Evaluate and select a suitable pressure-treated wood for the intended application and environment. The treated wood supplier should provide all the information needed regarding the wood being used. This information should include: the specific type of wood treatment used, if ammonia was used in the treatment, and the chemical retention level. If the needed information is not provided then Simpson would recommend the use of Stainless Steel connectors and fasteners. You should also ask the treated wood supplier for a connector coating or material recommendation. Compare the treated wood suppliers recommendation with the Simpson recommendation. If these recommendations are different, Simpson recommends that the most conservative recommendation be followed. Guidelines for Selecting the Proper Connector 1 5 2 3 4

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