One of the most important, and often overlooked, elements to building a quality project is selecting the correct fasteners for the job. All fastening products are designed and tested for particular applications and environments for optimum performance. Proper product installation requires the end user to pay close attention to all manufacturer’s instructions. Failure to do so may result in failure of the product and void any warranties.
Fasteners should be selected based on the environment, as well as by size, length, thread, head, coating, material, and point. It is essential to not exceed a manufacturer’s published load. Doing so can jeopardize the connection. A fastener that splits the wood will not carry a published load, so, if this a problem, consider pre-drilling.
All carbon steel-based fasteners have the potential to corrode and rust. Careful consideration must be made when to select corrosion resistant fasteners.
Generally speaking, corrosion-resistant fasteners should be used when there may be exposure to condensation or other sources of moisture, as well as when the fasteners might be exposed to fumes, fertilizers, soil, pressure treated wood, acid rain, or other corrosive materials or wood, including Western Red Cedar and Alaskan Yellow Cedar.
Corrosion Resistance Recommendations
- Low – Phosphate (grey, black), Clear (bright) Zinc, Heavy Electro-galvanized, Yellow Zinc, Electro coat, Type 410 Stainless Steel
- Medium – Mechanically Galvanized, Hot-dip galvanized, Double Barrier Coating
- High – 304 or 305 Stainless Steel
- Severe – Type 316 Stainless Steel
When installing Western Red Cedar, Alaskan Yellow Cedar or other woods that may cause corrosion, we suggest using 304 or 305 Stainless Steel fasteners in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, if the project is near the saltwater, 316 Stainless Steel is highly recommended.
photo and craftsmanship by Soundecks of Anacortes, WA
Should you have questions regarding selecting the right fasteners for your project, our team of professionals would be happy to help. We stock a various screws and nails in both galvanized and 305 Stainless Steel and can easily special order items in 316 Stainless.
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