Shearwall Nailing

A Deputy Inspector, often referred to as a Special Inspector, for shear walls is a licensed professional responsible for observing and reporting on critical elements of the shear wall construction to ensure they conform to the approved design drawings, specifications, and building codes.

The need for a Special/Deputy Inspector is typically required by building codes for critical components of the lateral force-resisting system, which are designed to withstand forces from high winds and seismic activity.

Shear wall Nailinng Check List:

• Verify with City approved stamped structural framing plans and architectural floor plans, the location and length of all shear walls to be installed. 9

• Verify the nailing of the sheathing agrees with the shear wall schedule. 

• Nail Type i.e. common, galvanized box. 

• Nail Diameter 8d or 10d etc. 

• Nail Length (minimum penetration into framing 12 times nail diameter), and Spacing along each edge of each piece of Sheathing (6", 4", 3", etc.). 

• Nail Head Shape (clipped heads not permitted). 

• Nail Placement: ¾ Driven flush but not overdriven. ¾ Minimum 3/8" from sheathing edge to center of nail. ¾ View the stud side to check for nails that missed framing. ¾ Staggered along edges where spacing is 3 inches o.c. or less. ¾ Edge nails into hold-down post. 

• Verify sheathing material agrees with the structural notes and: ¾ Type (Plywood or OSB); Grade (APA Rated Panel or APA Rated Panel-Structural 1). ¾ Thickness (3/8, 15/32 ) ; Number of Ply’s (if specified for plywood). 

• Verify lumber size and grade agrees with the structural notes. 

• Framing Grade of Studs & Posts (Stud, Construction, No. 2, and No. 1). 

• Lumber Species (Douglas Fir Larch, Hem-Fir). 

• Framing Size (3x studs, sill at heavily nailed edges, 2-2x, 4x or 6x at HD)