You can stagger them and not break code. Makes it much easier but I agree, buy the nailer. I took a chance and bought one of those Harbor Freight Chicago (I think) - and I'd sworn off their tools long ago. But turned out dependable. Slammed thousands with it - still fine.
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My New Studio Build (perhaps overly detailed)
- Thread starter silky smoove
- Start date
You can stagger them and not break code. Makes it much easier but I agree, buy the nailer. I took a chance and bought one of those Harbor Freight Chicago (I think) - and I'd sworn off their tools long ago. But turned out dependable. Slammed thousands with it - still fine.
I considered staggering them, but I like the idea of having uniform cuts on all my insulation. Ultimately it won't make a bit of difference, but I'm being a little OCD at this point, haha. My blocking idea tomorrow will make things go much more smoothly.
Let's see, when did you start? Just kidding. I know it feels good to do it right.
It took me better part of 2 yrs to finish my building and I had a lot of help with the heavy stuff. Of course the bldg has a garage attached and 260 sf loft all finished with knotty pine. I'll post some pics in the AM.
Good job!
P.S., don't stress your arms - I did and regret it often - bass player first, carpenter second.
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Screws look great on paper until you dig a little deeper. They beat nails in terms of pullout resistance, but they're WAY WAY WAY weaker in terms of shear strength which is where you need it the most for framing. There are a lot of cities that won't allow you to screw together framing per code.
This is true. You can twist them and bend them much easier. Of course depending on relative gauge.
16d vinyl coated sinkers for most of it. I used 8d vinyl coated sinkers for the toe and top nailing on the loft joist hangers, only because that's the how big the holes were.
Main room fire blocking is finished. The dividing wall between the two spaces is done as well, just not pictured here. All I have left to do is the vestibule, but I'm short on lumber and don't see myself making a run to get more today.
Planning update: Barring any unforeseen complications; I'm going to pick up the remaining lumber needed to do the vestibule fire blocking and finish that up on Tuesday evening. Once that's done I need to clean out the space so I can air seal ahead of bringing in the principle insulation for the building. The air sealing will be a smaller task than I'd envisioned because the contractor built the exterior sheathing in a smarter way than I'd anticipated. More to come on that soon.
Missing lumber acquired. Excess Roxul returned. Ready to continue building tomorrow.
Vestibule fire blocking, and hence ALL fire blocking... Is complete!
Next steps. Clean out the inside of the structure and then do all of the air sealing in advance of installing the principle insulation.
Next steps. Clean out the inside of the structure and then do all of the air sealing in advance of installing the principle insulation.
You know that moment when you speak a little too soon? 
I finish tossing all of the lumber scraps in the bin and go to lock up for the night, and wouldn't you know it... The fire blocking on the strike side of the door jamb is slightly too large and is pushing in on the frame such that the door won't close! I bashed it out on one side with a hammer so I could close the door. Looks like tomorrow I'll need to shave that one down an eighth of an inch and reattach it.
I finish tossing all of the lumber scraps in the bin and go to lock up for the night, and wouldn't you know it... The fire blocking on the strike side of the door jamb is slightly too large and is pushing in on the frame such that the door won't close! I bashed it out on one side with a hammer so I could close the door. Looks like tomorrow I'll need to shave that one down an eighth of an inch and reattach it.
I think the lesson here is this: If something doesn't work, hit its neighbor with a framing hammer.
Okay... NOW the fire blocking is done, and yes the door actually closes this time
I also finished cleaning everything out and staged all of the tools and materials staying for the duration of the project in the center of the room. This leaves everything clear for me to air seal and bring in all of the insulation over the weekend. The only thing left to do before that is to take my leaf blower and blast the last bit of sawdust out the door so it doesn't get in the way of caulking the base plates. That should take about five minutes on Saturday morning before I go to get all of the insulation.
I also finished cleaning everything out and staged all of the tools and materials staying for the duration of the project in the center of the room. This leaves everything clear for me to air seal and bring in all of the insulation over the weekend. The only thing left to do before that is to take my leaf blower and blast the last bit of sawdust out the door so it doesn't get in the way of caulking the base plates. That should take about five minutes on Saturday morning before I go to get all of the insulation.
Truck reserved for Saturday. Insulation and vent baffles confirmed in-stock at my local Home Depot. Time to build a thermal envelope!
