Do I need H-clips for roof sheathing?
For the most common roof sheathing in our area, which is 1/2” nominal (7/16” actual) sheathing over trusses or rafters at 24” on center, there is no requirement for H-clips. The APA table has a span rating for the sheathing installed with, or without, H-clips, and the span rating is the same both ways.
How do you use H clips on a roof?
You can use H-clips for other span combinations and wood panel thicknesses. More often than not, two H-clips are used in tandem. This allows for the installation of one or two clips, which allows for a substantially longer span between the roof rafters and/or trusses.
How many H-clips do I need for plywood sheathing?
When it comes to plywood sheathing for roofing purposes, the need for H-clips, also known as plywood clips or roof sheathing clips, may come up. How many do you need for each sheet of plywood? The answer is one clip for each rafter bay/cavity. This is a simple rule of thumb that applies to any roofing job. Don't want to do it yourself?
How to tell if roofing plywood has H clips?
Their installation diagram also shows H-clips, although tongue-and-groove edges or blocking is noted as an alternative in the text above. If H-clips are missing when you are walking on a roof, it is often discernible by the slight flexing when you step on an unsupported plywood edge.
Why are H-clips required for roof sheathing?
H-clips, also called panel-edge clips, are small steel devices that fit snugly between wood panels in order to provide them with edge support. They are often used with roof sheathing to keep it from feeling spongy or soft at its edges.
Are H-clips required on 5/8 roof sheathing?
5/8” thick panels having a span rating of 40/20 can have an unsupported edge up to 32”. This means that 1/2” and 5/8” thick roofing panels that are supported by roof framing (rafters or trusses) spaced at the typical 16” or 24” o.c. do not require edge support (H-clips).
Do you need H-clips on OSB?
H-clips are an architects or engineer's call, not a code requirement. 7/16" OSB very commonly spans rafters 24" on center without clips. Not required by most residential codes unless your area has special requirements.
Are H-clips required for zip roof sheathing?
ZIP System® Roof Sheathing Notes and Limitations: - Do not use H-clips with ZIP System roof sheathing. They are not required by code with this product and they may interfere with the tape seal.
Are H clips required for 3/4 roof sheathing?
Not Always Required But A Good Idea Most builders install them, but they are not automatically required for all applications. The International Residential Code (IRC) and the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC) both refer to Table R503.
How many roof sheathing clips do I need?
pair of trusses, rafters, or joists. However, two (2) equally spaced H-clips are required between supports when spaced 48 inches on center. misfit of abutting sheets may be tolerated if gaps do not exceed maximum opening of 1/4 inch (6 mm).
What are plywood sheathing clips used for?
Plywood clips, also referred to as H-clips or panel edge clips, are small metal brackets placed between the unsupported edges of plywood sheathing to effectively reduce the support spacing and stiffen the plywood.
Where do you put sheathing clips?
1:482:54Fasteners should be 3/8 inch from the panel edges. And for ordinary applications nails should beMoreFasteners should be 3/8 inch from the panel edges. And for ordinary applications nails should be spaced 6 inches apart along the panel edges. And 12 inches apart along the intermediate supports.
Where do you put H clips on roof sheathing?
0:217:10Center some areas building codes require h clips in between so when you install. These you put yourMoreCenter some areas building codes require h clips in between so when you install. These you put your next sheet in and you slide it down it helps lock the two together but more importantly.
Can you use 7/16 ZIP sheathing on a roof?
Finished roof should be installed per the manufacturer's installation instructions. Huber Engineered Woods requires panel edge support for 7/16" ZIP System® sheathing installed on roof supports spaced more than 16" on center. Panel Edge support might be blocking, tongue-and-groove edges or panel edge clips (H-clips).
Do you glue roof sheathing?
Unlike flooring, DO NOT glue roof sheathing. Drive nails flush to the panel.
What thickness of plywood is used for roof sheathing?
What is this? Standard roof sheathing thickness is ½” to ⅝” thick. If you are using OSB for your roof deck, then ⅝” is the recommended thickness. For plywood, which is slightly stronger than strand board, ½” thick is appropriate.
How Many H-Clips Would be Needed for a Sheet of Plywood?
When you determine that you need roofing clips applied to your plywood sheathing, you may not know just how many to use. The simple answer is that you need one clip per rafter bay or cavity. That allows you to figure out the number needed for the job.
What is the Purpose of H-Clips?
Generally speaking, H-clips, which also go by panel-edge clips, are used for edge support in roofing construction. They are small, steel devices that fit between the wood panels snugly in order to provide them with that edge support.
When are H-Clips Required?
This is something of a complicated topic. Back in 2006, the International Residential Code (IRC) made it a requirement to use H-clips during construction. That said, not every jurisdiction adheres to those IRC regulations.
What are the Benefits of Using H-Clips?
While they are not a requirement in every jurisdiction, there are a few major benefits to implementing H-clips into your construction processes. Here are a couple of the most prominent benefits to be had by using H-clips.
How to Use Plywood H-Clips
The clips get inserted over the edges of the plywood sheathing in order to reduce support spacing and make the plywood stiffer. If you are considering taking on a roofing project in the near future, knowing more about how H-clips can benefit the job can be helpful.
Still a Good Idea
While you may be wondering whether or not your municipality requires the use of H-clips, you might want to consider whether or not your roof should be using them anyway. For many applications and jurisdictions, builders will use them on their install whether they are required or not.
How Much Do H-Clamps Cost
The good news is that H-clamps are pretty affordable and there are a wide array to choose from. On the low end, you can expect $15-$20. Even the best ones out there can come in at about $75, making them a highly affordable option.
What H-Clips Do
- H-clips provide additional stiffness between bearing points for the unsupported edges of wood panel (plywood or OSB) roof sheathing, along with the necessary 1/8” gap for expansion, as shown below illustrated on a bag of Simpson H-clips. Some older H-clips do not provide a built-in gap.
Not Always Required But A Good Idea
- Most builders install them, but they are not automatically required for all applications. The International Residential Code (IRC) and the Residential Edition of the Florida Building Code (FBC) both refer to Table R503.2.1.1(1) of the APA Engineered Wood Construction Guide for specs. H-clips are referred to in the APA Guide as “edge support." For the most common roof sheathing i…
If The H-Clips Are Missing
- If H-clips are missing when you are walking on a roof, it is often discernible by the slight flexing when you step on an unsupported plywood edge. Also, H-clips reduce any buckling of those edges over time, so they are a good idea even if not always required. But, if your roof surface is sagging between trusses, lack of H-clips is only one potential culprit. Visit our blog post Why is my roof s…
Diagnosing Other Roof Problems
- Also, see our blog posts What causes a sagging roof ridge line? and What causes a lump or dip in the roof? and What's the average lifespan of a roof? • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • To learn more about roofs and attics, see these other blog posts: • When did Florida start requiring re-nailing of roof deck sheathing for a roof replacement? • How can I inspect my roof for hurricane …