June 6, 2013
Island Moon
Island Living
Stainless Nails vs Stainless Screws By Jennifer Wither Both Ringshank Nails and Torx Screws seem to be the local carpenter’s favorite in building outside structures and decks. But, the age old question is “When is it best to use screws and when is it best to use nails?” “Which has the best tensile strength and which is best at resisting corrosion?”
Ring Shank Ring Shank Nails were developed around the 1850s, when wire nails were first introduced. They are known for their holding power and used in masonry, flooring, roofing and decking. Ring shank nails are a specialty nail, because they have rings on the shank encouraging around 40% more strength than conventional nails. The rings act as wedges keeping the nail firmly in place. They are used for permanent construction such as flooring, roofing and decking. If you decide to use ring shank nails on your deck or outside project consider, Stainless Steel or Galvanized Ring Shank nails. Galvanized means that the steel has been coated with a zinc material to help prevent corrosion.
Torx Screws (Pronounced Torks) Torx Screws were developed in 1967. I t s trademark is a head characterized by a 6-point star-shaped pattern. A popular trade name for the driver is a star bit. It is used in everything from computers, automobiles to outside construction. Because of their strength and drive ability their popularity has increased in exterior construction. Though the cost is almost double, you may consider using Stainless Steel Torx screws in your outdoor projects. Stainless steel does not readily corrode near water. Galvanized Torx screws, when driven thru to fasten, have the potential to wear off thier protective coating and expose the screw to the steel underneath. On some low cost coated screws just one drive can cause the threads to lose their protective coating in treated lumber. What do the pros say about Ring shank vs Torx? Ask any carpenter and you may find, that the consensus never seems to be found. Below are a list of answers from some Contractors/ Carpenters I interviewed, asking their opinions on the differences in Galvanized, Ringshank Nails, Staineless and Torx Screws and their experiences with each. Answer: “I would recommend stainless steel nails. I only use Galvanized nails when the deck is older and we need to re-hardware. Stainless steel will outlast the deck. Stainless steel will rust but it won’t corrode. The closer your deck is to the water the more likely your hardware
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will rust no matter if its stainless or galvanized. Answer: “Stainless Steel Torq screws I say, are the best, it has a star head and doesn’t strip out like a phillips head. Also, Torx has more drive force. Did you know that the holding power of common nails drops by half within two days after being driven?
One question keeps coming up, almost on a daily basis. Can my clients rent this Island property, on a short term basis, if they purchase it? That is such a loaded question. The answer is….Never advise your clients, on this subject, without knowing for certain what is the correct answer. Research and verification are the only avenues to find the answer. However, certain guidelines apply.
PIPOA First, contact the PIPOA office. There are 27 covenants on the Island that determine whether a certain piece of property is part of the PIPOA or not. If you pay your dues DIRECTLY to the PIPOA, then your property can not be rented, on a short term basis. This is not just a determination by the PIPOA, but it falls under zoning violations, by the City of Corpus Christi. You will be subject to fines and legal action, if you violate zoning codes. Plus, you are probably not complying with special fire and safety requirements that apply to daily/weekly rentals. Think about the insurance implications, if a guest is harmed on your property. Finally, there is a special tax on short term rentals that must be collected and paid to governmental agencies. It would seem to me, that the risks to the property owner would far out weigh any potential financial gain.
HOA If you live in a complex, consisting of three or more units AND you pay your dues to a HomeOwners Association, then the answer is maybe. The determining factor in this case, can be found in the Declarations and Bylaws of the HOA documents. As Schlitterbahn moves toward actuality, many HOA’s that govern Island multi-family complexes are polling their owners, to change their status and allow short term rentals. It is purely on a case by case basis that reflects the desires of a majority of the unit owners. Before purchasing, get written verification from the HOA Board members, that short term rentals are allowed in the complex, where you wish to purchase property. The Texas Real Estate Contracts specify that buyers must receive the POA/HOA documents within a certain number of days, after the contract becomes effective and special Addendums are used to specify the terms. After purchase, claiming ignorance will provide zero traction. To make matters even more confusing, some multi family complexes are within the PIPOA and some are not. If the complex is within PIPOA jurisdiction, then the HOA pays annual dues to the PIPOA and residents have use of the boat ramps and share in the privileges of other PIPOA members. Again, it is best to call the PIPOA office to verify the status of your property, in this regard.
Answer: “Screws will not pull down a deck board as tightly as a nail. Screws create bigger holes than nails and make it easier for water to seep in and corrode the wood and steel.”
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I also interviewed, Robert Crawl, a registered mechanical engineer, who worked on the Glomar Explorer and other secret govt programs and space programs. His opinion on ring shank vs Torx screws is that they are basically equal in quality. “ Torx screws, h a v e superior drivng methods because of their indentetation and the bit doesn’t slip as easily. Stainless Torx screws are great for decks but are more expensive to make. Galvanized and stainless are both superior to conventional nails. But when compared to each other, galvanized is just a coating whereas stainless is all the way thru. Typical commercial stainless steel will still rust. The lower amount of carbon steel in the stainless steel means that it is less likely it will rust. Better go to a higher grade material…Low carbon content stainless steel L series that can be purchased at a higher quality outlet. Below is a picture of the same deck 2 different levels. Both levels of this deck were built at the same time. Both decks were in service, but one is closer to the water and has been submerged in water during storms. The nails used in the higher deck (picture below) are not as rusted as the nails/screws (it has both) in the deck closest to the water. Same deck, same year built, different levels, different results in rust and corrosion.
your insurance agent about your rental plans. It took more than one insurance agency, before my friends found a policy to cover their Beach Club unit, that is rented part of the year. Does the complex maintain their own rental pool and short term rental office? A few do, but many do not. You can try to advertise, rent, clean and bookkeep on your own OR you can hire a professional rental management company that deals with short term rentals. Be sure you know the fees and obligations involved BEFORE you purchase a unit that you plan to rent on a short term basis. Even homes rented on a long term basis (six months of more) must meet special state fire and safety guidelines and be insured under different policies. Being informed is a good thing……
Padre Island Real Estate Ticker 11
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Mustang Island Real Estate Ticker 15
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167
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Answer: “I only use Stainless nails to attach the joists to the deck framing but we use Stainless screws to fasten down the decking itself. Screws can be easily removed and are more accurate than a fast nail gun. Screws are better “insurance”, because they won’t pop out of the wood over time. I’ve noticed that ring shank nails lose their holding power when subjected to sudden pressure, which can cause a thread to pop with each shock.”
Additional Considerations Before purchase, make sure you know the costs involved in short term rentals. Be sure you tell
Answer: “ With this hot weather I’d definitely use Stainless nails. Galvanized doesn’t last as long. Heat will cause wood to expand and contract, causing a screw to pull out of the wood. Nails can withstand more abuse, especially on stairs, than screws, and your project will last much longer. If given enough force, screws snap and nails bend…at least the nails stay in place.”
Confusion Reigns
By Mary Lou White 960-9460 marylou@baxterbrooks. com
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