8 Story Commercial Building

KtotheJ

I'm looking at plans that are calling for fiber cement siding over 1" rigid foam with steel studs. Talk to me about the nightmare of this 8 stories tall...

In wood studs, I can see the foam being okay with longer nails; But with steel studs, aren't these nails going to simply pivot in the stud and allow the siding to fall?

Who's crazier, them or me?

Kevin
Michigan

Bob Kovacs

Sounds like bad news IMO. At a minimum, you need a layer of wood sheathing to nail into, or you need to see if the siding can be screwed in (though I'm pretty sure you'll void the warranty by doing so). The 8-story part is the least of your problems.........

Bob

Mud Master

If the studs your attaching to are the exterior studs they are without a doubt structrual.The only way you would be able to nail into structrual steel studs(i'm assuming 16g or 18G) would be to pre-drill a size below your nail EVERY hole, and even then your taking a chance. If it won't void any warranty screwing it with a 2 1/4'' or 3'' cutter is the way to go, but avoid using cordless if you can. Drilling into structrual steel studs is a pain, it's nothing like light gauge. You need to talk to the GC to find out if you or his guys can install plywood or OSB behind the foam.

They do however make a nail that will penetrate and go through steel. However, I do not know if they will penetrate structrual steel, it's just to thick and strong.

I do alot of exterior structrual steel studs and sheething, but i've never done it with siding being attached. Usually we just staple tyvek over the sheething and screw on brickties, unless its getting EIFS, than the EIFS crew will apply the insulation board themselves.

Good Luck!!!