Corrosion class nail

[offlarjon]

I am planning for the upcoming spring deck construction and am considering which corrosion class for nails should be chosen, given that we live near the coast. I have purchased C5 classified deck screws but have noted that, for example, 4” wire nails are often only hot-dip galvanized (C3). Is that sufficient in a marine environment or is more needed?

 

[Plupp 405730]

In the process of planning for the upcoming spring deck construction & pondering a bit on which corrosion class for nails should be chosen, considering that we live near the coast. Have purchased C5 rated deck screws but have noticed that, for example, 4” wire nails are mostly just hot-dip galvanized (C3). Is that sufficient in a coastal environment, or is more needed?

It becomes difficult with nails in a higher class; if you take stainless steel nails, they become so soft that you won't be able to drive in many nails if the wood is a bit stubborn..
But with external screws, you can maintain a higher class..

 

[offlarjon]

It becomes difficult with nails in a higher class, if you use stainless nails they become so soft that you won't be able to get many nails in if the wood is a bit stubborn.
But with exterior screws, you can maintain a higher class.

Okay, then I wonder how hot-dip galvanized nails hold up in such environments? I don't feel that they necessarily need to be intact for, say, 50 years in the future, but I also don't want to risk them rusting completely after just a few years.

 

[Plupp 405730]

Okay, then I'm wondering how galvanized nails hold up in such environments? I don't feel they necessarily need to be intact for, say, 50 years into the future, but I also don't want to risk them rusting away completely after just a few years.

Galvanized nails shouldn't rust through in ten years for that matter...
The wood is unlikely to last 50 years in an exposed position.

 

[Vante]

What are you going to screw?

 

[offlarjon]

What are you going to screw?

Going to assemble the deck joists. But I prefer to use nails there instead of screws 🙂