When it comes to anchoring building components in wood-framed structures, there are two primary options to consider: conventional hold-down hardware and new tie-down offerings from either QuickTie or CLP. While both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, the trend in the framing world seems to be pushing more toward the new tie-down systems.
Conventional hold-down hardware typically involves using screws, bolts, straps, and lots of nails to secure the hardware to the framing components. This can be an effective method, but it can also be labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially when dealing with larger or more complex wood-framed structures. In addition, the use of traditional hardware can sometimes lead to damage or deformation of the material being held down, especially if excessive force or nails are applied or installation is sloppy. Also, traditional hardware has little flexibility on tolerances and does nothing to address wood shrinkage and building settlement.
Quick tie or CLP tie-down systems, on the other hand, provide a more streamlined and efficient approach. These systems use either steel cables or threaded rods to hold down the building’s structural components. These systems can be used with a wide range of framing materials, even CMU walls, and they are ideal for applications where speed and ease of installation are a top priority.
One of the primary advantages of the QuickTie or CLP systems is their versatility. Because they are not limited by specific hardware requirements, they can be engineered to replace nearly all of the traditional hardware for a project, which means fewer materials are needed on the job site. Another advantage of these systems is their speed and ease of use. Unlike conventional hardware, which may have many different components specified, requiring special tools or specialized knowledge to install, installation of QuickTie and CLP systems can be quick and easily repeatable, regardless of their experience level. This can be particularly helpful for projects with tight deadlines and budgets. Another advantage is that these systems pre-stress the framing components which reduces drywall cracks and nail pops in completed construction. Lastly, these systems have flexible plumb tolerances which are helpful in navigating around structural or MEP components that cannot be moved.
Ultimately, the choice between conventional hold-down hardware and QuickTie or CLP systems will depend on a variety of factors, however, after surveying our superintendents and framing foremen on our projects, the consensus appears to be that the new hold-down systems from QuickTie and CLP save significant time and money on wood framed residential, multifamily, and senior living projects.
Jeremy Bartolovitch
Vice President, Southeast Region
The Douglas Company
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