Joist Hangers in Ontario: Code-Compliant Selection and Installation

Joist hangers are engineered steel connectors that support joists by transferring vertical and lateral loads into beams, ledgers, or walls. In Ontario construction, they are essential for maintaining a continuous load path, preventing rotation or sagging, and meeting OBC and CSA standards for safe wood-frame structures.

Joist hangers are designed to anchor beams and joists both in wood-to-wood and wood-to-masonry applications when equipped with appropriate fasteners and corrosion-resistant finishes.

What Joist Hangers Do in Ontario Construction

Key functions include:

• Creating a stable connection between joists and supporting members.

• Providing vertical and lateral load transfer required under OBC Part 9 and CSA O86.

• Ensuring uniform spacing and alignment for floor and deck systems.

• Reducing settlement and long-term deflection.

Municipal inspectors often flag issues such as missing fasteners, corrosion-prone materials, or incorrect hanger types, especially in high-moisture areas like decks, garages, or basements.

Each hanger’s performance is verified through ASTM D7147 testing, which evaluates shear, bearing, and uplift capacities.

Ontario Building Code Requirements for Joist Hangers

Joist hangers must comply with OBC 2024, Part 9 (Article 9.23) and CSA O86:

• Adequate bearing for the supported joist.

• Corrosion-resistant materials suitable for environmental exposure.

• Full use of pre-punched nail holes.

• Fasteners must match manufacturer specifications (never drywall or common nails).

• Proper fit between joist seat and hanger.

• Alignment must maintain load-path continuity.

Suitable Hanger Materials

Ontario’s climate and treated-wood chemistry require using the correct coating for different occasions:

• G90 Galvanized: Interior dry conditions only.

  
  

• G185 Galvanized: Minimum acceptable for semi-exposed areas or pressure-treated lumber.

  
  

• Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG): Preferred for decks, exterior structures, and areas exposed to salt/snow.

  
  

• Stainless Steel: For high-moisture environments, treated wood, below-grade framing, and long-term corrosion resistance.

Types of Joist Hangers and Their Structural Use

ⓒ by Sarang

Hanger Type	Typical Use Case	Notes
Face-Mounted	Floor joists, beams, ledgers	Most common in residential framing
Top-Flange	When side access is restricted	Lower capacity in some models
Skewed / Sloped	Roof joists, angled decks	May require load reduction (25–40%)
Adjustable	Renovation framing, irregular geometry	Allows small alignment flexibility
Double / Heavy-Duty	Flush beams, stair openings, deck corners	Often used with special fastening patterns

Installing Joist Hangers Correctly in Ontario

Common installation deficiencies in Ontario include partial nail placement, interior-rated hangers used outdoors, or mismatched hanger/fastener materials. To ensure code compliance:

• Use manufacturer-approved nails or structural screws.

• Fully fill pre-punched holes in hanger flanges.

• Confirm joist-to-seat fit with minimal gaps.

• Avoid interior-rated hangers in treated or moisture-exposed conditions.

A professional engineer can verify complex or non-prescriptive hanger designs per OBC Part 4 and CSA O86 load calculations.

Pro Tip: Match fastener and hanger materials to prevent galvanic corrosion. Mixing stainless and galvanized components can reduce connection capacity over time.

Conclusion

Joist hangers are critical engineered connectors that ensure safe, durable, and code-compliant wood-frame construction in Ontario. Correct selection, corrosion protection, and installation prevent structural failures and inspection issues.

At Parsways Inc., we provide reliable, code-compliant joist hanger engineering guidance and support for residential, commercial, and industrial projects across Ontario.

Co-authored by Yousef Davari and Negin Amani.

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FAQs

1. How does ASTM D7147 testing affect design capacity?

ASTM D7147 establishes the specified shear, bearing, and uplift capacities of a connector. Engineers use these published capacities within the CSA O86 design framework to verify that the connection can resist factored loads.

2. Can I use G90 hangers on a deck?

No. G90 galvanization is for dry, interior applications and should never contact preservative-treated wood. Minimum G185 is required for treated lumber, with HDG or Stainless Steel recommended for long-term durability (CSA O86 Cl. 12.14.3.3).

3. What fasteners are required for code-compliant joist hanger installation in Ontario?

Use OBC-approved 10d nails or structural screws per manufacturer recommendations.