The Simpson Strong-Tie HGU High Capacity Heavy Girder Face-Mount Hanger is a custom-made, high-capacity structural connector engineered for demanding girder connections involving glulam beams and structural composite lumber. Built from 7 gauge steel with a galvanized finish, this face-mount hanger is designed to work with 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, eliminating the need for predrilling and simplifying installation in heavy framing applications. With fire-rated credentials per Intertek Design No. SST/WPCF 120-01 and flexible configuration options including skew angles up to 45 deg. and a concealed-flange option, the HGU is built to meet the precise demands of complex structural assemblies.

Key Features

• No predrilling required with Strong-Drive SDS screws - speeds up installation significantly and reduces labor on heavy structural connections
• Retrofit-compatible design - allows the hanger to be attached after framing members are temporarily placed in position, giving installers greater flexibility on the job site
• Available skewed up to 45 deg. - accommodates angled framing layouts without requiring custom fabrication on site
• Optional concealed flange configuration - supports cleaner aesthetic finishes where one flange needs to remain hidden from view
• Compatible with alternate SDS screw lengths for multi-ply LVL headers - 1/4" x 3-1/2" or 1/4" x 5" SDS screws can be substituted to transfer hanger load across two-ply or three-ply LVL headers, expanding the range of approved applications
• Fire-rated per Intertek Design No. SST/WPCF 120-01 - meets F (flame) and T (temperature) rating requirements for projects where fire-resistant connectors are specified
• Custom made to size in 7 gauge galvanized steel - ensures a precise fit for glulam and structural composite lumber members where standard off-the-shelf hangers fall short

Why This Product

• Engineered for heavy-load glulam and SCL connections - the HGU is purpose-built for high-capacity face-mount applications involving glulam beams and structural composite lumber, making it well-suited for large-scale timber framing systems where connection strength is critical
• Retrofit-ready without compromising structural integrity - because the hanger can be installed after members are temporarily set in place, it supports more efficient sequencing on complex framing projects without requiring members to be removed and reset
• Fire rating adds project eligibility - the F and T rating per Intertek Design No. SST/WPCF 120-01 means this hanger can be specified on projects requiring fire-resistant structural connectors, reducing the need to source a separate rated product
• Custom configuration keeps structural design on track - with skew options up to 45 deg., a concealed-flange option, and compatibility across glulam and multi-ply LVL headers, this hanger adapts to the specific geometry and load requirements of the project rather than forcing design compromises

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Simpson Strong-Tie
• MPN: HGU CUSTOM MADE
• Material: 7 gauge steel
• Finish: Galvanized
• Hanger Type: Face-Mount Heavy Girder Hanger
• Compatible Lumber Types: Glulam or structural composite lumber
• Fire Rating: F (flame) and T (temperature) rated - Intertek Design No. SST/WPCF 120-01
• Skew Options: Available skewed up to 45 deg.
• Flange Option: Available with one flange concealed

Approved Applications

• Heavy girder face-mount connections in glulam beam framing systems
• Structural composite lumber (SCL) beam connections
• Retrofit installations where framing members are temporarily placed in position before hanger attachment
• Multi-ply LVL header connections when using alternate SDS screw lengths to transfer hanger load to all plies
• Applications requiring fire-resistant rated connectors per Intertek Design No. SST/WPCF 120-01

Frequently Asked Questions

What fasteners are required to install the HGU hanger?

Install with 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws, which are provided with the GU series. Note: lag screws will not achieve the same loads.

Can alternate SDS screw lengths be used with the HGU for multi-ply LVL headers?

Yes. The 1/4" x 2-1/2" Strong-Drive SDS face screws supplied with these hangers may be replaced with 1/4" x 3-1/2" SDS or 1/4" x 5" SDS screws for two-ply or three-ply LVL headers to transfer the hanger load to all plies. This alternate fastener option does not eliminate the need for uniform fastener requirements along the length of the multi-ply header.

Is the HGU hanger fire-resistance rated?

Yes. HGU-series hangers are fire-resistant F (flame) and T (temperature) rated per Intertek Design No. SST/WPCF 120-01.

Can the HGU be installed at an angle or with a concealed flange?

Yes. The HGU is available skewed up to 45 deg. or with one flange concealed, offering flexibility for a variety of framing configurations.

Note: Lag screws will not achieve the same loads as specified Strong-Drive SDS Heavy-Duty Connector screws. Product dimensions and/or screw or bolt holes may differ from picture.