The Simpson ZMAX Galvanized Nail-On Foundation Wall Angle by Simpson is engineered to connect foundation and basement walls to the floor system, resisting out-of-plane forces imposed by soil pressure. The FWANZ fastens to the mudsill with nails, relying on other anchorage (by Designer) to anchor the sill plate to the foundation. Because anchor spacing is independent of joist spacing, builders and designers gain a wide range of placement options based on actual soil pressures - eliminating the need for costly cantilevered foundation designs.

Key Features

• Compatible with solid sawn joists, I-joists, and floor trusses - works across the most common floor system types, reducing the need for specialized connectors on mixed-framing projects.
• Testing performed on most common rim materials and types - gives designers and inspectors confidence that real-world performance has been verified across typical construction assemblies.
• Addresses design needs set forth in Section 1610.1 in the IBC and Section R404.1 in the IRC - simplifies code compliance for below-grade wall-to-floor connections, reducing documentation burden on the project team.
• Eliminates the need of costly cantilevered foundation designs - delivers a more economical structural solution without sacrificing load-transfer performance.
• Made from 14-gauge steel - provides the structural rigidity needed to reliably transfer soil-pressure loads from the foundation wall to the floor system.
• ZMAX galvanization offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications - makes this anchor well-suited for demanding environments where standard galvanization may be insufficient, helping protect long-term structural integrity.

Why This Product

• Flexible placement that adapts to your design - because FWANZ anchor spacing is independent of joist spacing, designers can position connectors precisely where soil pressure loads demand them, rather than being constrained by framing layout.
• Built for code-compliant below-grade connections - directly addresses the requirements of Section 1610.1 in the IBC and Section R404.1 in the IRC, making it a straightforward choice for foundation wall anchoring on permitted residential and commercial projects.
• ZMAX coating for long-term durability in corrosive environments - the heavy-duty galvanized finish is specifically suited for contact with treated wood and exterior conditions, helping the connector hold up where moisture and chemical exposure are ongoing concerns.
• Broad framing compatibility backed by testing - verified performance with solid sawn joists, I-joists, and floor trusses across the most common rim materials means this anchor fits naturally into a wide range of new construction and replacement scenarios without requiring custom engineering.

Specifications

• MPN: FWANZ
• Gauge: 14
• Coating: ZMAX
• Finish: ZMAX
• Install With: Fasten with 0.148 in. dia. x 1-1/2 in. long nails
• Country of Origin: United States

Approved Applications

• Connecting foundation or basement walls to floor systems to resist out-of-plane forces from soil pressure
• Use with solid sawn joists, I-joists, and floor trusses
• Exterior and treated-wood applications requiring enhanced corrosion resistance
• Projects requiring compliance with Section 1610.1 in the IBC and Section R404.1 in the IRC

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of the FWANZ Foundation Wall Angle?

FWA foundation anchors connect the foundation or basement walls to the floor system to resist out-of-plane forces imposed by soil pressure. The FWANZ fastens to the mudsill with nails, relying on other anchorage (by Designer) to anchor the sill plate to the foundation.

What floor system types is the FWANZ compatible with?

The FWANZ is compatible with solid sawn joists, I-joists and floor trusses, and testing has been performed on most common rim materials and types.

Why does the FWANZ feature ZMAX galvanization?

ZMAX galvanization offers extra corrosion resistance for exterior and treated-wood applications, making the FWANZ well-suited for demanding environments where standard galvanization may be insufficient.

Does the spacing of the FWANZ anchor need to align with joist spacing?

No. Spacing of the FWA anchors is independent of the joist spacing, allowing for a multitude of options based on soil pressures. This flexibility simplifies layout and design for a wide range of project conditions.