I have what I would call a rake wall that goes from basement walkout wall sill to bottom of a vaulted gable truss. Naturally its full of stacking window units, and about 20ft tall 🙂
The plans only call for 2×4 walkout wall, and the balloon framed wall of which I speak is also 2×4. That’s the way I built it and it passed inspection no problems. Normally I’ve had to build any exterior bearing wall over 10ft tall out of 2×6.
I’m not happy with it though. A 20′ 2×4 balloon wall with only 2 or 3 continuous kingstuds even reaching the bottom of the rafter is mighty bouncy.
So I’m starting the same house tomorrow, and want to do it better this time.
What are any thoughts on Timberstrand 2×4 stud material instead? Do you think it would take some of the give out of the wall?
Heres a pic of the situation…
Chuck
Replies
timberstrand might help. Have you thought about using some plate steel?
Not an engineer, but did have one job that we used PSL type studs to reach almost 30'. Engineer spec'd because of the windload on the wall, we used 2x6.
Edited 2/8/2007 12:15 am ET by dovetail97128