I am under the impression that non-bearing partitions do not require a douple top plate (which makes sense as it relates to load transfs), but then I have a related questions:
– how are adjoining/ butting partition plates tied together? (I’ve heard of mMtal plates used in both b. and non-b walls in lieu of lapping. Or is corner nailing sufficient since they are just partitions to hang rock on?)
Clarification and any other thoughts, including code _and_ practice are appreciated. I haven’t found this particular detail in either Visual Handbook of Building or Visual guide to Framing (or JLCs field manuals).
Thanks,
David
Replies
I dont know where Penngrove is but here in Ma. single plates for non-bearing partitions is fine.
Just toe nail + stitch the end studs together. The only reason we sometimes use 2 top plates is the stud heights will be different.
Steve.
NAIL IT !!!
peedee,
Single plate is fine structurally .
Use metal plates to tie them together in length , nails at the corners.
I actually prefer double plates because I end up with a larger area to nail/screw the sheetrock to at the top of the wall.
"Poor is not the person who has too little, but the person who craves more."...Seneca
Yeah, I know what you mean, 7/8" (after the tops on) is not a whole lot to catch the edge of rock, enough but not a whole lot. Plate and stitching sounds good. I realized, too, that you can blind butt (no need for channel framing) when only rocking one side (as is the case, currently, where we're building faux-pillars). I've even heard of but haven't seen in use yet, drywall corner clips that obviate the need for any corner blocking/ backing...
If you are using pre-cut studs for your loadbearing walls aren't you going to have to individually cut all your studs for the single plated walls?
I don't know what the local practice is where you are, but here we run 16" strips of poly between the two plates, rather than on top. This makes for less damage to the vapour barrier when laying trusses or drilling for wiring, and makes walking on the walls safer during construction.
Standard stud lengths are not an issue as this is a partition in a vaulted (scissor trussed) ceiling, so we're talking 12'+ partion walls, but worthwhile observation just the same.