I need to replace rotten sections of both top plates due to a roof leak. In order to not disturb too many rafters I will need to cut both plates off over the same stud and therefore will have both top plates breaking ( ending ) over each other. How safe is this?
I have heard of using metal straps to tie the plates together. Is this a valid technique?
Thank you very much
Replies
If it were me, I'd grimace and realize that I would have to 'disturb too many rafters"................
dontcha hate it? If you don't own a sawzall you just got an excuse to buy one!
Cut through the nails between the 2 plates & the rafters, then cut out the rotted pieces. In any case, the minimum offset for joints between the double top plate pieces must be no less than 48" when you finish rebuilding it. (UBC 2326.11.2) May have to prop up the ceiling joists/rafters with a support of some kind while you're working. (I would.)
I sympathize--am looking at an entry ceiling here with a convex drywall-effect: amazing how much water it's held without collapsing...........can't wait to see the extent of the damage!
Lil'Acorn (some kind of a nut.)
Look also at the remaining pieces of the old plates. Not only does code require a minimum 48" overlap, it also requires a minimum length of 48" for any piece of plate unless the wall itself isn't that long.
I have this same kind of problem under a concrete tile roof. This summer, I'm going to tear that part off and get rid of the tile, lose the old sheathing and any damaged rafters, then do the plate job and re-build everything back up.
-- J.S.
In order not to disturb too many rafters ?
I don't understand. The rafters over the rotted wood must all be shored, most likely on the interior. Then the plates must be cut out and replaced and you really should not cut top and bottom plates in the same place. I would be more worried about disturbing an exterior finish product than some rafters.
carpenter in transition