Wall Framing

Figure 1-33.—Typical exterior wall. These markings indicate the allowance spacing of rafters and floor joists for the various thicknesses when the plywood is used as roof sheathing or subfloor. For example, an index mark of 32/16 indicates the plywood panel is suitable for a maximum spacing of 32 inches for rafters and 16 inches for floor joists. Thus, no problem of strength differences between species is involved, as the correct identification is shown for each panel. Plywood should be installed with the grain of the outer plies at right angles to the joists. Panels should be staggered so that end joints in adjacent panels break over different joists. The nailing schedule for most types of subfloor panels calls for 6d common nails for materials up to 7/8 inch thick and for 8d nails for heavier panels up to 1 1/8 inches thick. Deformed-shank nails are strongly recommended. They are usually spaced 6 inches OC along the edges of the panel and 10 inches OC over intermediate joists. For the best performance, do not lay up plywood with tight joints, whether interior or exterior. Allow for expansion if moisture should enter the joints. WALL FRAMING LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Upon completing this section, you should be able to identify wall framing members and explain layout and installation procedures for these members in building construction. Wall construction begins after the subfloor has been nailed in place, The wall system of a wood-framed buildlng consists of exterior (outside) and interior (inside) walls. The typical exterior wall has door and window openings, as shown in figure 1-33. Interior walls, usually referred to as “partitions,” divide the inside area into separate rooms. Some interior walls have door openings or archways. Partitions are either bearing or nonbearing. Bearing partitions support the ends of the floor joists or ceiling joists. Nonbearing partitions run in the same direction as the joists and therefore carry little weight from the floor or ceiling above. Traditionally, 2-by 4-inch structural lumber is used for the framed walls of one-story buildings, although the use of heavier structural lumber is specified at certain locations for particular projects. Multistory buildings, 1-17