Recommended Reading Lists

Figure 1-69.—Backing for interior wall plates. each block are fastened to the joists with two 16d nails. Two 16d nails are also driven through each block into the top of the wall. Applying Backing Walls running in the same direction as the ceiling joists require backing. Figure 1-68 (insert) shows how backing is nailed to the top plates to provide a nailing surface for the edges of the finish ceiling material. Lumber used for backing usually has 2-inch nominal thickness, although l-inch boards are sometimes used. Figure 1-68 shows backing placed on top of walls. The 2 by 4 pieces nailed to the exterior wall projects from one side of the wall. The interior wall requires a 2 by 6 or 2 by 8 piece extending from both sides of the wall. Backing is fastened to the top plates with 16d nails spaced 16 inches OC. Backing is also used where joists run at right angles to the partition (fig. 1-69). Attic Scuttle The scuttle is an opening framed in the ceiling to provide an entrance into the attic area. The size of the opening is decided by specification requirements and should be indicated in the blueprints. It must be large enough for a person to climb through easily. The scuttle is framed in the same way as a floor opening. If the opening is no more than 3 feet square, it is not necessary to double the joists and headers. Scuttles must be placed away from the lower areas of a sloping roof. The opening may be covered by a piece of plywood resting on stops. The scuttle opening can be cut out after all the regular ceiling joists have been nailed in place. RECOMMENDED READING LIST NOTE Although the following references were current when this TRAMAN was published, their continued currency cannot be assured. You therefore need to ensure that you are studying the latest revisions. Carpentry, Leonard Keel, American Technical Publishers, Alsip, Ill., 1985. Design of Wood Frame Structures for Permanence, National Forest Products Association, Washington, D.C., 1988. Exterior and Interior Trim, John E. Ball, Delmar Publishers, Inc., Albany, N.Y, 1975. 1-40