I didn't realize until now that I messed up when I framed my garage door opening. I have breaks in my top plate and double top plate over openings. I'm a noob when it comes to framing but now the entire second floor is framed in and there's absolutely no way to remove and replace. I'm looking for a solution so I can pass a pre drywall inspection. I bought some metal Simpson strong tie straps if I put them on and nail them off with 2 1/2" 113s will that be enough? Thanks for y'all's help
Breaks in top plates framing question
- Thread starter anomm701
- Start date
Half-fast eddie
Well-known member
Why do you think it’s a problem?
acer66
Well-known member
If they are above a header like in the picture you are good.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yep, that's fine if over a properly sized header.
looks like you have 2 joints close together ( like within 16") that may be an issue 
ddurrett896
Well-known member
its fine. code in my area wants a strap over both plate, covering that seem.
Zeke
Well-known member
It was a problem until the truss joists were installed. Now, not at all. Just not good practice.
I would have spread the joints apart, but really, where is it going to go? You lose some stiffness in the wall, but once the roof or floor joists are in place that issue is gone as the floor or roof system ties it all to gether. If the joint was more in the middle of the opening, more towards the center it would have been better, but it isn't going any where.
acer66
Well-known member
Good point, just did a little digging but besides one site saying they need 24” I did not find a lot.looks like you have 2 joints close together ( like within 16") that may be an issue
But when in doubt with straps you should be okay and fhb even showed an unsupported single top plate between rafters joined with a specific bracket.
Another interesting into was that you should not stagger top and bottom plate at the same point.
Makes sense thinking about it but I am not sure I ever paid attention to that.
Yeah I wasn't even looking at that when I was framing tbh. This is the first thing I ever built. Just trying to do it right so when I get it inspected it passeslooks like you have 2 joints close together ( like within 16") that may be an issue
Thank you for all your help! I appreciate and value your experience this is that place down in Wahpeton you helped at getting close to getting it dried in finally
Kudos on doing it yourself!
what's the saying, something like... anyone that never makes a mistake or 2 never do anything
what's the saying, something like... anyone that never makes a mistake or 2 never do anything
I didn't realize it was you. I sent you a text.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
You've never framed anything and that's what you started with?Here's where it is now
Good job
Most people start with a shed or a wall.
Didn't you have issues when first starting your build ?
Also for future reference, I will throw this tidbit of information out there.
When nailing the double top plate down, only nail where there's a stud below, basically same areas as the top plate. It might not make a difference to you but the next guys, electricians, plumbers and HVAC guys will appreciate the wall cavity having no nails where they are trying to drill.
JohnKal
Well-known member
Never thought about that, makes perfect sense!