When building partition walls whicher are longer than a 2×4's length, how should butt joints in the top plate be handled?
I can think of 2 methods off hand:
Assuming these are acceptable methods then I have some extra questions:
- Option A: Does the break need the occur not only on a stud, but with
either a rafter, floor joist, or blocking above the joint as well? - Option B: Should 16" on center be maintained for the whole length of
the wall, meaning only out of those two studs is actually 16OC?
Best Answer
Option A is acceptable for exterior walls and bearing walls, assuming a second top plate is installed correctly....lapped a minimum of 24” (See ICC R602.3.2.) and nailed properly. BTW, the top plate splice need not occur at a stud. (Nailing is complicated...it depends a lot on what seismic zone you’re in.)
Option B is allowed, but splicing (nailing) of studs together is important...and yes, it’s critical to keep your 16” or 24” wall stud spacing consistent, because the wall sheathing and interior gypsum board is laid out to those dimensions.
Oh, with regard to distance of rafters and trusses to studs, yes, they need to occur within 5” of a stud.