Important to keep bottom plate whole - Build 186 (2021)
- Abbreviation
- Important to keep bottom plate whole - Build 186 (2021)
- Valid from
- 1/10/2021
- Information provider
- BRANZ Limited,
- Information type
- BUILD article,
- Format
- Website, PDF,
Description
Recent calls to the BRANZ helpline asked about the implications of removing a section of bottom plate from wall framing. Good planning is needed to avoid this as it compromises the wall’s loadbearing integrity and means it will no longer act as a bracing wall.
A BRANZ HELPLINE caller described having seen a situation where a section of bottom plate was removed to accommodate service pipes through the wall framing. They had concerns about the effect on the structural and bracing integrity of the wall and how it affected the wall’s thermal and airtightness capability.
Scope
This article includes:
- Poor planning often a cause
- Bottom plate has important function
- NZS 3604 requirements for bottom plates
- Holes or notches in bottom plates
- Cutting into other parts of wall framing
- Good planning required
- On-site management