Improvements You Can
Make
Sheathing Grade - Using Structural
I sheathing for low shear installations is a waste of money. Use the Structural
II / CDX panel that meets your shear requirements. Its durability will be
comparable in all respects to the higher priced panel.
Hold-down Type - Regardless of particular manufacturer or style, the best hold-down is one that stays out of the way of your sheathing nailing. It should exert a simple axial force on the tiedown stud to avoid wrenching the important end studs out of position during use. My vote is for exclusive use of the HD type hold-downs.
Hold-down Positions | |
In this construction, the cripple studs have been
replaced with metal hangers at the header and framing clips at the window sill. This clears the way for the hold-down to be moved to the opposite side of the end post. The increase in distance between hold-downs increases the resisting moment oof the wall and may permit you to reduce the size of your hold-down. Also, the edge members of the wall are more clearly defined. |