Opinions on these kneewalls?

[Michael Thomas]

Just wondering if anyone else here finds this knee wall as hinkey as I do, for starter's I don't see what restrains its inward movement - usually in this kind of retrofit I see struts or purlins.

This is above the third floor of a large Victorian home, the original ceiling structure was removed and replaced and some interior load bearing walls removed - the kneewalls bother me more than they would otherwise primarily because I suspect they may have been ad hoc rather than designed (no drawings available), which leaves me wondering about the rest of the design. However, there is no evidence of structural distress on the ceiling below.

But for starters, any opinions on these kneewalls?

Thanks.

[Nick Ostrowski]

I can't see them providing any real support. The pitch of those rafters is too steep and the kneewalls are located too low on the run of the rafter to actually do anything. If there was any actual pressure on the top of those kneewalls from the rafters, it looks like the rafters would just push them over and rotate them.

[John Kogel]

Appears to be a recent add-on that has minimal structural value, so it may have been part of a plan to close that cavity off.

If that was my place, I would consider a 2X8 nailed across the rafters and resting on that wall. The question is if support is even needed there or not. We'd need to see more of the ridge to make that call. Collar ties or support under the ridge board.

[wayne soper]

I agree. Not much support. Maybe they thought they were going to finish the attic, and then the A/C guy showed up. OOPS

[Joe Conry]

In Texas we support knee walls every 4ft with kick braces.