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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Chicago, IL
    Posts
    2,797

    Default Opinions on these kneewalls?

    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.

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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Spring City/Surrounding Philadelphia area
    Posts
    3,509

    Default Re: Opinions on these kneewalls?

    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.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Southern Vancouver Island
    Posts
    4,607

    Default Re: Opinions on these kneewalls?

    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.

    Last edited by John Kogel; 07-01-2010 at 02:25 PM.
    John Kogel, RHI, BC HI Lic #47455
    www.allsafehome.ca

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    1,828

    Default Re: Opinions on these kneewalls?

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


  5. #5
    Joe Conry's Avatar
    Joe Conry Guest

    Default Re: Opinions on these kneewalls?

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


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