sill plate - InspectionNews

wayne soper · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 03:44 PM

I always theough that a doubled 2x6 was required for a sill plate but I can't find the code in my book. Anyone have this? I did a home today with a single and it was all over the place so now I'm trying to find the Santa clause so to speak.

Ron Bibler · #2 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 04:16 PM

Is this for a 2 story ? Why 2X6 ?

In Calif 1 2x4 PT plate is code.

Best

Ron

wayne soper · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 04:18 PM

Yes 2 story. 2x6 2x4 no matter. My concern is whether we need them stacked, doubled. One on top of the other. This house had one plate set on the top of the block.

Gunnar Alquist · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayne soper

I always theough that a doubled 2x6 was required for a sill plate but I can't find the code in my book. Anyone have this? I did a home today with a single and it was all over the place so now I'm trying to find the Santa clause so to speak.

I rarely see doubled mudsills. A single mudsill is standard, at least in my area.

wayne soper · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 04:48 PM

Thanks Gun!

Jerry Peck · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 08:04 PM

The only reason to double them is to spread the load to supports not aligned with the load above, such as with single and double top plates. Single top plates require the joists/trusses to be closely aligned with the studs below, a doubled top plate eliminates that alignment need - the joists/trusses can now land wherever they fall.

When place on concrete, there is no need to double it.

Brandon Whitmore · #7 (**permalink**) 06-11-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

The only reason to double them is to spread the load to supports not aligned with the load above, such as with single and double top plates. Single top plates require the joists/trusses to be closely aligned with the studs below, a doubled top plate eliminates that alignment need - the joists/trusses can now land wherever they fall.

Or, to raise the floor system a little, etc.

Jerry Peck · #8 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brandon Whitmore

Or, to raise the floor system a little, etc.

Depends, might not raise the floor system, might make the walls taller.

Depending on where it was.

Ron Bibler · #9 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 07:53 AM

Sometimes 2 plates are used with the application of a soft concrete floating floor. like Jib-Crete.

Best

Ron

Jerry Peck · #10 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 08:05 AM

Ron,

That's Gyp-Crete.

The "Gyp" part stands for "gypsum".

Ron Bibler · #11 (**permalink**) 06-12-2008, 08:13 AM

Never ues the stuff. L.O.L.

Jerry its just got to drive you nuts with some of us num-skulls around hear.

Thanks for the correction.

Best

Ron

Steve Lowery · #12 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 11:21 AM

... the Marx Bros. "Everybody knows there's no such thing as a sanity clause".

Brandon Whitmore · #13 (**permalink**) 06-13-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Depends, might not raise the floor system, might make the walls taller.

Depending on where it was.

Dang it Jerry, that's why I threw in the "etc.", because I knew that was coming.

I should have said "to raise the framing"

Tim Spargo · #14 (**permalink**) 07-13-2008, 09:47 PM

Just to throw in there. Standard would be a single 2x (or 3x) plate with 2 top plates with. PT over concrete and such.

Only thing I can think of with doubling plates.

Haven't built anything with doubled sill on bottom but have built with 3x bottom plate and a few 3x studs at breaks for shear.

On second floor apps, even with doubled plate over certain types of joist spans (?? as mentioned) would leave me with having to attach plates with SDS screws or some hardware, that wouldn't be any fun.

So, in short doubled joists are common as are double top plates.

Tim

Jerry McCarthy · #15 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 08:22 AM

When confronted with doubled sill palates installed on the top of foundation stem walls I’m concerned should I see anchor bolting in that the builder used proper length steel anchor bolts to get the required 7 inch depth into concrete. If I don’t see visual evidence of bolting then I’m concerned they may not exist? Either way triggers the appropriate comment in my report. I never framed with single top plates and never actually saw anyone else do it in the 35 years I spent as a builder. The codes do allow it, but only under certain conditions. (imposed loads)

wayne soper · #16 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 10:31 AM

That was the first time i'd seen it too. And went in as a 3 stooges type application if I remember correctly.
YouTube - Jerks of All Trades - 3 stooges Pilot never aired part 1