Load bearing wood frame walls are subject to buckling and racking. They must be braced to prevent this. Most interior finishes including drywall and most exterior sheathings including waferboard provide this bracing. However, walls may have neither exterior sheathing nor interior finishes. For example, when a house is framed with wood frame bearing walls in the basement or crawlspace these bearing wall are often unfinished. The studs require girts, which are horizontal blocks installed near the midpoint of the wall. The girts are typically made of the same material as the studs.
Walls that are bowing or buckling may lead to collapse and should be further investigated. Corrective action is often necessary.
Look for bearing walls that are bowing inward or outward. Occasionally, the bowing may be localized and may be the result of warped and/or poor quality lumber. This also shows up on partitions. Where the movement is a result of warped studs, there is usually very little pattern to the movement and its usually localized. Warping can be in opposite directions in adjacent studs, which creates a dramatic visual effect. You may not know whether it’s a buckling problem or just warped studs, but before calling for a structural investigation, you should know whether it’s a load bearing wall.
Best of Luck on your rehabs
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If you would like the chance to work with me or one of my fellow real estate investor coaches and our advanced training programs, give us a call anytime to see if Dean's Real Estate Success Academy and our customized curriculum is a fit for you. Call us at 1-877-219-1474 ext. 125
Load bearing wood frame walls are subject to buckling and racking. They must be braced to prevent this. Most interior finishes including drywall and most exterior sheathings including waferboard provide this bracing. However, walls may have neither exterior sheathing nor interior finishes. For example, when a house is framed with wood frame bearing walls in the basement or crawlspace these bearing wall are often unfinished. The studs require girts, which are horizontal blocks installed near the midpoint of the wall. The girts are typically made of the same material as the studs.
Walls that are bowing or buckling may lead to collapse and should be further investigated. Corrective action is often necessary.
Look for bearing walls that are bowing inward or outward. Occasionally, the bowing may be localized and may be the result of warped and/or poor quality lumber. This also shows up on partitions. Where the movement is a result of warped studs, there is usually very little pattern to the movement and its usually localized. Warping can be in opposite directions in adjacent studs, which creates a dramatic visual effect. You may not know whether it’s a buckling problem or just warped studs, but before calling for a structural investigation, you should know whether it’s a load bearing wall.
Best of Luck on your rehabs
If you would like the chance to work with me or one of my fellow real estate investor coaches and our advanced training programs, give us a call anytime to see if Dean's Real Estate Success Academy and our customized curriculum is a fit for you. Call us at 1-877-219-1474 ext. 125