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Braces

3-9. Braces

Bracing is used to stiffen framed construction and make it rigid. Bracing may be used to resist winds, storms, twists, or strains. Good bracing keeps corners square and plumb. Bracing prevents warping, sagging, and shifting that could otherwise distort the frame and cause cracked plaster and badly fitting doors and windows. In small roofs that cover narrow buildings and in which the rafters are short, there is no need for interior support or bracing. In long spans, the roof would sag in the middle if it were not strengthened in some way. To support long rafter, braces or other types of supports must be installed. The three methods commonly used to brace frame structures are let-in, cut-in, and diagonal-sheathing bracings.

a. Let-In Bracing. Let-in bracing is set into the edges of studs, flush with the surface. The studs are always cut to let in the braces; the braces are never cut. Use 1 by 4s or 1 by 6s set diagonally from top plates to sole plates, or between top or sole plates and framing studs.

b. Cut-In Bracing. Cut-in bracing is toenailed between studs. It usually consists of 2 x 4s cut at an angle to permit toenailing. They are inserted in diagonal progression between studs running up and down from corner posts to the sill or plates.

c. Diagonal-Sheathing Bracing. The strongest type of bracing is diagonal sheathing. Each board braces the wall. If plywood sheathing 5/8 inch thick or more is used, other methods of bracing may be omitted.

Curriculum design: David L. Heiserman
Publisher: SweetHaven Publishing Services