Wall plate
A wall plate is a load-bearing structural member used horizontally and part of a timber framework.
In the UK, the term typically refers to a length of timber bedded on mortar on top of the internal leaf of an external cavity wall. This provides a fixing point for the feet of rafters, and distributes the load exerted by the roof structure down through the walls without creating pressure points where each rafter meets the wall, and also acts to prevent wind uplift.
Generally, wall plates are in lengths of not less than 3 m. As the mortar does not bond the wall plate to the wall, steel straps are used to ensure that the roof structure remains secure. These are typically 1.2 m long with a cranked end and are fixed to the wall plate at 2 m centres. If the strap is not turned into a bed joint, it should be fixed to the wall with at least four screw fixings.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Domestic roofs.
- Cavity wall.
- Firring.
- Flashing.
- Flat roof.
- Roofing defects.
- Roof insulation.
- Sheathing.
- Timber.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.
The story of this knowledge quarter building.
In ecology, in hydrology, in biology and in architecture.
Creating environments that promote physical, mental, and social well-being.
UK cases of neutral current diversion
Research project looks for example contributions.
Overstocking and macro-economics cause a decline.
The 2024 update of the Common Assessment Standard
Demonstrating organisational capability’ to fulfil roles under the Building Safety Act.
56 recommendations for a better built environment
Published by the CIC ahead of the King’s Speech.
SkillELECTRIC Top 8 Competitors Named
in annual search for the UK’s best student electrician.
CIOB Diversity and Inclusion technical information sheet
Step-by-step guide on implementing D and I practices.
Conservation and the Indian City. Book review.
Reversibility in conservation ethics
Learning from painting conservation.
Where It's AT Podcast launched!
New CIAT Architectural Technology Podcast goes live.