ad3327
Registered User
I'm back with more pictures. I did find a copy of the IRC and have been reading through, so I guess I'm looking for a sanity check on what to stand firm on and what's reasonable in a repair.
1) Should I expect all of the new studs to be touching the top plate? Is any gap acceptable and if so how much? Right now, the window header and about 50% of the studs are gapped so aren't holding weight. Presumably the 2x10s for the floor above are keeping it from sagging.
2) Do the top plates need to overlap in the corner? Is nailing the two walls together via full height studs sufficient instead? Right now, the walls don't actually connect at the corner, except by each wall being attached to the foundation and to the second floor.
3) Does adding OSB on the interior side (and then drywall over the OSB) seem reasonable to make up for the wall bracing? (Per 2018 IRC I am in <115 wind and seismic A.)
4) Should I demand the top plates overlap 2+ feet instead of the butt joint with the metal cover?
I brought all my concerns up to the contractor, who remains confident in the work as is and offered to bring over an engineer to help me trust it.
1) Should I expect all of the new studs to be touching the top plate? Is any gap acceptable and if so how much? Right now, the window header and about 50% of the studs are gapped so aren't holding weight. Presumably the 2x10s for the floor above are keeping it from sagging.
2) Do the top plates need to overlap in the corner? Is nailing the two walls together via full height studs sufficient instead? Right now, the walls don't actually connect at the corner, except by each wall being attached to the foundation and to the second floor.
3) Does adding OSB on the interior side (and then drywall over the OSB) seem reasonable to make up for the wall bracing? (Per 2018 IRC I am in <115 wind and seismic A.)
4) Should I demand the top plates overlap 2+ feet instead of the butt joint with the metal cover?
I brought all my concerns up to the contractor, who remains confident in the work as is and offered to bring over an engineer to help me trust it.
