We are having a home built and we have 9 to 10 foot ceilings throughout. During framing there were metal strips nailed instead of using the old 2x4 braces. These were done on some of the inside walls but not all of them. It seems that any wall that runs from left to right looking in from the door has these. But no wall running from the front to the back have them. My nephew who works for someone that does additions and remodels said that any wall over 8 foot that is not an outer wall should have these. Is this true. Is it code? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks...

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Originally Posted by Hoot01

We are having a home built and we have 9 to 10 foot ceilings throughout. During framing there were metal strips nailed instead of using the old 2x4 braces. These were done on some of the inside walls but not all of them. It seems that any wall that runs from left to right looking in from the door has these. But no wall running from the front to the back have them. My nephew who works for someone that does additions and remodels said that any wall over 8 foot that is not an outer wall should have these. Is this true. Is it code? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks ...

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code may dictate this but I'm not familiar with any codes that do so where I live I have framed most of my life and the windbraces of metal are OK. I myself like the old 1x4 wood braces. Just looks meatier. As far as interior walls go usually if the wall has room for a brace to be effective it is wise to install them. If you can't install a continuous brace at a 45 degree angle from top plate to bottom plate it does very little good. If the exterior walls have plywood all around the walls wind bracing provides little advantages. The interior however is covered with sheetrock so if it can be installed it won't hurt. Most of the bracing that keeps these interior walls from racking and wobbling is done in the joisting of the rooms. There are a lot of blocking and nailing that ties all of these interior walls together. If you can, get the framer to install continuous braces at an angle of 45 degrees from top to bottom plate. Just remember the electrician and the plumber are going to come in and cut them up to install their materials...

Thanks for the info jsnbrd...

I talked to our building inspector. He basically said the same as you. He has had this question asked before and he couldn't find it anywhere. But he did say that it is always a good idea to brace walls over 8' for additional support.

Thanks again