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new construction home being built, homeowners son-in law built one of the walls (the top plate)15 1/2 " higher than the top plate of other 3 walls, 2 x 6 ceiling joist supported by a 2 x 2 nailed onto the 2 x6 wall studs (16oc); rafters are also 2 x 6 @ 16oc. what can i do to make this structuraly safe?
Already Tried: nothing; can't put joist hangers under ceiling joist because they would be only going into OSB wall sheathing. thought of placing a jack under each joist between the wall studs with a double top plate nailed into wall studs and jack.
Welcome, I will do my best to help you with your problem
Assuming the rafters fall onto the other walls you can handle this one of 2 ways. The best way is to cut the joists 1 1/2" shorter then nail a 2 x 6 leger to the studs and hang the joists off joist hangers attached to the leger.
If you don't mind losing an 1 1/2" from the room (you're losing it anyway with the 2 x 2 cleat); leave the cleat in place and fir out the studs by nailing a 2 x on the flat to the face of the studs (with a 2 x plate at the floor) to support the 2 x 2 cleat.
Experience: Licensed Construction Supervisor 35+ years experience
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Rick, RE: rafters they are 2 x 6 @ 24 oc and not 16 oc; I worry that they won"t support the heavy snow up here in Maine; would blocking between the rafters add enough support? If so how far should they be spaced?
What is the horizontal span of the rafters? the roof pitch? You're right 2 x 6's 24" OC probably isn't enough. I'm in NH BTW
I can"t get in touch with homeowner but I would say the span is about 10 1/2 feet, and the pitch is different on both sides; about a 8/12 on one side and the side where the top plates are 15 1/2" higher looks like it maybe about a 4/12 pitch
I would add additional rafters so they are 12" OC. 2 x 6's on a 10' 6" span at 16" OC is cutting it close particularly if this is up North. No way 24" OC cuts it.
Rick dont know if you got last question re: the floor joist for this 24 x 40 house being 2 x 6 KD 16 oc sitting on 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 post
You didn't mention floor joists in your original question. If you want info on sizing floor joists and the main girt then please post another question thread. Breifly, doubling up the floor joists would be your best solution.