What is the top plate?
In the construction of a wooden frame, the top plate is horizontal framing, which leads along the top of the beams. Depending on when the building was built, it can have one top plate or a double top plate, with a double version is a modern industry standard. This specific aspect of the frame construction is decisive for the integrity of the building and provides support to beams for other floors, along with rays and rafters on the roof.
If the house undressed them down to framing, the top plate will be easily visible at the top of the studs on each floor of the building. If the insulated building has multiple stories, you can see the top plate supporting the beam frame, while the top plate on the highest story will provide roof rafters. Once the house is finished, the top plate will be covered with siding and inner walls that become invisible to the eye.
Like all framing in the house, the top plate is vulnerable to the problems of problems. If the wood that has not been properly cured is used, the rays may be bendingt, bow or turn, pull the house out of alignment and cause structural instability. Thinner rays can be susceptible to breaking or weakening, which could cause the floor or roof line to stretch, contribute to structural problems, and the top plate can also be eaten by rotting insects or severe mold and fungi.
framed houses are commonly checked as soon as they are framed to confirm that all framing is in good condition. A deformed top plate or a beam with noticeable problems, such as large unotoles, should be removed and replaced so that it does not cause problems in the future. Renowned suppliers should use wood that has been thoroughly cured, and the wood may need to be treated to withstand rot and insects.
When checking the house that has already been built, it can be demanding to identify framing problems because framing is not from outside VIDirectable. A structural engineer can sometimes check home and identify problems such as a deformed roof line or a flabby floor that could signal framing problems, and the inspection of this type is highly recommended that critical shortcomings can be discovered to discover critical shortcomings.