Bracing and tie-down at frame stage in Deanside
Why brace nailing, plates and plumb matter on exposed western plains lots, and what we find.
In short: Frame stage shows how your house resists wind. On open Deanside lots that matters more than it looks.
What bracing does
Bracing stops walls racking sideways in wind. Metal straps and sheet bracing only work if they are nailed as AS 1684 and the engineering require.
Nails short at the straps
Brace straps need a set number of nails at each end and at every stud they cross. Too few, and the strap cannot carry its load. It is the frame finding we record most.
Plates cut in bracing walls
Plumbers and electricians cut plates to run services. In load-bearing or bracing walls, cut plates must be repaired with an approved fix.
Plumb and slab edge
Walls should not lean more than 5mm over 1.8 metres. A slab edge standing more than 20mm past the frame narrows the brick cavity and needs trimming.
Roof framing
Trusses must sit on solid packers, and valley board ends need support so the valley does not sag.
Termite barrier and notice
The physical barrier under the external walls and the durable notice in the meter box are both checked at this visit.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Deanside. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
