How to straighten a Timber Wall

Summary

This video tutorial outlines the Pre Sheet procedure for internal wall framing. It demonstrates how to check and ensure walls are plumb and straight using a spirit level and straight edge. The script covers methods to correct any bowing in studs, including planing and using melamine strips or 'crippling' with wedges and cleats as per the Australian Timber Framing Code. It also emphasizes the importance of adding extra noggins for support in wet areas and for fixtures like towel rails and toilet roll holders, ensuring a sturdy wall structure before sheeting.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Ensure walls are plumb and straight before sheeting internal walls.
• 📏 Use a spirit level or straight edge to check wall alignment from top plate to bottom plate.
• 🔨 Adjust studs by clamping and re-screwing if they are not plumb.
• 🔍 Check that top and bottom plates are straight using a straight edge or string line with blocks.
• 🪚 Use an electric plane to plane the back of bowed studs, ensuring minimum design size is maintained.
• 🛠️ Pack gaps with melamine strips to correct bowing in studs.
• 📐 If necessary, cripple the stud according to the Australian Timber Framing Code guidelines.
• 🪛 Use wedges to straighten studs by cutting a saw cut and driving the wedge in to correct the bow.
• 🔩 Secure wedges and cleats with nails to maintain straightness.
• 🧱 Add extra noggins for support in wet areas and places where fixtures will be mounted.

Q & A

What is a 'Pre Sheet' in the context of construction?

A 'Pre Sheet' involves checking the walls of a house for straightness and plumbness before installing the interior wall sheeting. This process ensures the walls are properly aligned and prepared for sheeting.

What tools are mentioned for checking if a wall is plumb?

The tools mentioned for checking if a wall is plumb include a straight edge, a spirit level, and potentially a longer spirit level that can span from the top plate to the bottom plate of the wall.

How do you check if a wall is straight using a string line?

To check if a wall is straight using a string line, you drive a nail at one end, stretch the string line across the length of the wall using three blocks of timber (of the same thickness), and fit the middle block between the string line and the plate. If the block fits snugly without gaps, the wall is straight; otherwise, adjustments are needed.

What should you do if a stud is not straight?

If a stud is not straight, you can either plane the back of the stud, ensuring not to reduce it below the minimum required size, or use packing materials like strips of melamine to even out the surface. Alternatively, you can use a method called 'crippling,' which involves cutting into the concave side of the stud and inserting a wedge to straighten it.

What does the Australian Timber Framing Code say about planing studs?

The Australian Timber Framing Code allows for studs to be planed down as long as the remaining size meets the minimum design requirements. For example, a 90mm stud can be planed down to 70mm if 70mm is the minimum required depth.

What is 'crippling' in the context of wall framing, and when can it be used?

'Crippling' involves making a saw cut halfway through a stud on the concave side to straighten it by inserting a wedge. According to the Australian Timber Framing Code, it can be used on up to 20% of common studs, but not on studs that are part of openings or that support concentrated loads.

What are 'noggins' and why are they important in wall framing?

'Noggins' are horizontal pieces of timber inserted between studs. They are important for providing support and stability, particularly for fixtures and fittings that will be attached to the walls, such as handrails and towel rails.

How do you secure a wedge after using it to straighten a stud?

After using a wedge to straighten a stud, you secure it by skewing a nail down through the wedge, then cutting off any excess wedge material. Additionally, cleats are added for extra reinforcement.

What should be checked or added during the 'Pre Sheet' stage besides wall alignment?

During the 'Pre Sheet' stage, it's important to check for and add any necessary noggins, especially in wet areas, to support fixtures like toilet roll holders, handrails, and towel rails. This ensures that there are solid mounting points behind the wall sheeting.

Why is it important not to rely on hollow wall anchors for securing fixtures?

It is important not to rely on hollow wall anchors because they may not provide sufficient support for fixtures and fittings, especially in areas where they will be frequently used or subjected to force. Instead, solid backing from noggins or other supports within the wall frame should be used.