Can an existing partition wall with a single top plate be used as a load bearing wall if strengthened? I was considering inserting 2x4 blocking between each stud (studs are 16 o.c.) and nailing them up into the top plate. I would then nail some blocking to each stud (on both sides) to hold up the blocking attached to the top plate - essentially serving as jack studs. Not an ideal situation but would this approach work?
load bearing wall with single top plate
Dec 12, 2016
1 Replies
replying to Chfaber, Iggy wrote: Sure, either as is (most homes over 40-years old) or as what you laid out ("similar to" homes under 40-years) or put studs between studs (to actually increase wall strength). A double plate's really only useful for off-set studs, joists or rafters being above, but do nothing for an open floor being above or for a structural member running parallel with the wall in question.
But, what's "the load"? Will it be staying? Like, a fully tiled bathroom. Or, is it mostly temporary? Like, just under where only a bathtub will be and only if or when the tub's filled. Where's that load going? Down to an unsupported floor above a basement...VERY BAD! Or, down to a -known- 4" thick slab...perfectly fine, for that kind of -maximum- 1000-lb. load. Converting to an exterior wall for a 2-story addition? Then, absolutely not.
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