Wall plate
A wall plate is a load-bearing structural member used horizontally and part of a timber framework.
In the UK, the term typically refers to a length of timber bedded on mortar on top of the internal leaf of an external cavity wall. This provides a fixing point for the feet of rafters, and distributes the load exerted by the roof structure down through the walls without creating pressure points where each rafter meets the wall, and also acts to prevent wind uplift.
Generally, wall plates are in lengths of not less than 3 m. As the mortar does not bond the wall plate to the wall, steel straps are used to ensure that the roof structure remains secure. These are typically 1.2 m long with a cranked end and are fixed to the wall plate at 2 m centres. If the strap is not turned into a bed joint, it should be fixed to the wall with at least four screw fixings.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Domestic roofs.
- Cavity wall.
- Firring.
- Flashing.
- Flat roof.
- Roofing defects.
- Roof insulation.
- Sheathing.
- Timber.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.