Wall plate
To help develop this article, click ‘Edit this article’ above.
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 3m. 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 1.2m long with a cranked end and are fixed to the wall plate at 2m 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] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Domestic roofs.
- Cavity wall.
- Firring.
- Flashing.
- Flat roof.
- Roofing defects.
- Roof insulation.
- Timber.
External references
Featured articles and news
Read about RSHP's British Museum extension which has been shortlisted for the 2017 Stirling Prize.
Read our introductory article to building a house extension.
More updates from DCMS about the large-scale testing of cladding systems and the number of buildings affected.
UandI secure resolution to grant planning consent for major new regeneration project.
Infrastructure and the historic environment
IHBC article considers how heritage is dealt with when infrastructure schemes are authorised.
It was the tallest structure in the world for 3,800 years, but to this day the exact construction techniques are a mystery.
Shortlist for the industry's most coveted award announced.
Government responds to Mark Farmer's review of industry, rejecting the call for a levy on clients.
Peter Hansford to examine what wider lessons can be learned from the fire.
Every project is subject to uncertainty. How can construction better understand uncertainty for performance improvement?
MAD Architects reveal their designs for a futuristic campus for electric car manufacturer.
Homebuyers could borrow more with better forecasting of energy bills, according to industry consortium's new report.
Read our introductory article on carbon capture and storage.
Grenfell Tower articles updated daily
