Spring 1997
Common Problems:
- Missing hold down.
- Undersized holddown.
- Improper location of hold down.
- Improper installation of hold down.
Potential Damage:
- Cracked finishes.
- Water intrusion.
- Ruptured plumbing and gas lines.
- Partial or total collapse of the framing system.
- Personal Injury
Proper Construction:
- There are generally two types of hold downs; the embedded strap
and the anchor bolt hold down. There function is to prevent the
end of a shear wall from lifting off the foundation. The
following are the principal elements necessary for hold downs to
function properly:
- Correct size of anchor bolt and/or hold down.
- Attached to the end stud by sufficient nailing or bolting.
- Nut tightened sufficiently on anchor bolt
- Bolt holes drilled to proper size
- Strap or bolt properly imbedded into foundation.
- Positioned properly at the end of the wall, adjacent to the end
post.
- Positioned at the proper distance from the edge of the foundation.
Typical Hold Downs:
Information provided by Building Analysts, a full-service architectural and engineering firm with many years of experience in construction litigation. Their services include: architectural and structural investigations, repair recommendations, preparation of exhibits and expert testimony. Contact Building Analysts at (619) 234-8153.
