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Basement wall framing-double top plates?

PLIERS | Posted in General Questions on

About to frame my basement walls with 2×4.  The house was built in 1903, the joists of first floor sit on concrete foundation walls on each side with a carrier beam supporting the middle.  There are 3 windows that go right up to ceiling, there’s no concrete on top so there is a joist in the middle of each window sitting on nothing. I want to beef up 2×4 wall to help with structural support.  Should I use double top plate walls?  If I use 8 foot lumber, do I just stagger top plate breaks every 4 feet?  If I stagger it may be too heavy or complicated to build walls on floor and then lift them up.  What is a good method here, should I use the double top plate?

Joe-DIYer

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Replies

  1. DCContrarian | | #1

    I'm trying to picture what you're describing. Are the joists parallel or perpendicular to the faces of the windows?

  2. PLIERS | | #2

    I attached a picture of one of the windows. This is the only one that has an actual 2x4 under the beam in window. Considering filling this in with concrete and ditching this particular window. It is exactly across from another window so if I get rid of this at least only 1 side of beam is unsupported

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