Division B
Acceptable Solutions
Part 9 — Housing and Small Buildings
Section 9.23. Wood-Frame Construction
9.23.1. Application
9.23.1.1. Limitations
(See Appendix A.)1) This Section applies to
constructions where wall, floor and roof planes are generally comprised of lumber frames of small repetitive structural members, or
engineered components, and where
a) roof and wall planes are clad, sheathed or braced on at least one side,
b) the small repetitive structural members are spaced not more than 600
mm o.c.,
d) the specified
live load on supported subfloors and floor framing does not exceed 2.4 kPa, and
e) the span of any structural member does not exceed 12.20 m.
(See Appendix A.)
NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
1) 
This Section applies to
constructionsconstructions where wall, floor and roof planes are generally comprised of lumber frames of small repetitive structural members, or
engineered components, and where
a) roof and wall planes are clad, sheathed or braced on at least one side,
b) the small repetitive structural members are spaced not more than 600
mm o.c.,
c) the constructionsconstructions do not serve as foundations,
d) the specified live load on supported subfloors and
floor framing does not exceed 2.4 kPa, and
e) the span of any structural member does not exceed 12.20 m.
(See Appendix A.)
2) Where the conditions in
Sentence (1) are exceeded for wood
constructions, the design of the framing and fastening shall conform to
Subsection 4.3.1.
NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
2) 
Where the conditions in Sentence (1) are exceeded for wood
constructionsconstructions, the design of the framing and fastening shall
conform to Subsection 4.3.1.
9.23.2. General
9.23.2.1. Strength and Rigidity
1) 
All members shall be so framed, anchored, fastened, tied and braced to provide the necessary strength and rigidity.
9.23.2.2. Protection from Decay
1) 
Ends of wood joists, beams and other members framing into masonry or concrete shall be treated to prevent decay where the bottom of
the member is at or below ground level, or a 12 mm air
space shall be provided at the end and sides of the member.
9.23.2.3. Protection from Dampness
1) 
Except as permitted in
Sentence (2), wood framing members that are not pressure-treated with a wood preservative and that are supported on concrete in contact with the
ground or
fill shall be separated from the concrete by not less than 0.05 mm polyethylene film or
Type S roll roofing.
2) 
Dampproofing material referred to in
Sentence (1) is not required where the wood member is at least 150 mm above the ground.
9.23.2.4. Lumber
9.23.3. Fasteners
9.23.3.1. Standards for Nails and Screws
1) 
Except as provided in Sentence (2) and unless otherwise indicated, nails specified in this Section shall be
common steel wire nails or common spiral nails conforming to

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
1) 
Except as provided in Sentence (2) and unless Unless otherwise indicated, nails specified in this Section shall be
common steel wire nails or common spiral nails conforming to
CSA B111, “Wire Nails, Spikes and Staples.”
a) ASTM F 1667, “Driven Fasteners: Nails, Spikes, and Staples,” or
b) CSA B111, “Wire Nails, Spikes and Staples.”
2) Nails used to comply with
Table 9.23.3.4. shall have a diameter not less than that stated in
Table 9.23.3.1. (See
Appendix A.)

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
2) Nails used to comply with Table 9.23.3.4. shall have a
diameter not less than that stated in Table 9.23.3.1. (See
Appendix A.)
Wood screws specified in this Section shall conform to ASME B18.6.1, “Wood Screws (Inch Series).” (See Appendix A.)
Table 9.23.3.1. Diameter of Nails Forming part of Sentence 9.23.3.1.(2)
|
Minimum Length of Nails, mm |
Diameter of Nails, mm |
57 |
2.87 |
63 |
3.25 |
76 |
3.66 |
82 |
3.66 |
101 or greater |
4.88 |
9.23.3.2. Length of Nails
1) 
All nails shall be long enough so that not less than half their required length penetrates into the second member.
9.23.3.3. Prevention of Splitting
1) 
Splitting of wood members shall be minimized by staggering the nails in the direction of the grain and by keeping nails well in from
the edges.
(See Appendix A.) 9.23.3.4. Nailing of Framing
2) 
Where the bottom wall plate or sole plate of an exterior wall is not nailed to

floor

joists,
rim joists
or blocking in conformance with
Table 9.23.3.4., the exterior wall is permitted to be fastened to the floor framing by
a) having plywood, OSB or waferboard sheathing extend down over
floor framing and fastened to the floor framing by nails or staples
conforming to
Article 9.23.3.5., or
b) tying the wall framing to the floor framing by galvanized-metal
strips
i) 50 mm wide,
ii) not less than 0.41 mm thick,
iii) spaced not more than 1.2 m apart, and
iv) fastened at each end with at least two 63 mm nails.
Table 9.23.3.4. Nailing for Framing Forming part of Sentence 9.23.3.4.(1) |
Construction Detail |
Minimum Length of Nails, mm |
Minimum Number or Maximum Spacing
of Nails |
Floor joist or blocking perpendicular to sill plate or top wall plate below – toe nail
|
82 |
2 per floor joist or blocking |
Rim joist, trimmer joist or blocking – supporting walls with required braced wall panels – to sill plate or top wall plate – toe nail |
82 |
150 mm (o.c.) |
Wood or metal strapping to underside
of floor joists
|
57 |
2 |
Cross bridging to joists |
57 |
2 at each end |
Double header or trimmer joists |
76 |
300 mm (o.c.)
|
Floor joist to stud (balloon construction) |
76 |
2 |
Ledger strip to wood beam |
82 |
2 per joist |
Joist to joist splice (see
also Table 9.23.14.8.)
|
76 |
2 at each end |
Tail joist to adjacent header joist |
82 |
5 |
(end nailed) around
openings |
101 |
3 |
Each header joist to adjacent trimmer
joist
|
82 |
5 |
(end nailed) around
openings |
101 |
3 |
Stud to wall plate (each end) toe
nail
|
63 |
4 |
or end nail |
82 |
2 |
Doubled studs at openings, or studs
at walls or wall intersections and corners
|
76 |
750 mm (o.c.)
|
Doubled top wall plates |
76 |
600 mm (o.c.)
|
Bottom wall plate or sole plate
to floor joists, rim joists or blocking (exterior walls)(1) |
82 |
400 mm (o.c.)
|
Bottom wall plate or sole plate – in required braced wall panels – to floor joists, rim joists or blocking (exterior walls)(1) |
82 |
150 mm (o.c.) |
Interior walls to framing or subflooring |
82 |
600 mm (o.c.)
|
Required braced wall panels – in interior walls – to framing above and below |
82 |
150 mm (o.c.) |
Horizontal member over openings
in non-loadbearing walls – each end
|
82 |
2 |
Lintels to studs |
82 |
2 at each end |
Ceiling joist to plate – toe nail
each end
|
82 |
2 |
Roof rafter, roof truss or
roof joist to plate – toe nail(2) |
82 |
3 |
Rafter plate to each ceiling joist |
101 |
2 |
Rafter to joist (with ridge supported) |
76 |
3 |
Rafter to joist (with ridge unsupported) |
76 |
see Table 9.23.14.8. |
Gusset plate to each rafter at peak |
57 |
4 |
Rafter to ridge board – toe nail
– end nail
|
82 |
3 |
Collar tie to rafter – each end |
76 |
3 |
Collar tie lateral support to each
collar tie
|
57 |
2 |
Jack rafter to hip or valley rafter |
82 |
2 |
Roof strut to rafter |
76 |
3 |
Roof strut to loadbearing wall – toe nail
|
82 |
2 |
38 mm × 140 mm or less plank decking to support
|
82 |
2 |
Plank decking wider than 38 mm × 140 mm to support
|
82 |
3 |
38 mm edge laid
plank decking to support (toe nail)
|
76 |
1 |
38 mm edge laid
plank to each other
|
76 |
450 mm (o.c.)
|
3) 

Where the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 0.8 kPa, roof rafters, joists or trusses shall be
tied to the wall framing with connectors that will resist a factored
uplift load of 3 kN.
4) 
Galvanized-steel straps are deemed to comply with
Sentence (3), provided they are
a) 50 mm wide,
b) not less than 0.91 mm thick, and
c) fastened at each end with at least four 63 mm nails.

9.23.3.5. Fasteners for Sheathing or Subflooring
Table 9.23.3.5.A Fasteners for Subflooring and for Sheathing where HWP is Less Than 0.8 kPa and Sa(0.2) is Not More
Than 0.70 Forming part of Sentence 9.23.3.5.(1) |
Element |
Minimum
Length of Fasteners, mm |
Minimum
Number or Maximum Spacing of Fasteners |
Common or Spiral Nails |
Ring Thread Nails or Screws |
Roofing Nails |
Staples |
Board lumber 184 mm or less wide
|
51 |
45 |
n/a |
51 |
2 per support |
Board lumber more than 184 mm wide
|
51 |
45 |
n/a |
51 |
3 per support |
Fibreboard sheathing
up to 13 mm thick
|
n/a |
n/a |
44 |
28 |
150 mm (o.c.) along edges and 300 mm (o.c.) along intermediate supports |
Gypsum sheathing
up to 13 mm thick
|
n/a |
n/a |
44 |
n/a |
Plywood,
OSB or waferboard up to 10 mm thick |
51 |
45 |
n/a |
38 |
Plywood,
OSB or waferboard over 10 mm and up to 20 mm thick | 51 |
45 |
n/a |
51 |
Plywood, OSB or waferboard over 20 mm and up to 25 mm thick | 57 |
51 |
n/a |
n/a |
2) 

Fastening of roof sheathing and sheathing in required
braced wall panels shall conform to
Table 9.23.3.5.B, where
a) the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure (HWP) is equal to or greater than 0.8 kPa and less than 1.2 kPa, or
b) the seismic spectral response acceleration, Sa(0.2),
is greater than 0.70 and not more than 1.2.
Table 9.23.3.5.B Fasteners for Sheathing where HWP is Equal to or Greater
Than 0.8 kPa and Less Than 1.2 kPa or where Sa(0.2) is
Greater Than 0.70 and Not More Than 1.2 Forming part of Sentence 9.23.3.5.(2) |
Element |
Minimum Length of Fasteners, mm |
Minimum
Number or Maximum Spacing of Fasteners |
Common, Spiral or Ring Thread
Nails |
Screws |
14-Gage Staples |
Board lumber 184 mm or less wide
|
63 |
51 |
63 |
2 per support |
Board lumber more than 184 mm wide
|
63 |
51 |
63 |
3 per support |
Plywood, OSB or
waferboard up to 20 mm thick(1) |
63 |
51 |
63 |
150 mm (o.c.) along
edges and 300 mm (o.c.) along intermediate supports; and for roof
sheathing where HWP is equal to or greater than 0.8 kPa and less than
1.2 kPa, 50 mm (o.c.) within 1 m of the edges of the roof
|
Plywood, OSB or waferboard
over 20 mm and up to 25 mm thick
|
63 |
57 |
n/a |
3) 
Fastening of sheathing shall conform to Part 4,
a) where the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 1.2 kPa, or
b) for required
braced wall panels, where the seismic spectral response acceleration, S
a(0.2), is greater than 1.2.

4) 
Staples shall not be less than 1.6 mm in diameter or thickness, with not less than a 9.5 mm crown driven
with the crown parallel to framing.
5) 
Roofing nails for the attachment of fibreboard or gypsum sheathing shall not be less than 3.2 mm in diameter with a minimum
head diameter of 11.1 mm.
6) 
Flooring screws shall not be less than 3.2 mm in diameter.
9.23.4. Maximum Spans
9.23.4.1. Application
1) 
Spans provided in this Subsection for joists, beams and lintels supporting floors shall apply only where
a) the floors serve residential areas as described in
Table 4.1.5.3., or
b) the uniformly distributed
live load on the floors does not exceed that specified for residential areas as described in
Table 4.1.5.3. 2) 
Spans for joists, beams and lintels supporting floors shall be determined according to
Subsection 4.1.3. where the
supported floors
a) serve other than residential areas, or
b) support a uniform
live load in excess of that specified for residential areas.
9.23.4.2. Spans for Joists, Rafters and Beams
(See Appendix A.)2) 
Spans for floor joists that are not selected from
Tables A-1 and A-2 and that are required to be designed for the same loading conditions, shall not exceed the design requirements for uniform
loading and vibration criteria.
(See Appendix A.) 9.23.4.3. Steel Beams
Table 9.23.4.3. Maximum Spans for Steel Beams Supporting Floors in Dwelling Units(1) Forming part of Sentence 9.23.4.3.(1) |
Section |
Supported Joist Length, m (half the sum of
joist spans on both sides of the beam) |
2.4 |
3.0 |
3.6 |
4.2 |
4.8 |
5.4 |
6.0 |
One Storey Supported
|
W150 x 22 |
5.5 |
5.2 |
4.9 |
4.8 |
4.6 |
4.5 |
4.3 |
W200 x 21 |
6.5 |
6.2 |
5.9 |
5.7 |
5.4 |
5.1 |
4.9 |
W200 x 27 |
7.3 |
6.9 |
6.6 |
6.3 |
6.1 |
5.9 |
5.8 |
W200 x 31 |
7.8 |
7.4 |
7.1 |
6.8 |
6.6 |
6.4 |
6.2 |
W250 x 24 |
8.1 |
7.6 |
7.3 |
7.0 |
6.6 |
6.2 |
5.9 |
W250 x 33 |
9.2 |
8.7 |
8.3 |
8.0 |
7.7 |
7.5 |
7.3 |
W250 x 39 |
10.0 |
9.4 |
9.0 |
8.6 |
8.4 |
8.1 |
7.9 |
W310 x 31 |
10.4 |
9.8 |
9.4 |
8.9 |
8.4 |
8.0 |
7.6 |
W310 x 39 |
11.4 |
10.7 |
10.2 |
9.8 |
9.5 |
9.2 |
9.0 |
Two Storeys Supported
|
W150 x 22 |
4.9 |
4.4 |
4.1 |
3.8 |
3.5 |
3.4 |
3.2 |
W200 x 21 |
5.6 |
5.1 |
4.6 |
4.3 |
4.1 |
3.8 |
3.7 |
W200 x 27 |
6.4 |
6.1 |
5.6 |
5.3 |
4.9 |
4.7 |
4.4 |
W200 x 31 |
6.9 |
6.5 |
6.2 |
5.8 |
5.4 |
5.1 |
4.9 |
W250 x 24 |
6.8 |
6.1 |
5.6 |
5.2 |
4.9 |
4.6 |
4.4 |
W250 x 33 |
8.2 |
7.7 |
7.0 |
6.5 |
6.1 |
5.8 |
5.5 |
W250 x 39 |
8.8 |
8.3 |
7.8 |
7.2 |
6.8 |
6.4 |
6.1 |
W310 x 31 |
8.7 |
7.8 |
7.2 |
6.7 |
6.2 |
5.9 |
5.6 |
W310 x 39 |
10.0 |
9.3 |
8.5 |
7.9 |
7.4 |
7.0 |
6.7 |
9.23.4.4. Concrete Topping
(See Appendix A.)1) 
Except as permitted in
Sentence (2), where a floor is required to support a concrete topping, the joist spans shown in
Table A-1 or the spacing of the members shall be reduced to allow for the loads due to the topping.
2) 
Where a floor is required to support a concrete topping, joist spans are permitted to be selected from
Table A-2 provided the concrete
a) is 38 to 51 mm thick,
b) is normal weight,
c) is placed directly on the subflooring, and
d) has not less than 20 MPa compressive strength after 28 days.
3) 
Where a floor is required to support a concrete topping not more than 51 mm thick, the allowable beam spans shown
in
Tables A-8 to A-11 shall be multiplied by 0.8 or the supported length of the floor joists shall be reduced to allow for the loads due to
the topping.
9.23.4.5. Heavy Roofing Materials
1) 
Where a roof is required to support an additional uniform
dead load from roofing materials such as concrete roofing tile, or materials other than as specified in
Section 9.27., such as clay roofing tiles, the additional
load shall be allowed for by reducing
a) the spans for roof joists and rafters in
Tables A-4 to A-7, or the spacing of the members, and
(See A-9.23.4.2. in Appendix A.) 9.23.5. Notching and Drilling
9.23.5.1. Holes Drilled in Framing Members
1) 
Holes drilled in roof, floor or ceiling framing members shall be not larger than one-quarter the depth of the member and shall be
located not less than 50 mm from the edges, unless the
depth of the member is increased by the size of the hole.
9.23.5.2. Notching of Framing Members
1) 
Floor, roof and ceiling framing members are permitted to be notched provided the notch is located on the top of the member within
half the joist depth from the edge of bearing and is not deeper than
one-third the joist depth, unless the depth of the member is increased
by the size of the notch.
9.23.5.3. Wall Studs
1) 
Wall studs shall not be notched, drilled or otherwise damaged so that the undamaged portion of the stud is less than two-thirds
the depth of the stud if the stud is
loadbearing or 40 mm if the stud is non-
loadbearing, unless the weakened studs are suitably reinforced.
9.23.5.4. Top Plates
1) 
Top plates in walls shall not be notched, drilled or otherwise weakened to reduce the undamaged width to less than 50 mm unless the weakened plates are suitably reinforced.
9.23.5.5. Roof Trusses
1) 
Roof truss members shall not be notched, drilled or otherwise weakened unless such notching or drilling is allowed for in the design
of the truss.
9.23.6. Anchorage
9.23.6.1. Anchorage of Building Frames
2) 
Except as provided in
Sentences (3) and (5)
, anchorage shall be provided by
a) embedding the ends of the first floor joists in concrete, or
b) fastening the sill plate to the
foundation with not less than 12.7 mm diam anchor bolts spaced not more than 2.4 m o.c.
3) 
For
buildings with 2 or more floors supported by frame walls that are in areas where the seismic spectral response acceleration,
S
a(0.2), is equal to or greater than 0.70 but not greater than 1.2
or the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 0.80
kPa but not greater than 1.20 kPa, anchorage shall be
provided by fastening the sill plate to the
foundation with not less than two anchor bolts per
braced wall panel, where all anchor bolts used are
a) not less than 15.9 mm in diameter, located within 0.5
m of the end of the
foundation, and spaced not more than 2.4 m o.c, or
b) not less than 12.7 mm in diameter, located within 0.5
m of the end of the
foundation, and spaced not more than 1.7 m o.c.


NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
3) 
For
buildings with 2 or more floors supported by frame walls that are in areas where the seismic spectral response acceleration,
S
a(0.2), is equal to or greater than 0.70 but not greater than 1.2
orand the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 0.80
kPa but not greater than 1.20 kPa, anchorage shall be
provided by fastening the sill plate to the
foundation
with not less than two anchor bolts per
braced wall
panel, where all anchor bolts used are
a) not less than 15.9 mm in diameter, located within 0.5
m of the end of the foundation, and spaced
not more than 2.4 m o.c, or
b) not less than 12.7 mm in diameter, located within 0.5
m of the end of the foundation, and spaced
not more than 1.7 m o.c.
4) 
Anchor bolts referred to in
Sentences (2)
and (3)
shall be
a) fastened to the sill plate with nuts and washers,
b) embedded not less than 100 mm in the
foundation, and
c) so designed that they may be tightened without withdrawing them from the
foundation.
5) 

Where the seismic spectral response acceleration, S
a(0.2), is greater than 1.2 or the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 1.2 kPa, anchorage shall be designed according
to Part 4.

9.23.6.2. Anchorage of Columns and Posts
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentences (2) and (3), exterior columns and posts shall be anchored to resist uplift and lateral movement.
2) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (3), where columns or posts support balconies, decks, verandas or other exterior platforms, and the distance from finished ground to the underside
of the joists is not more than 600 mm,
a) the columns or posts shall be anchored to the
foundation to resist uplift and lateral movement, or
b) the supported joists or beams shall be directly anchored to
the ground to resist uplift.
3) 
Anchorage is not required for platforms described in
Sentence (2) that
a) are not more than 1
storey in height,
b) are not more than 55 m2 in area,
c) do not support a roof, and
d) are not attached to another structure, unless it can be demonstrated
that differential movement will not adversely affect the performance
of the structure to which the platform is attached.
9.23.6.3. Anchorage of Smaller Buildings
9.23.7. Sill Plates
9.23.7.1. Size of Sill Plates
1) 
Where sill plates provide bearing for the floor system, they shall be not less than 38 mm by 89 mm material.
9.23.7.2. Levelling and Sealing of Sill Plates
1) 
Sill plates shall be
a) levelled by setting them on a full bed of mortar, or
(See also Article 9.23.2.3.) 9.23.8. Beams to Support Floors
9.23.8.1. Bearing for Beams
1) 
Beams shall have even and level bearing and the bearing at end supports shall be not less than 89 mm long, except as stated in the notes to
Tables A-8 to A-11 9.23.8.2. Priming of Steel Beams
1) 
Exterior steel beams shall be shop primed.
9.23.8.3. Built-up Wood Beams
(See Appendix A.)1) 
Where a beam is made up of individual pieces of lumber that are nailed together, the individual members shall be 38 mm or greater in thickness and installed on edge.
2) 
Except as permitted in
Sentence (3), where individual members of a built-up beam are butted together to form a joint, the joint shall occur over a support.
3) 
Where a beam is continuous over more than one span, individual members are permitted to be butted together to form a joint at or
within 150 mm of the end quarter points of the clear
spans, provided the quarter points are not those closest to the ends
of the beam.
4) 
Members joined at quarter points shall be continuous over adjacent supports.
5) 
Joints in individual members of a beam that are located at or near the end quarter points shall not occur in adjacent members at
the same quarter point and shall not reduce the effective beam width
by more than half.
6) 
Not more than one butt joint shall occur in any individual member of a built-up beam within any one span.
7) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (8), where 38 mm members are laid on edge to form a built-up beam, individual members shall be nailed together with a double row
of nails not less than 89 mm in length, spaced not more
than 450 mm apart in each row with the end nails located 100 mm to 150 mm from the end of each piece.
8) 
Where 38 mm members in built-up wood beams are not nailed together as provided in
Sentence (7), they shall be bolted together with not less than 12.7 mm diam bolts equipped with washers and spaced not more than 1.2 m o.c., with the end bolts located not more than 600 mm from the ends of the members.
9.23.9. Floor Joists
9.23.9.1. End Bearing for Joists
1) 
Except when supported on ribbon boards, floor joists shall have not less than 38 mm length of end bearing.
2) 
Ribbon boards referred to in
Sentence (1) shall be not less than 19 mm by 89 mm lumber let into the studs.
9.23.9.2. Joists Supported by Beams
1) 
Floor joists may be supported on the tops of beams or may be framed into the sides of beams.
2) 
When framed into the side of a wood beam, joists referred to in
Sentence (1) shall be supported on
a) joist hangers or other acceptable mechanical connectors, or
b) not less than 38 mm by 64 mm ledger strips nailed to the side of the beam, except that 38 mm by 38 mm ledger strips may be used provided each joist
is nailed to the beam by not less than four 89 mm nails,
in addition to the nailing for the ledger strip required in
Table 9.23.3.4. 3) 
When framed into the side of a steel beam, joists referred to in
Sentence (1) shall be supported on the bottom flange of the beam or on not less than 38 mm by 38 mm lumber bolted to the web with not less than 6.3 mm diam bolts spaced not more than 600 mm apart.
4) 
Joists referred to in
Sentence (3) shall be spliced above the beam with not less than 38 mm by 38 mm lumber at least 600 mm long to support the flooring.
5) 
Not less than a 12 mm space shall be provided between the splice required in
Sentence (4) and the beam to allow for shrinkage of the wood joists.
9.23.9.3. Restraint of Joist Bottoms
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentence 9.23.9.4.(1), bottoms of floor joists shall be restrained from twisting at each end by toe-nailing
to the supports, end-nailing to the header joists or by providing
continuous strapping, blocking between the joists or cross-bridging
near the supports.
9.23.9.4. Strapping, Bridging, Furring and Ceilings in Tables A-1 and A-2
(See A-9.23.4.2.(2) in Appendix A.)1) 
Except as permitted by
Sentence (5), where strapping is specified in
Table A-1, it shall be
a) not less than 19 mm by 64 mm, nailed
to the underside of floor joists,
b) located not more than 2 100 mm from each support
or other rows of strapping, and
c) fastened at each end to a sill or header.
2) 
Where bridging is specified in
Table A-1, it shall consist of not less than 19 mm by 64 mm or 38 mm by 38 mm cross bridging located
not more than 2 100 mm from each support or other rows
of bridging.
3) 
Where bridging and strapping are specified in
Table A-1,
a) bridging shall
ii) consist of 38 mm solid blocking located not more than 2 100 mm from each support or other rows of bridging
and securely fastened between the joists, and
4) 
Bridging specified in
Table A-2 shall consist of
b) 38 mm solid blocking located not more than 2 100 mm from each support or other rows of bridging and securely
fastened between the joists.
6) 
Where a ceiling attached to wood furring is specified in
Table A-2,
a) the ceiling finish shall consist of gypsum board, plywood or OSB not less than 12.7 mm thick, and
b) the furring shall be
i) 19 mm by 89 mm wood furring spaced
at not more than 600 mm o.c., or
ii) 19 mm by 64 mm wood furring spaced
at not more than 400 mm o.c.
9.23.9.5. Header Joists
1) 
Header joists around floor openings shall be doubled when they exceed 1.2 m in length.
2) 
The size of header joists exceeding 3.2 m in length shall be determined by calculations.
9.23.9.6. Trimmer Joists
1) 
Trimmer joists around floor openings shall be doubled when the length of the header joist exceeds 800 mm.
2) 
When the header joist exceeds 2 m in length the size of the trimmer joists shall be determined by calculations.
9.23.9.7. Support of Tail and Header Joists
1) 
When tail joists and header joists are supported by the floor framing, they shall be supported by suitable joist hangers or nailing
in accordance with
Table 9.23.3.4. 9.23.9.8. Support of Walls
1) 
Non-
loadbearing walls parallel to the floor joists shall be supported by joists beneath the wall or
on blocking between the joists.
2) 
Blocking referred to in
Sentence (1) for the support of non-
loadbearing walls shall be
a) not less than 38 mm by 89 mm lumber,
and
b)

except as required for the fastening of walls constructed with required
braced wall panels,

spaced not more than 1.2 m apart.
3) 

Except as provided in
Sentence (6),

non-
loadbearing interior walls at right angles to the floor joists are not restricted as to location.
4)
Loadbearing interior walls parallel to floor joists shall be supported by beams or walls of sufficient
strength to safely transfer the specified
live loads to the vertical supports.
5) 

Unless the joist size is designed to support such loads,
loadbearing interior walls at right angles to floor joists shall be located
a) not more than 900 mm from the joist support where
the wall does not support a floor, and
b) not more than 600 mm from the joist support where
the wall supports one or more floors.
9.23.9.9. Cantilevered Floor Joists
1) 
Floor joists supporting roof loads shall not be cantilevered more than 400 mm beyond their supports where 38 mm by 184 mm joists are used and not more than 600 mm beyond their supports where 38 mm by 235 mm or larger joists are used.
2) 
The cantilevered portions referred to in
Sentence (1) shall not support floor loads from other
storeys unless calculations are provided to show that the design resistances of the cantilevered joists are not exceeded.
3) 
Where cantilevered floor joists described in
Sentences (1) and (2) are at right angles to the main floor joists, the tail joists in the cantilevered portion
shall extend inward away from the cantilever support a distance equal
to not less than 6 times the length of the cantilever, and shall be
end nailed to an interior doubled header joist in conformance with
Table 9.23.3.4. 9.23.10. Wall Studs
9.23.10.1. Stud Size and Spacing
Table 9.23.10.1. Size and Spacing of Studs Forming part of Sentence 9.23.10.1.(1) |
Type of Wall |
Supported Loads (including dead loads) |
Minimum Stud Size, mm |
Maximum Stud Spacing, mm |
Maximum Unsupported Height, m |
Interior |
No
load
|
38 x 38 |
400 |
2.4 |
38 x 89 flat(1) |
400 |
3.6 |
Attic not accessible by a stairway |
38 x 64 |
600 |
3.0 |
38 x 64 flat(1) |
400 |
2.4 |
38 x 89 |
600 |
3.6 |
38 x 89 flat(1) |
400 |
2.4 |
Attic
accessible by a stairway plus one floor Roof load plus
one floor Attic not accessible by stairway plus 2
floors
|
38 x 89 |
400 |
3.6 |
Roof load Attic accessible by a
stairway Attic not accessible by a stairway plus one
floor
|
38 x 64 |
400 |
2.4 |
38 x 89 |
600 |
3.6 |
Attic
accessible by a stairway plus 2 floors Roof load plus 2
floors
|
38 x 89 |
300 |
3.6 |
64 x 89 |
400 |
3.6 |
38 x 140 |
400 |
4.2 |
Attic
accessible by a stairway plus 3 floors Roof load plus 3
floors
|
38 x 140 |
300 |
4.2 |
Exterior |
Roof with or without attic storage |
38 x 64 |
400 |
2.4 |
38 x 89 |
600 |
3.0 |
Roof with or without attic storage plus one floor |
38 x 89 |
400 |
3.0 |
38 x 140 |
600 |
3.0 |
Roof with or without attic storage plus 2 floors |
38 x 89 |
300 |
3.0 |
64 x 89 |
400 |
3.0 |
38 x 140 |
400 |
3.6 |
Roof with or without attic
storage plus 3 floors
|
38 x 140 |
300 |
1.8 |
9.23.10.2. Bracing and Lateral Support
1) 
Where
loadbearing interior walls are not finished in accordance with
Section 9.29.
, blocking or strapping shall be fastened to the studs at mid-height to prevent sideways buckling.
9.23.10.3. Orientation of Studs
1) 
Except as permitted in
Sentences (2) and (3), all studs shall be placed at right angles to the wall face.
2) 
Studs on the flat are permitted to be used in gable ends of roofs that contain only unfinished space or in non-
loadbearing interior walls within the limits described in
Article 9.23.10.1. 3) 
Wall studs that support only a load from an attic not accessible by a stairway are permitted to be placed on the flat within the limits
permitted in
Article 9.23.10.1. provided
a) the studs are clad on not less than one side with plywood, OSB or waferboard sheathing fastened to the face of the studs with a structural
adhesive, and
b) the portion of the roof supported by the studs does not exceed 2.1 m in width.
9.23.10.4. Continuity of Studs
1) 
Wall studs shall be continuous for the full
storey height except at openings and shall not be spliced except by fingerjoining with a structural adhesive. (See
Appendix A.)
9.23.10.5. Support for Cladding, Sheathing and Finishing Materials
1) 
Corners and intersections shall be designed to provide adequate support for the vertical edges of interior finishes, sheathing and
cladding materials, and in no instance shall exterior corners be framed
with less than the equivalent of 2 studs.
2) 
Where the vertical edges of interior finishes at wall intersections are supported at vertical intervals by blocking or furring, the vertical
distance between such supports shall not exceed the maximum distance
between supports specified in
Section 9.29. 9.23.10.6. Studs at Sides of Openings
1) 
Where the lintel spanning the opening is more than 3 m long, studs shall be tripled on each side of the opening so that
a) the two inner studs on each side extend from the bottom of the supported lintel to the top of the bottom wall plate, and
b) the outer stud on each side extends from the bottom of the top
wall plate to the bottom wall plate.
2) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (3), where the lintel spanning the opening is not more than 3 m long, studs shall be doubled on each side of the opening
so that
a) the inner studs on each side extend from the bottom of the supported
lintel to the top of the bottom wall plate, and
b) the outer stud on each side extends from the bottom of the top
wall plate to the bottom wall plate.
3) 
Single studs are permitted to be used on either side of openings
b) in
loadbearing or non-
loadbearing interior or exterior walls, provided
i) the opening is less than and within the required stud spacing, and
ii) no 2 such openings of full stud-space width are located in adjacent
stud spaces.
(See Appendix A.) 9.23.11. Wall Plates
9.23.11.1. Size of Wall Plates
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (2), wall plates shall be
a) not less than 38 mm thick, and
b) not less than the required width of the wall studs.
2) 
In non-
loadbearing walls and in
loadbearing walls where the studs are located directly over framing members, the bottom wall plate is permitted
to be 19 mm thick.
9.23.11.2. Bottom Wall Plates
1) 
A bottom wall plate shall be provided in all cases.
2) 
The bottom plate in exterior walls shall not project more than one-third the plate width over the support.
9.23.11.3. Top Plates
2) 
A single top plate is permitted to be used in a section of a
loadbearing wall containing a lintel provided the top plate forms a tie across the lintel.
3) 
A single top plate is permitted to be used in
loadbearing walls where the concentrated loads from ceilings, floors and roofs are not more than 50 mm to one side
of the supporting studs and in all non-
loadbearing walls.
4) 
The top plates need not be provided in a section of
loadbearing wall containing a lintel provided the lintel is tied to the adjacent wall section with not less than
a) 75 mm by 150 mm by 0.91 mm thick galvanized steel, or
b) 19 mm by 89 mm by 300 mm wood splice nailed to each wall section with at least three 63 mm nails.
9.23.11.4. Joints in Top Plates
1) 
Joints in the top plates of
loadbearing walls shall be staggered not less than one stud spacing.
2) 
The top plates in
loadbearing walls shall be lapped or otherwise tied at corners and intersecting walls
in accordance with
Sentence (4).
4) 
Ties referred to in
Sentences (2) and (3) shall be the equivalent of not less than 75 mm by 150 mm by 0.91 mm thick galvanized steel nailed to each wall with at least three 63 mm nails.
9.23.12. Framing over Openings
9.23.12.1. Openings in Non-Loadbearing Walls
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (2), openings in non-
loadbearing walls shall be framed with not less than 38 mm material the
same width as the studs, securely nailed to adjacent studs.
9.23.12.2. Openings in Loadbearing Walls
1) 
Openings in
loadbearing walls greater than the required stud spacing shall be framed with lintels designed
to carry the superimposed loads to adjacent studs.
(See A-9.23.10.6.(3) in Appendix A.) 2) 
Except as provided in
Sentence 9.23.12.3.(2), where 2 or more members are used in lintels, they shall be fastened together
with not less than 82 mm nails in a double row, with
nails not more than 450 mm apart in each row.
3) 
Lintel members are permitted to be separated by filler pieces.
9.23.12.3. Lintel Spans and Sizes
1) 
Spans and sizes of wood lintels shall conform to the spans shown in
Tables A-12 to A-16b) where the wall studs exceed 38 mm by 64 mm in size,
c) where the spans of supported joists do not exceed 4.9
m, and
d) where the spans of trusses do not exceed 9.8 m.
2) 
In
loadbearing exterior and interior walls of 38 mm by 64 mm framing members,
lintels shall consist of
a) 64 mm thick members on edge, or
b) 38 mm thick and 19 mm thick members
fastened together with a double row of nails not less than 63
mm long and spaced not more than 450 mm apart.
3) 
Lintels referred to in
Sentence (2)a) shall be not less than 50 mm greater in depth than those shown in
Tables A-12 to A-16 for the maximum spans shown, and
b) shall not exceed 2.24 m in length.
9.23.13.
Bracing to Resist Lateral Loads Due to Wind and Earthquake
(See Appendix A.)9.23.13.1. Requirements for Low to Moderate Wind and Seismic Forces
(See Appendix A.)1) 
This Article applies in locations where the seismic spectral response acceleration, S
a(0.2), is not more than 0.70 and
the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is less than 0.80 kPa.
2) Bracing to resist lateral loads shall be designed and constructed as
follows:
a) exterior walls shall be
i) clad with panel-type cladding in accordance with Section 9.27., ii) sheathed with plywood, OSB, waferboard, fibreboard, gypsum board or
diagonal lumber sheathing complying with
Subsection 9.23.17.
and fastened in accordance with Table 9.23.3.5.A, or iii) finished on the interior with a panel-type material in accordance with the requirements of Section 9.29., or
b) in accordance with
ii) Part 4, or

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
2) 
Bracing to resist lateral loads shall be designed and constructed as follows:
a) exterior walls shall be
i) clad with panel-type cladding in accordance with Section 9.27.,
ii) sheathed with plywood, OSB, waferboard, fibreboard, gypsum board or
diagonal lumber sheathing complying with Subsection 9.23.17. and fastened in accordance with Table 9.23.3.5.A, or
iii) finished on the interior with a panel-type material in accordance with the
requirements of Section 9.29., or
b) in accordance with
i) Articles 9.23.13.4. to 9.23.13.7.,
ii) Part 4, or
iii) good engineering practice such as that provided in CWC 2009, “Engineering Guide for Wood Frame Construction.”
9.23.13.2. Requirements for High Wind and Seismic Forces
1) Except as provided in
Article 9.23.13.1., this Article applies in locations where
a) the seismic spectral response acceleration, S
a(0.2), is
i) not more than 1.10 and the lowest exterior frame wall supports not more
than 1 floor in buildings of heavy construction which are defined as having tile roofs or concrete topping on floors,
or ii) not more than 1.20 and the lowest exterior frame wall supports not more
than 2 floors in other types of construction, and b) the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is less than 1.20 kPa.

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
1) 
Except as provided in Article 9.23.13.1., this Article applies in locations where
a) the seismic spectral response acceleration, S
a(0.2), is
i) not more than 1.10 and the lowest exterior frame wall supports not more
than 1 floor in buildings of heavy constructionconstruction
which are defined as having tile roofs or concrete topping on floors,
or
ii) not more than 1.20 and the lowest exterior frame wall supports not more
than 2 floors in other types of constructionconstruction, and
b) the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is less than 1.20 kPa.
2) 
Bracing to resist lateral loads shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
b) Part 4, or
9.23.13.3. Requirements for Extreme Wind and Seismic Forces
1) Except as provided in
Articles 9.23.13.1. and 9.23.13.2., this Article applies in locations where
a) the seismic spectral response acceleration, S
a(0.2), is
i) greater than 1.10 for buildings with tile roofs or concrete topping on floors, iii) greater than 0.70 and the lowest exterior frame wall supports more than 2 floors in buildings of light construction, or iv) greater than 0.70 and the lowest exterior frame wall supports more than 1
floor in buildings of heavy construction, or
b) the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 1.20
kPa.

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
1) 
Except as provided in Articles 9.23.13.1. and 9.23.13.2., this Article applies in locations where
a) the seismic spectral response acceleration, S
a(0.2), is
i) greater than 1.10 for buildings with tile roofs
or concrete topping on floors,
ii) greater than 1.20 for other types of constructionconstruction,
iii) greater than 0.70 and the lowest exterior frame wall supports more than 2
floors in buildings of light constructionconstruction,
or
iv) greater than 0.70 and the lowest exterior frame wall supports more than 1
floor in buildings of heavy constructionconstruction,
or
b) the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 1.20
kPa.
2) 
Bracing to resist lateral loads shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
a) Part 4, or
9.23.13.4. Braced Wall Bands
(See Appendix A.)3) 
For split-level
buildings, a
braced wall band shall be located where there is a change in floor level greater than the depth of one floor joist.
9.23.13.5. Braced Wall Panels in Braced Wall Bands
3) 
Portions of the perimeter of a single open or enclosed space need not comply with
Sentence (1), where
a) the roof of the space projects not more than
i) 3.5 m from the face of the framing of the nearest parallel braced wall band, and ii) half the perpendicular plan dimension,
b) that portion of the perimeter structure does not support a floor,
and
c) the roof of the space is
i) integral with the roof of the rest of the building with framing members not more than 400 mm o.c., or (See Appendix A.) 5) Braced wall panels in the
braced wall band at the front of an attached garage serving a single
dwelling unit need not comply with
Sentence (1), provided
a) the maximum spacing between the front of the garage and the back wall of the garage does not exceed 7.6 m,
b) there is not more than one floor above the garage,
c) not less than 50

per cent

of the length of the back wall of the garage is constructed of
braced wall panels, and
d) not less than 25

per cent

of the length of the side walls is constructed of
braced wall panels.

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
5) 
Braced wall panels in the
braced wall band at the front of an attached garage serving a single
dwelling unit need not comply with Sentence (1), provided
a) the maximum spacing between the front of the garage and the back wall of the
garage does not exceed 7.6 m,
b) there is not more than one floor above the garage,
c) not less than 50 per cent 50% of the length of the back wall of the garage is constructed
of braced wall panels, and
d) not less than 25 per cent 25% of the length of the side walls is constructed of braced wall panels.
9.23.13.6. Materials in Braced Wall Panels
1) Required
braced wall panels shall be

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
1) 
Required
braced wall panels shall be
a) clad with panel-type cladding complying with Section 9.27. and
Table 9.23.3.4.,
b) sheathed with plywood, OSB, waferboard or diagonal lumber sheathing complying
with Subsection 9.23.17. and Table 9.23.13.6., and fastened in accordance with Article 9.23.3.5., or
c) finished on the interior with a panel-type material in accordance with the
requirements of Section 9.29. and Table 9.23.13.6.
Table 9.23.13.6. Minimum Thicknesses of Cladding, Sheathing or Interior
Finish for Braced Wall Panels Forming part of Sentence 9.23.13.6.(1) |
Panel-Type Cladding,
Sheathing or Interior Finish |
Minimum
Thickness |
With supports 400 mm o.c. |
With supports 600 mm o.c. |
Gypsum board interior finish(1) | 12.7 mm |
15.9 mm |
Sheathing complying with CAN/CSA-O325 | W16 |
W24 |
OSB O-1 and O-2 grades and waferboard
R-1 grade
|
9.5 mm |
12.5 mm |
Plywood |
9.5 mm |
12.5 mm |
Diagonal lumber |
17 mm |
17 mm |
2) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (3), required interior
braced wall panels shall be
a) sheathed or finished on both sides with a wood-based material, or
b) finished on both sides with gypsum board.
3) 
Required interior
braced wall panels of wood-based material may be sheathed on one side only, provided
a) the sheathing material is plywood, OSB or waferboard, and
b) the maximum spacing of fasteners along the edge is half of the maximum spacing shown in
Table 9.23.3.5.B.
4) For stacked
braced wall bands, where the
construction of any one
braced wall panel is required to be of a wood-based material, a wood-based material shall be installed in all the
required
braced wall panels in that
braced wall band.

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
4) 
For stacked
braced wall bands, where the
constructionconstruction of any one
braced wall panel is required
to be of a wood-based material, a wood-based material shall be installed in all the
required
braced wall panels in that
braced wall band.
5) 
Gypsum board interior finish shall not be considered as an acceptable sheathing material to provide the required bracing in exterior walls.
(See
A-9.23.13.6.(5) and (6) in Appendix A.)
9.23.13.7. Additional System Considerations
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentences (2) and (3), one exterior wall of the uppermost
storey in each orthogonal direction may be set back from the exterior wall of the
storey below, provided the adjacent interior
braced wall band of the
storey below the setback
a) is spaced not more than 10.6 m from the exterior wall of the
storey below the setback wall,
2) 
Where the exterior wall of the uppermost
storey is set back from the exterior wall of the
storey below, the roof and floor space supporting the setback wall shall be sheathed with a wood-based material between the exterior wall of
the
storey below the setback and the adjacent interior
braced wall bands of the
storey below the setback.
3) 
Where the exterior wall of the uppermost
storey is set back from the exterior wall of the
storey below, the exterior walls perpendicular to the setback wall shall
a) have their top plate connected with nails that are spaced at no greater than half the spacing required in
Table 9.23.3.4., and
6) For each orthogonal direction of the
building, the length of required
braced wall panels of one exterior wall given in
Table 9.23.13.5. may be reduced from 40

per cent

to no less than 25

per cent

of the length of the
braced wall band, provided an additional parallel and adjacent interior
braced wall band is constructed that
a) is spaced not more than 10.6 m from the exterior wall,

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
6) 
For each orthogonal direction of the
building, the length of required
braced wall panels of one exterior
wall given in Table 9.23.13.5. may be reduced from
40 per cent 40% to no
less than
25 per cent 25% of the length of the
braced wall band,
provided an additional parallel and adjacent interior
braced
wall band is constructed that
a) is spaced not more than 10.6 m from the exterior wall,
b) consists of braced wall panels that are
constructed of a wood-based material in conformance with Sentence 9.23.13.6.(2) and whose lengths sum
to no less than 25 per cent 25% of the length of the braced wall
band,
c) extends to the foundation, and
d) is not taken into consideration when providing braced
wall panels constructed of a wood-based material at spacing intervals
no greater than 15 m as per Sentence 9.23.13.6.(6).
7) Where the length of required
braced wall panels of an exterior wall is reduced as described in
Sentence (6), the ratio of the length of
braced wall panels in the respective upper
braced wall bands to the length of
braced wall panels in the reduced exterior
braced wall band shall not exceed 2.


NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
7) 
Where the length of required
braced wall panels of an exterior wall is reduced as described in Sentence (6),
the ratio of the length of
braced wall panels in the
respective upper
braced wall bands to the length of
braced wall panels in the reduced
braced wall band and in the reduced exterior
braced wall band shall not exceed 2.
9.23.14. Roof and Ceiling Framing
9.23.14.1. Continuity of Rafters and Joists
1) 
Roof rafters and joists and ceiling joists shall be continuous or shall be spliced over vertical supports that extend to suitable
bearing.
9.23.14.2. Framing around Openings
1) 
Roof and ceiling framing members shall be doubled on each side of openings greater than 2 rafter or joist spacings wide.
9.23.14.3. End Bearing Length
1) 
The length of end bearing of joists and rafters shall be not less than 38 mm.
9.23.14.4. Location and Attachment of Rafters
1) 
Rafters shall be located directly opposite each other and tied together at the peak, or may be offset by their own thickness if nailed
to a ridge board not less than 17.5 mm thick.
2) 
Except as permitted in
Sentence (3), framing members shall be connected by gusset plates or nailing at the peak in conformance with
Table 9.23.3.4. 3) 
Where the roof framing on opposite sides of the peak is assembled separately, such as in the case of factory-built houses, the roof
framing on opposite sides is permitted to be fastened together with
galvanized-steel strips not less than 200 mm by 75 mm by 0.41 mm thick spaced not more than 1.2 m apart and nailed at each end to the framing by at least
two 63 mm nails.
9.23.14.5. Shaping of Rafters
1) 
Rafters shall be shaped at supports to provide even bearing surfaces and supported directly above the exterior walls.
9.23.14.6. Hip and Valley Rafters
1) 
Hip and valley rafters shall be not less than 50 mm greater in depth than the common rafters and not less than 38 mm thick, actual dimension.
9.23.14.7. Intermediate Support for Rafters and Joists
1) 
Ceiling joists and collar ties of not less than 38 mm by 89 mm lumber are permitted to be assumed to provide intermediate support to reduce the span for rafters and joists where
the roof slope is 1 in 3 or greater.
2) 
Collar ties referred to in
Sentence (1) more than 2.4 m long shall be laterally supported near their centres by not less than 19 mm by 89
mm continuous members at right angles to the collar ties.
3) 
Dwarf walls and struts are permitted to be used to provide intermediate support to reduce the span for rafters and joists.
4) 
When struts are used to provide intermediate support they shall be not less than 38 mm by 89 mm material
extending from each rafter to a
loadbearing wall at an angle of not less than 45° to the horizontal.
5) 
When dwarf walls are used for rafter support, they shall be framed in the same manner as
loadbearing walls and securely fastened top and bottom to the roof and ceiling framing to prevent over-all movement.
6) 
Solid blocking shall be installed between floor joists beneath dwarf walls referred to in
Sentence (5) that enclose finished rooms.
9.23.14.8. Ridge Support
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (4), roof rafters and joists shall be supported at the ridge of the roof by
a) a
loadbearing wall extending from the ridge to suitable bearing, or
b) a ridge beam supported by not less than 89 mm length
of bearing.
2) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (3), the ridge beam referred to in
Sentence (1) shall conform to the sizes and spans shown in
Table A-12, provided
a) the supported rafter or joist length does not exceed 4.9 m, and
b) the roof does not support any concentrated loads.
3) 
The ridge beam referred to in
Sentence (1) need not comply with
Sentence (2) where
a) the beam is of not less than 38 mm by 140 mm material, and
b) the beam is supported at intervals not exceeding 1.2 m by not less than 38 mm by 89 mm members
extending vertically from the ridge to suitable bearing.
4) 
When the roof slope is 1 in 3 or more, ridge support need not be provided when the lower ends of the rafters are adequately tied
to prevent outward movement.
5) 
Ties required in
Sentence (4) are permitted to consist of tie rods or ceiling joists forming a continuous
tie for opposing rafters and nailed in accordance with
Table 9.23.14.8.
Table 9.23.14.8. Rafter-to-Joist Nailing (Unsupported Ridge) Forming part of Sentences 9.23.14.8.(5) and (6) |
Roof Slope |
Rafter
Spacing, mm |
Minimum Number of Nails not less than
76 mm Long
|
Rafter Tied to every Joist |
Rafter Tied to Joist every
1.2 m
|
Building Width up to 8 m
|
Building Width up to 9.8 m
|
Building Width up to 8 m
|
Building Width up to 9.8 m
|
Roof Snow Load, kPa |
Roof Snow Load, kPa |
Roof Snow Load, kPa |
Roof Snow Load, kPa |
1.0 or less |
1.5 |
2.0 or more |
1.0 or less |
1.5 |
2.0 or more |
1.0 or less |
1.5 |
2.0 or more |
1.0 or less |
1.5 |
2.0 or more |
1 in 3 |
400 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
11 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
600 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
— |
— |
11 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 in 2.4 |
400 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
7 |
10 |
— |
9 |
— |
— |
600 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
7 |
10 |
— |
— |
— |
— |
1 in 2 |
400 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
— |
— |
600 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
6 |
8 |
9 |
8 |
— |
— |
1 in 1.71 |
400 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
600 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
5 |
7 |
8 |
7 |
9 |
11 |
1 in 1.33 |
400 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
600 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
1 in 1 |
400 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
600 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
4 |
5 |
6) 
Ceiling joists referred to in
Sentence (5) shall be fastened together with at least one more nail per joist splice than required for the rafter to joist connection
shown in
Table 9.23.14.8. 7) 
Members referred to in
Sentence (6) are permitted to be fastened together either directly or through a gusset plate.
9.23.14.9. Restraint of Joist Bottoms
1) 
Roof joists supporting a finished ceiling, other than plywood, OSB or waferboard, shall be restrained from twisting along the bottom
edges by means of furring, blocking, cross bridging or strapping conforming
to
Article 9.23.9.3. 9.23.14.10. Ceiling Joists Supporting Roof Load
1) 
Except as permitted in
Sentence (2), ceiling joists supporting part of the roof load from the rafters shall be not less than 25 mm greater in depth than required
for ceiling joists not supporting part of the roof load.
2) 
When the roof slope is 1 in 4 or less, the ceiling joist sizes referred to in
Sentence (1) shall be determined from the span tables for roof joists.
9.23.14.11. Roof Trusses
1) 
Roof trusses which are not designed in accordance with
Part 4 shall
a) be capable of supporting a total ceiling load (
dead load plus
live load ) of 0.35 kPa plus two and two-thirds times the specified live roof load for 24 h, and
b) not exceed the deflections shown in
Table 9.23.14.11. when loaded with the ceiling load plus one and one-third times the specified roof snow load for 1 h.
Table 9.23.14.11. Maximum Roof Truss Deflections Forming part of Sentence 9.23.14.11.(1) |
Truss Span |
Type of Ceiling |
Maximum Deflection |
4.3 m or less
|
Plaster or gypsum board |
1/360 of the span |
Other than
plaster or gypsum board
|
1/180 of the span |
Over 4.3 m
|
Plaster or gypsum board |
1/360 of the span |
Other than
plaster or gypsum board
|
1/240 of the span |
3) 
Where the length of compression web members in roof trusses described in
Sentence (1) exceeds 1.83 m, such web members shall be provided with continuous bracing to prevent buckling.
4) 
Bracing required in
Sentence (3) shall consist of not less than 19 mm by 89 mm lumber
nailed at right angles to the web members near their centres with
at least two 63 mm nails for each member.
5) 
Where the ability of a truss design to satisfy the requirements of
Sentence (1) is demonstrated by testing, it shall consist of a full scale load test carried out in conformance
with CSA S307-M, “Load Test Procedure for Wood Roof Trusses for Houses and Small Buildings.”
6) 
Where the ability of a truss design to satisfy the requirements of
Sentence (1) is demonstrated by analysis, it shall be carried out in accordance with good engineering practice
such as that described in TPIC 2007, “Truss Design Procedures and Specifications for Light Metal Plate Connected
Wood Trusses.”
9.23.15. Subflooring
9.23.15.1. Subflooring Required
1) 
Subflooring shall be provided beneath finish flooring where the finish flooring does not have adequate strength to support the
specified
live loads (see
Subsection 9.30.3.).
9.23.15.2. Material Standards
1) 
Except as provided in
Sentence (2), wood-based panels for subfloors shall conform to
c) CSA O153-M, “Poplar Plywood,”
2) 
Particleboard subflooring may be used only where a
building is constructed in a factory so that the subfloor will not be exposed to the weather.
4) 
Subflooring described in
Sentence (2) shall have its upper surface and all edges treated to restrict water absorption, where the subfloor is used in bathrooms, kitchens,
laundry rooms or other areas subject to periodic wetting. (See
Appendix A.)
9.23.15.3. Edge Support
1) 
Where the edges of panel-type subflooring are required to be supported (see
Sentence 9.30.2.1.(2)), such support shall consist of tongue-and-groove panel edges or not less than 38 mm by 38 mm blocking securely nailed between framing members.
9.23.15.4. Direction of Installation
1) 
Plywood subflooring shall be installed with the surface grain at right angles to the joists and with joints parallel to floor joists
staggered.
9.23.15.5. Subfloor Thickness or Rating
Table 9.23.15.5.A Thickness of Subflooring Forming part of Sentences 9.23.15.5.(1) and 9.23.16.7.(1) |
Maximum Spacing of Supports, mm (in.) |
Minimum Thickness, mm (in.) |
Plywood and OSB, O-2 Grade |
OSB, O-1 Grade, and Waferboard,
R-1 Grade |
Particleboard |
Lumber |
400 (16)
|
15.5 (⅝)
|
15.9 (⅝)
|
15.9 (⅝)
|
17.0 (11/16)
|
500 (20)
|
15.5 (⅝)
|
15.9 (⅝)
|
19.0 (¾)
|
19.0 (¾)
|
600 (24)
|
18.5 (¾)
|
19.0 (¾)
|
25.4 (1)
|
19.0 (¾)
|
Table 9.23.15.5.B Rating for Subfloor when Applying CAN/CSA-O325 Forming part of Sentences 9.23.15.5.(1) and 9.23.16.7.(1) |
Maximum Spacing of Supports, mm |
Panel Mark |
Subfloor |
Used with Panel-Type Underlay |
400 |
1F16 |
2F16 |
500 |
1F20 |
2F20 |
600 |
1F24 |
2F24 |
2) 
Where the finished flooring consists of not less than 19 mm matched wood strip flooring laid at right angles to joists spaced not more than 600 mm o.c., subflooring
shall be permitted to consist of not less than
a) 12.5 mm thick plywood,
b) 12.5 mm thick OSB conforming to O-2 grade,
c) 12.7 mm thick OSB conforming to O-1 grade,
d) 12.7 mm thick waferboard conforming to R-1 grade,
or
e) OSB conforming to 2R32/2F16 grade.
3) 
Except where the flooring consists of ceramic tiles applied with adhesive, where a separate panel-type underlay or concrete topping
is applied to a subfloor on joists spaced not more than 400
mm o.c., the subfloor is permitted to consist of not less than
a) 12.5 mm thick plywood,
b) 12.5 mm thick OSB conforming to O-2 grade,
c) 12.7 mm thick OSB conforming to O-1 grade,
d) 12.7 mm thick waferboard conforming to R-1 grade,
or
e) OSB conforming to 2R32/2F16 grade.
9.23.15.6. Annular Grooved Nails
1) 
When resilient flooring is applied directly to an OSB, waferboard, particleboard or plywood subfloor, the subfloor shall be fastened
to the supports with annular grooved nails.
9.23.15.7. Lumber Subflooring
1) 
Lumber subflooring shall be laid at an angle of not less than 45° to the joists.
2) 
Lumber subflooring shall be fully supported at the ends on solid bearing.
3) 
Lumber for subflooring shall be of uniform thickness and not more than 184 mm wide.
9.23.16. Roof Sheathing
9.23.16.1. Required Roof Sheathing
1) 

Except where the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is less than 0.8 kPa and the seismic spectral response
acceleration, S
a(0.2), is less than or equal to 0.70,

continuous lumber or panel-type roof sheathing shall be installed to support the roofing.
9.23.16.2. Material Standards
1) 
Wood-based panels used for roof sheathing shall conform to the requirements of
c) CSA O153-M, “Poplar Plywood,”
9.23.16.3. Direction of Installation
1) 
Plywood roof sheathing shall be installed with the surface grain at right angles to the roof framing.
9.23.16.4. Joints in Panel-Type Sheathing
1) 
Panel-type sheathing board shall be applied so that joints perpendicular to the roof ridge are staggered where
a) the sheathing is applied with the surface grain parallel to
the roof ridge, and
b) the thickness of the sheathing is such that the edges are required
to be supported.
2) 
A gap of not less than 2 mm shall be left between sheets of plywood, OSB or waferboard.
9.23.16.5. Lumber Roof Sheathing
1) 
Lumber roof sheathing shall not be more than 286 mm wide and shall be applied so that all ends are supported with end joints staggered.
2) 
Lumber roof sheathing shall be installed diagonally, where
a) the seismic spectral response acceleration, S
a(0.2), is greater than 0.70 but not greater than 1.2,

or

b) the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 0.80 kPa but less than 1.20 kPa.

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
2) 
Lumber roof sheathing shall be installed diagonally, where
a) the seismic spectral response acceleration, Sa(0.2), is greater
than 0.70 but not greater than 1.2, orand
b) the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 0.80
kPa but less than 1.20 kPa.
3) 
Lumber roof sheathing shall be designed according to Part 4, where
a) the seismic spectral response acceleration, Sa(0.2),
is greater than 1.2, or
b) the 1-in-50 hourly wind pressure is equal to or greater than 1.20 kPa.

9.23.16.6. Edge Support
1) 
Where panel-type roof sheathing requires edge support, the support shall consist of metal H clips or not less than 38 mm by 38 mm blocking securely nailed between framing members.
9.23.16.7. Thickness or Rating
3) Asphalt-coated or asphalt-impregnated fibreboard not less than 11.1 mm thick conforming to

CAN/ULC-S706, “Wood Fibre Insulating Boards for Buildings,”

is permitted to be used as a roof sheathing over supports spaced not more than 400 mm o.c. provided the roofing consists of
a) a continuous sheet of galvanized steel not less than 0.33 mm in
thickness, or
b) a continuous sheet of aluminum not less than 0.61 mm in
thickness.

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
3) 
Asphalt-coated or asphalt-impregnated fibreboard not less than 11.1 mm thick conforming to CAN/ULC-S706, “Wood Fibre Insulating Boards for Buildings,” is permitted to be used as a roof sheathing over supports spaced not more than
400 mm o.c. provided the roofing consists of
a) a continuous sheet of galvanized steel not less than 0.33 mm in
thickness, or
b) a continuous sheet of aluminum not less than 0.61 mm in
thickness.
4) 
All edges of sheathing described in
Sentence (3) shall be supported by blocking or framing.
Table 9.23.16.7.A Thickness of Roof Sheathing Forming part of Sentence 9.23.16.7.(2) |
Maximum Spacing of Supports, mm |
Minimum Thickness, mm |
Plywood, and OSB, O-2 Grade |
OSB, O-1 Grade, and Waferboard, R-1
Grade |
Lumber
|
Edges Supported |
Edges Unsupported |
Edges Supported |
Edges Unsupported |
300
|
7.5
|
7.5
|
9.5
|
9.5
|
17.0
|
400
|
7.5
|
9.5
|
9.5
|
11.1
|
17.0
|
600
|
9.5
|
12.5
|
11.1
|
12.7
|
19.0
|

NC2010 2010-01-01 R1
Table 9.23.16.7.A. Thickness of Roof Sheathing Forming part of Sentence 9.23.16.7.(2)
|
Maximum Spacing of Supports, mm |
Minimum Thickness, mm (in.) |
|
Plywood, and OSB, O-2 Grade |
OSB, O-1 Grade, and Waferboard, R-1
Grade |
Lumber
|
|
Edges Supported |
Edges Unsupported |
Edges Supported |
Edges Unsupported |
|
300 (12)
|
7.5 (5/16)
|
7.5 (5/16)
|
9.5 (⅜)
|
9.5 (⅜)
|
17.0 (11/16)
|
400 (16)
|
7.5 (5/16)
|
9.5 (⅜)
|
9.5 (⅜)
|
11.1 (7/16)
|
17.0 (11/16)
|
600 (24)
|
9.5 (⅜)
|
12.5 (½)
|
11.1 (7/16)
|
12.7 (½)
|
19.0 (¾)
|
Table 9.23.16.7.B Rating for Roof Sheathing When Applying CAN/CSA-O325 Forming part of Sentence 9.23.16.7.(2) |
Maximum Spacing of Supports, mm (in.) |
Panel Mark |
Edges Supported |
Edges Unsupported |
400 (16)
|
2R16 |
1R16 |
500 (20)
|
2R20 |
1R20 |
600 (24)
|
2R24 |
1R24 |
9.23.17. Wall Sheathing
9.23.17.1. Required Sheathing
1) 
Exterior walls and gable ends shall be sheathed when the exterior cladding requires intermediate fastening between supports or if the
exterior cladding requires solid backing.
9.23.17.2. Thickness, Rating and Material Standards
Table 9.23.17.2.A Wall Sheathing Thickness and Specifications Forming part of Sentence 9.23.17.2.(1) |
Type of
Sheathing |
Minimum Thickness, mm(1) | Material
Standards |
With Supports
400 mm o.c.
|
With Supports
600 mm o.c.
|
Fibreboard (insulating) |
9.5 |
11.1 |
CAN/ULC-S706
|
Gypsum sheathing |
9.5 |
12.7 |
CAN/CSA-A82.27-M ASTM C 1177/C 1177M ASTM C 1396/C 1396M
|
Lumber |
17.0 |
17.0 |
See Table 9.3.2.1. |
Mineral Fibre, Rigid Board, Type 2 |
25 |
25 |
CAN/ULC-S702 |
OSB, O-2 Grade |
6.0 |
7.5 |
CSA O437.0 |
OSB, O-1 Grade, and Waferboard, R-1 Grade |
6.35 |
7.9 |
CSA O437.0 |
Phenolic, faced |
25 |
25 |
CAN/CGSB-51.25-M |
Plywood (exterior type) |
6.0 |
7.5 |
CSA O121 CSA O151 CSA O153-M
|
Polystyrene, Types 1 and 2 |
38 |
38 |
CAN/ULC-S701
|
Polystyrene, Types 3 and 4 |
25 |
25 |
CAN/ULC-S701
|
Polyurethane and Polyisocyanurate
Type 1, faced
|
38 |
38 |
CAN/ULC-S704
|
Polyurethane and Polyisocyanurate
Types 2 and 3, faced
|
25 |
25 |
CAN/ULC-S704
|
Table 9.23.17.2.B Rating for Wall Sheathing when Applying CAN/CSA-O325 Forming part of Sentence 9.23.17.2.(1) |
Maximum Spacing of Supports,
mm |
Panel Mark |
400 |
W16 |
500 |
W20 |
600 |
W24 |
9.23.17.3. Attachment of Cladding to Sheathing
1) 
Gypsum sheathing, rigid insulation and fibreboard shall not be used for the attachment of cladding materials.
9.23.17.4. Lumber Sheathing
1) 
Lumber wall sheathing shall be applied so that all ends are supported.
2) 
Where lumber wall sheathing is required to provide bracing according to
Article 9.23.10.2., it shall be applied with end joints staggered.
9.23.17.5. Joints in Panel-Type Sheathing
1) 
A gap of not less than 2 mm shall be left between sheets of plywood, OSB, waferboard or fibreboard.
9.23.17.6. Mansard Style Roofs
1) 
Where the bottom portions of mansard style roofs are vented, the vertical framing members behind the sloping portions shall be
considered on the same basis as exterior wall studs and shall conform
to
Articles 9.27.3.2. to 9.27.3.6.