I am planning a remodel on my home which will increase my square footage from about 950 sq. ft. to 1900 sw. ft.. The design calls for “sheer walls” in several areas. In one of the corners where a “sheer wall” is specified, I would like to put in a window about 3′-6″ wide x 6′-8″ high. Is there an alternative method of framing that would allow me to frame for the window and still accomodate the “sheer wall” intent, such as using liquid nail and screws to attach the 3/4″ plywood sheating to the exterior or running a threaded rod through the 13′ addition into the existing house?
The part of the new addition I am looking at now extends the living room out 13′ or so and is 24′ wide. In the 24′ width, there are 5 windows 3′-6″ wide x 6′-8″ high, facing due West. the wall in question is the North wall and the window would be about 3′-0″ from the West Wall. The 5 windows are centered in the 24′ with about 1′ between each window.
I have looked for articles on sheer wall design and found very little.
Sincerely, Instant
Replies
Design of shear walls really requires the expertise of a licensed architect or engineer. It's not information that's easily available in print. It has to be done properly or in an earthquake or high winds your house will fall down.
I had an idea that was what I would find out. I live in the northeast corner of Washington so the earthquake problem is quit low; however, we had the aftershock from the big quake in West Yellowstone Park many years ago but it did little damage ion the Spokane area. I live on a high ridge with little or no wind at the location of my house but there have been winds about 10 miles away that broke off the telephone poles about 6' above the ground. They said it was a micro burst or miny tornado.
I did have a window or a door to a deck in that area at one time but the architect took it out so I will have to give him a call and see what he can tell me.
Thanks again, Instant
I also live in Wash. state and am building my house. The holy grail of the building dept. is these sheer walls as designed by Civil Engineers. The building inspector will not accept any changes to the original design without the design Engineers approval.