Wall plate... If this is the wall plate, it's not all on the wall! Problems?

[Krome10]

Hi again

Apologies for another question so soon... Having removed the concrete render from the back of our house, I've also removed the soffits which I'll replace after repointing. I don't know much about building, but I presume the wood on top of the wall is the wall plate? On the right hand side, this seems to be as I would expect - firmly on top of the wall, leaving space in front for ventilation, with small pieces of wood to attach the soffits to. But as it goes along the wall, the wall plate gets further and further away. By the time it reaches the left hand side, it is no longer on the wall at all!

Aside from potentially being wrong, the other problem is that I plan to install ventilated soffits. In that area they won't be very effective because the timber pretty much spans the gap the soffit will span, so not much air would get passed.

Bit stuck as to whether I am over worrying, it is totally wrong and needs remedial action, or something in between. Any help would be fantastic.

The first photo shows the full length.
The second shows only half the length, looking in the opposite direction, and starting from where the wall plate/timber starts to move away from the wall top. I've put a green line on to help show the timber edge.
The third is a closer look at the timber off the wall.
And the fourth is the same, but looking from behind).

Please ignore all the plastic bags etc which have just been put in to prevent unwanted visitors.

Many thanks

 

[Lorenzl]

Not looking good as the wall plate is supposed to support the roof and prevent it blowing off.

Looking at photo three I assume the lighter area on the wood is where the render was so it has been like it from when this roof was installed; original?

I assume the two outer walls are not parallel and in Photo one it looks like the closer end of the wall angles inwards at the top?
They should still have installed the wall plate in such a way as to ensure it was on the wall and cut the timbers to match.

I would say the correct thing to do is have at least that part of the roof fixed or cover it up quickly and for get about it. If the wall angles in you could have that part of the wall rebuilt.

 

[Jones]

That does look like the wall plate which joins the roof to the wall and should be tied down to prevent movement. If the wall is out it's normal to square the wall plate so you can pattern cut the rafters but it should be mostly on the wall. Having said all that if it's been like that for a long time and not caused a problem then putting it right may be unnecessary. For soffit vent a 10 mm continuous gap is sufficient and it looks like you have that,if not you can remove the guttering and fascia board and pack that out a bit.

 

[Jameshow]

Does it have any ceiling joists stopping it splaying?

Perhaps the nails are letting go and the weight of the roof is forcing the rafters outwards???

 

[rogxwhit]

Having said all that if it's been like that for a long time and not caused a problem then putting it right may be unnecessary.

I'm inclined to this view. Except that the render before removal would've supported the wallplate end a bit, and now there's nothing.

How many purlins are there? They may be carrying most of the roof weight. Is it a gable or just a small return?

 

[Terry - Somerset]

The wall plate is not doing its job in supporting the roof. It may have been like this for decades and not caused a problem. Equally with severe weather it could fail this winter. Having found the problem I would be inclined to try to fix it.

A new "wall plate" could be fixed on top of the stonework where the original is missing. This can be tied into the rafters - may be easiest to use some stout galvanised brackets which will screw or bolt into the woodwork, and be resistant to any future movement.

 

[OldGreyDog]

It looks as though the wallplate was bearing on render over only part of its width. Looks like an old building so its possible the roof has ‘spread’ a bit over the years. To maintain integrity after removal of the render its worth thoroughly checking that the eaves of both sides of the roof are securely restrainded to each other to prevent posibility of further movement, especially where the wall-plate over-runs the wall beneath.

 

[Stevekane]

I dont suppose it was built like that, and has already been said, the roof has settled and spread out pushing the plate and the few rusty nails holding it to the top of the wall outwards. Just a thought from somone completely inexperianced in these things, but would it be possible to jack up that end of the roof at the ridge, after taking the weight ratchet strap the roof timbers back to their proper positions and secure them with a few additional timbers to brace the roof,,,Im not offering this as a solution, just wondering if its feasible?
Steve.

 

[woodieallen]

I think all the above is academic. Doesn't seem to be any mortars between the stones. probably been like that since it was built. So what to do ? Fix a length of 4 x 2 between the wall plates on either side to stop any further spread. At each end of the building. Live with it. Any other course of action will involve roof removal and a rebuild. IMO.

I've learned to live with and embrace old buildings. Most of them were thrown (literally) up.

 

[Adam W.]

Hi again

Apologies for another question so soon... Having removed the concrete render from the back of our house, I've also removed the soffits which I'll replace after repointing. I don't know much about building, but I presume the wood on top of the wall is the wall plate? On the right hand side, this seems to be as I would expect - firmly on top of the wall, leaving space in front for ventilation, with small pieces of wood to attach the soffits to. But as it goes along the wall, the wall plate gets further and further away. By the time it reaches the left hand side, it is no longer on the wall at all!

Aside from potentially being wrong, the other problem is that I plan to install ventilated soffits. In that area they won't be very effective because the timber pretty much spans the gap the soffit will span, so not much air would get passed.

Bit stuck as to whether I am over worrying, it is totally wrong and needs remedial action, or something in between. Any help would be fantastic.

The first photo shows the full length.
The second shows only half the length, looking in the opposite direction, and starting from where the wall plate/timber starts to move away from the wall top. I've put a green line on to help show the timber edge.
The third is a closer look at the timber off the wall.
And the fourth is the same, but looking from behind).

Please ignore all the plastic bags etc which have just been put in to prevent unwanted visitors.

Many thanks


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You have a nasty case of thrust.