Sopwith
Growing in Experience

How to add bracing for external wall?

The Bunnings workshop is so helpful. I hope you might be able to help solve a puzzle I have.

Two of my friends are each building a timber-framed shed, 3mx6m. In each case, the plan is taken from instructions online by (I can't recall the exact name) but think it is a Timber Industry association. The plans claim that they are suitable for the type of location my friends have.

One friend is using a technique I've seen many times - bracing the wall frame with galvanized straps, diagonally arranged, in a cross, with a butterfly tensioner.

The other - who has spent time in north America - is using structural ply. This is being nailed, as per manufacturer's instructions, which cite the NCC. I'd seen ply bracing near corners or door ways, but not an entire build, but gather that is usual in North America.

In both cases a vapour wrap will be fitted and then timber cladding, over battens. The timber frames will be stuffed with insulation, prior to the lining being fitted. One shed is to be a darkroom; the other, a writing space / hobby room.

The location of both sheds is southern Tasmania.

My questions are:

1. Is there any difference between the two bracing techniques - or is preference down to cost?

2. If bracing is via structural ply, is the vapour wrap still necessary?

The two approaches have provoked quite a bit of friendly discussion.

Thanks for reading.

Sopwith
Growing in Experience

Re: How to add bracing for external wall?

Thanks MitchellMc for that explanation. Very much appreciated. My friend is very cautious and also has more experience from North America. So, I guess that should be figured into the approach.

S

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