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gilhaus t1_isqznij wrote

What is racking?

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amberwench t1_isqzul1 wrote

Racking is the term used for when buildings tilt as their structural components are forced out of plumb.

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nivenhuh OP t1_isr4oev wrote

If you don’t secure the top plate and bottom plate of a framed wall, they can tilt in and fall over (racking).

While doing construction, you use a cross brace nailed from the top plate to bottom plate (and studs) to prevent this from happening.

Typically sheeting (drywall or plywood) is installed onto framing members, which prevents racking from occurring on free-standing walls.

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