How To Install Strapping

Strapping Is used to further stabilize the roof structure and to secure interior sheathing to the roof rafters.

• What is Strapping?

• When to install the strapping

• How to install strapping

1. What is strapping?

   • Strapping refers to the strips of wood that are installed along the length of the interior of a ceiling or wall.

   • The strapping itself consists of lengths of 1" x 3" lumber.

   • Strapping should be used on any interior surface where studs or rafters are greater than 16" on center.

2. When do I install strapping?

   • Strapping can be installed any time prior to the installation of interior sheathing.

   • Installing strapping prior to any other interior work can be useful. The strapping can be used as a temporary support to hold up the insulation and wiring.

3. How to install strapping.

   • You will be installing the strapping perpendicular to the ceiling rafters and 16" on center.

   

   • When strapping a flat ceiling, begin at one corner of the ceiling where the ceiling meets the wall.

   • Start strapping the ceiling in each room from the same side of the house. You will later begin hanging drywall from the same side of the house. This will ensure your 16" on center measurements.

   • Cut the first piece of strapping so that one end starts at the corner and the other ends at the center of a ceiling rafter.

   • Place the piece of strapping against the ceiling, wall, and corner.

   • Nail the strapping to each rafter using 2 to 3 nails at each intersection.

   • Butt the second piece to the end of the first piece and nail it to the center of the that rafter.

     

   • Continue in this manner until you have reached the other corner of the room.

   • The center of the second row of strapping must be 16" from the center of the row you have just installed. You must calculate the propper distance between the first and second row depending on the width of the strapping you have purchased.

     • Subtract 1/2 the width of the strapping from 16" to calculate the distance of the second row from the first row.

     • If your strapping is 2 1/2" in width, you must install the second row 14 3/4" from the first row.

   • Any additional rows will be installed 16" from the previous one.

   • Continue installing rows until you have reached the opposing wall.

   • Be sure to install the last row along the intersection of the wall and ceiling even if it is less than 16" from the previous row.

4. You must install strapping on the ceiling of every room of your house.

5. If you are using Attic Trusses and you plan on using the attic portion as liveable space, you must continue the strapping down all exterior walls in all upstairs rooms. The last row must be installed at the floor level.

   

   
   
   
   

   {Next Step: Coming Soon - How To Build The Interior Of the house}