Home Inspector Monthly Newsletter #76 December 2014

• to transfer loads resisted by structural members and systems to other parts of the structure to form a continuous load path;
• to secure nonstructural components and equipment to the building; and
• to fasten members in place during construction to resist temporary loads during installation (i.e., finishes, sheathing, etc.).

InterNACHI has provided an article for home inspectors about the adequate connection of the framing members and structural systems as a critical design and construction consideration. Regardless of the type of structure or type of material, structures are only as strong as their connections, and structural systems can behave as a unit only with proper interconnection of the components and assemblies; therefore, this article is dedicated to connections. A connection transfers loads from one framing member to another (i.e., a stud to a top or bottom plate) or from one assembly to another (i.e., a roof to a wall, a wall to a floor, and a floor to a foundation). Connections generally consist of two or more framing members and a mechanical connection device, such as a fastener or specialty connection hardware. Adhesives are also used to supplement mechanical attachment of wall finishes or floor sheathing to wood.

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