The Ontario Building Code | Joints in Top Plates
9.23.11.4. Joints in Top Plates
(1) Joints in the top plates of loadbearing walls shall be staggered not less than one stud spacing.
(2) The top plates in loadbearing walls shall be lapped or otherwise suitably tied at corners and intersecting walls in accordance with Sentence (4).
(3) Joints in single top plates used with loadbearing walls shall be tied in accordance with Sentence (4).
(4) Ties referred to in Sentences (2) and (3) shall be the equivalent of not less than 75 mm by 150 mm by 0.91 mm thick galvanized steel nailed to each wall with at least three 63 mm nails.
9.23.12. Framing Over openings="http://thehandyforce.com/windows/" title ="Window installer in Toronto">openings
In Plain Language
Joints in top plates must be constructed as set out in this article, ensuring the plate remains structurally continuous even where two pieces meet.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.