Blocking?

[joshg]

I have quick queston for you experts. My GC says that he never blocks wall studs (though he does do trusses). Is this standard practice? Wall heights are 10', Thanks for all you help on all these threads.

[Rich]

The IRC '03 states the maximum insupported heights of studs is 10' when supporting 1 roof. Taller than 10' and you would have to block the studs.
Such as Table 602.3.1 says for 2x6 studs @ 16" o.c. the maximum allowable length of studs is 14'. But per Table 602.3(5) you would have to block at the 10' height.. this blocking at 10' also takes care of the fireblocking requirement in R602.8.
That's at least what the code says. Typically I will block at 8' on rake walls or whatever the wall height is on the common wall.

[joshg]

So there really isn't any reason not to do it (except time and $). Thank you!

[Cole]

So there really isn't any reason not to do it (except time and $). Thank you!

You got it!

[MCC]

Some Local Codes Require Blocking At Less Than 10' Spans Floor To Ceiling. It Always A Good Idea And Gets Ride Of Some Of Your Waste. Always Check Your Local Codes.