What are the Code requirements for wall studs?

9.23.5.3. WALL STUDS

Exterior studs must be able to resist bending stresses caused by wind forces and compressive stresses caused by vertical loading. Drilling, notching or otherwise damaging of wall studs should be limited so that the undamaged portion of the stud is not less than two-thirds the depth of a loadbearing stud or not less than 40 mm (19/16 in.) if the stud is non-loadbearing. If the undamaged portion of a notched or drilled stud exceeds these limits, suitable reinforcing must be provided. Steel strapping is sometimes suitable for this purpose when dealing with non-loadbearing studs. Non-loadbearing studs should provide reasonable solid support for finishes and be able to resist impact loads, especially if the wall is acting as a guard.

Where the loadbearing capacity of the stud is important, an additional stud at right angles to and immediately adjacent to the damaged stud may provide the requisite bearing capacity, yet allow any service element to pass. Damaged or warped studs should be replaced, repaired or straightened and reinforced.

Steven Penna has over 30 years of previous experience as a manager/supervisor for a number of municipal building departments in the administration and enforcement of the Ontario Building Code Act and Regulation.

He is also a part-time instructor for Georgian College and Seneca College. Steven is a member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists