Ignite FB Tracking PixelDefining shear walls & the benefits of them during construction - Khalid & Donna Mahmud ,CA DRE #01812087,CA DRE # 01812367
eXp Realty Of California Inc.
Khalid & Donna Mahmud ,CA DRE #01812087,CA DRE # 01812367, eXp Realty Of California Inc.Phone: (408) 464-6442
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Defining shear walls & the benefits of them during construction

by Khalid & Donna Mahmud ,CA DRE #01812087,CA DRE # 01812367 07/03/2024

Defining shear walls and the benefits of them during construction  featured image

Shear walls are often seen in construction to bear heavy loads and withstand the forces of natural disasters. Understanding the purpose of shear walls and how they work can give you great insight into the building process and how it ties into safety. 

What is the purpose of a shear wall?

A shear wall is an architectural design made to withstand high-impact winds and other forces parallel to the plane of the structure. 

How it works is when one end of the wall undergoes an uplift, the other side is compressed - both loads alternate as the structure shakes to distribute the impact.  

What is in a shear wall?

Shear wall construction is composed of two or more walls, with beams or slabs and columns connecting the beams. This type of framing provides resistance to lateral forces and lateral loads by bending and with movement. 

What type of plywood is used for shear walls?

APA rated sheathing and Structural I are some of the best plywood to use when building shear walls. Structural I must be dense Douglas Fir or Southern Pine wood, while rated plywood can be any wood species. 

It’s best to avoid using 3-ply plywood, as the highest acceptable values were reduced by the city of Los Angeles to around 200 lbs/ft maximum. This change took place after the Northridge Earthquake tore architecture with this type of plywood - so regardless of where you stay, it’s best to use higher grade plywood. 

When building a home with concrete shear walls, it is important to work closely with your contractor to ensure high-quality materials are used for optimal safety.



About the Author
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Khalid & Donna Mahmud ,CA DRE #01812087,CA DRE # 01812367

As a licensed real estate specialists you can rely on Khalid & Donna to help you reach your personal and financial goals whether you are - buying your first home, an investor, moving up, sizing down, refinancing or purchasing an investment property. Also great resource for homeowners who have a hardship & distressed property scenario and unable to keep up with the payments. Areas covered: Entire main Bay Area & all surrounding counties with extensive client portfolio of bought & sold properties. Have an extensive diverse background in the fields of Real Estate, and Program Management. I believe in helping and educating clients make informed decision in their real estate transaction that will meet their criteria and goals. .