I'm adding central air to a small duplex. There is no attic, so I have to run the ducts in a soffit. The air handler will be in an existing small hall closet. The soffit would not have to be as low, if I can get the ducts tight against the ceiling. The top plate would be the one over the existing closet door. Do you think there would be any issues with this? I'm getting it inspected for electrical and a/c. I'm not sure if the electrical or mechanical inspector would say anything about it.
Cutting top plate for clearance
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If it's a load bearing wall, you don't want to be cutting into the top plate.
But they make HVAC ducts that can change shape....you don't have to go round.
You main problem is you won't find what you need at HD....you need to go to an HVAC duct supply house.
But they make HVAC ducts that can change shape....you don't have to go round.
You main problem is you won't find what you need at HD....you need to go to an HVAC duct supply house.
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3,483 Posts
as long as your not compromising a point load cutting through the top plate is perfectly fine.. and make sure that any joists next to it are properly fastened to the plate on either side so it doesnt want to move. its done all the time by proffesionals
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516 Posts
I would add, as long as it is not a bearing wall or a shear wall you will be fine.
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3,483 Posts
its perfectly fine to cut a top plate in a bearing wall as long as the joists closest to it are within 2" of being over top of a stud.. it wont effect anything
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