Exposed Wallplate OK?

[belfast_boy]

We had rotten wall-plates replaced.

The new wall-plates appear to be sticking out from under the wall they are supporting. Is This ok? Or too risky with rain etc...

http://links.pictures.aol.com/pic/3080tGEeDyzOWcdytyL2iupV100oTvusfctWv4xQp5Fd3Ig=_l.jpg

Here is the new wall-plate with the facie and guttering in front of it. Yet you can clearly see some of the wall-plate sticking out. As a non-expert my concern would be about the possibility of water standing on the wall-plate or even flowing inside.

If it is not Ok is is best to go through Building Control or to the builder first?


Thanks.

 

[^woody^]

It looks like its tanalised (ie treated) so if you think about it, its the same as exposed fencing or suchlike and so will be fine.

It will get wet, but will dry out and that is not a problem.

Ideally there would be no exposed timber, but as long as it does not allow any dampness into the inside of the roof or room, then it will be OK. There will be an issue with life-span, which will be reduced, but should be good for 15-20 years or so

 

[belfast_boy]

Thanks Woody.

The wall-plate supports the rafters on the front of the house, but also the brickwork that constitutes the peak.
The bricks apparently rest on the wall-plate. Replacing a wall-plate is quite expensive, therefore. (|Dismanteling the bricks etc.).

Could the lifespan be easily increased (covering, further treating)?

In view of the above, is it customary to have the wall-plate not protruding, but rather have it covered?

Thanks for your help.

 

[^woody^]

Wallplates may project in some old Tudor or "olde-worlde" type properties, but yours looks like some sort of Victirian/Geordian terrace, so its not common in these instances - unless there was a timber fascia fixed to it

That [green] timber looks like some sort of plant on strip to fix the gutter to - is that the wallplate just poking out of the wall?

If that is the wallplate in the wall, its looks a bit brown and not green like the other bit, so is it treated? If its the original, then it will not be treated and will be getting wet from the wall. Plus it looks like a gap between it and the green timber so the end grain will be exposed.

It may be worth wile having a bit of lead cover put on it just to throw most of the water off

You can apply a regular preservative (every 5 years) to maintain timber.