How to Raise House Walls

Raising a House Wall

Introduction:

Walls are usually constructed on the flat deck of the house. Raising the walls after they are constructed can be a difficult ask. The wall can be completed before it is raised or it may be only partially completed.

I prefer only partially completing the wall before raising it unless you are using powered lifting equipment such as a crane. A completed house wall can be very heavy if it has all the sheathing, trim, and barrier paper installed. The following tips on how to raise house walls will ensure a successful experience.

Before the exterior wall is framed, a chalk line should be snapped on the deck. For a 2x4 wall with 1/2 inch sheathing, the line should be 4 inches off the edge of the outside edge of the deck. Align the edge of the bottom plate of the completed wall on the line. The end of the wall is aligned with the edge of the deck. Toe nail the bottom plate to the deck on the inside of the bottom plate. This will hold the wall in place when squaring up the wall and also keep the wall on the line when raising it.
Use a straight claw hammer or a pry bar under the top plate to get your hands under the wall to lift it. Lift the wall high enough to slip a 2x4 flat under it. This inch and a half space gives you enough room for your hands.
Before raising the wall have bracing material on hand. Brace the wall in place as part of the raining process. To avoid any accidental falling don’t wait to install the bracing. A small amount of wind on a large wall section can cause it to blow off the foundation. Have enough 2x4 bracing to nail them on about every 10 feet along the wall. Use blocks nailed to the deck to anchor the braces. Nail the bracing through the deck into the floor joists to eliminate the risk of the bracing failing in high winds.
Bracing on the ends of the walls can be nailed on before it is raised. Nail one end of a 2x4 (wall stud) about one third of the way down from the top plate. Start a nail at the other end of the 2x4 so that when the wall is stood up, all you have to do is drive the nail into the rim joist to brace the end of the wall.
A good rule for raising a wall is a set of hands every 8 to 10 feet along the wall. This gives everyone a comfortable weight to lift without over stressing anyone. For safety, use your legs in the lifting process as much as possible.
Once the wall is raised nail the end braces to the rim joists then nail the braces to a stud or window opening about a third of the way down from the top plate, about every 8 to 10 feet apart. Nail the blocks to the deck alongside the braces that are nailed to the wall. Nail through the deck into the floor joists. Plumb the wall and nail the anchor end of the brace to the blocks on the deck.
The final step in raising the wall is to nail the bottom plate of the wall to the deck. Straighten the wall along the chalk line snapped on the deck before nailing.

Knowing how to raise house walls effectively will take some of the hazard out of the task. Now you can begin work on the rest of the wall.

See related articles:

Framing Walls | Wall Framing Layout

How to Cut Roof Rafters

How to Frame Gable Roofs

How to Make Stair Stringers

Roof Trusses

For more DIY information Check out these Resources

A Great DIY Guide