Re: Drilling Framing Members
The 2003 International Residential Code covers this:
not exceeding 8 feet (2438 mm).
R502.8Drilling and notching. Structural floor members shall
not be cut, bored or notched in excess of the limitations speci-
fied in this section. See Figure R502.8.
R502.8.1 Sawn lumber. Notches in solid lumber joists, raf-
ters and beams shall not exceed one-sixth of the depth of the
member, shall not be longer than one-third of the depth of the
member and shall not be located in the middle one-third of
the span. Notches at the ends of themember shall not exceed
one-fourth the depth of the member. The tension side of
members 4 inches (102 mm) or greater in nominal thickness
shall not be notched except at the ends of the members. The
diameter of holes bored or cut intomembers shall not exceed
one-third the depth of the member. Holes shall not be closer
than 2 inches (51 mm) to the top or bottomof the member, or
to any other hole located in themember.Where the member
is also notched, the hole shall not be closer than 2 inches (51
mm) to the notch.
R502.8.2 Engineered wood products. Cuts, notches and
holes bored in trusses, laminated veneer lumber, glue-lami-
natedmembers or I-joists are not permitted unless the effects
of such penetrations are specifically considered in the design
of the member.
R602.6Drilling and notching—studs.Any stud in anexterior
wall or bearing partition may be cut or notched to a depth not
exceeding 25 percent of its width. Studs in nonbearing parti-
tions may be notched to a depth not to exceed 40 percent of a
single stud width. Any stud may be bored or drilled, provided
that the diameter of the resulting hole is no greater than 40 per-
cent of the stud width, the edge of the hole is no closer than 5/8
inch (15.9 mm) to the edge of the stud, and the hole is not lo-
cated in the same section as a cut or notch. See Figures
R602.6(1) and R602.6(2).
Exceptions:
1. A stud may be bored to a diameter not exceeding 60
percent of its width, provided that such studs located
in exterior walls or bearing partitions are doubled and
that not more than two successive studs are bored.
2. Approved stud shoes may be used when installed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommenda-
tion.
R602.6.1 Drilling and notching of top plate.When piping
or ductwork is placed in or partly in an exterior wall or interi-
or load-bearingwall, necessitating cutting, drilling or notch-
ing of the top plate by more than 50 percent of its width, a
galvanized metal tie of not less than 0.054 inches thick
(1.37mm) (16ga) and 11/2 inches (38mm) wide shall be fas-
tened to each plate across and to each side of the opening
with not less than eight 16d nails at each side or equivalent.
See Figure R602.6.1.
Exception:When the entire side of the wall with the notch
or cut is covered by wood structural panel sheathing.
R802.7 Cutting and notching. Structural roof members shall
not be cut, bored or notched in excess of the limitations speci-
fied in this section.
R802.7.1 Sawn lumber. Notches in solid lumber joists, raf-
ters and beams shall not exceed one-sixth of the depth of the
member, shall not be longer than one-third of the depth of the
member and shall not be located in the middle one-third of
the span. Notches at the ends of themember shall not exceed
one-fourth the depth of the member. The tension side ofmembers 4 inches (102 mm) or greater in nominal thickness
shall not be notched except at the ends of the members. The
diameter of the holes bored or cut intomembers shall not ex-
ceed one-third the depth of the member. Holes shall not be
closer than 2 inches (51mm)to the top or bottomof themem-
ber, or to any other hole located in the member. Where the
member is also notched, the hole shall not be closer than 2
inches (51 mm) to the notch.
Exception: Notches on cantilevered portions of rafters
are permitted provided the dimension of the remaining
portion of the rafter is not less than 4-inch nominal (102
mm) and the length of the cantilever does not exceed 24
inches (610 mm).
R802.7.2 Engineered wood products. Cuts, notches and
holes bored in laminated veneer lumber, glue-laminated
members or I-joists are not permitted unless the effect of
such penetrations are specifically considered in the design of
the member.
R802.10.4 Alterations to trusses. Truss members shall not
be cut, notched, drilled, spliced or otherwise altered in any
waywithout the approval of a registered design professional.
Alterations resulting in the addition of load (e.g., HVAC
equipment, water heater) that exceeds the design load for the
truss shall not be permittedwithout verification that the truss
is capable of supporting such additional loading.
