Fixing Wall Connections

The information in this article applies to:

QUESTION

My wall connections had looked fine, but then I changed something and now they no longer seem to connect at the correct layer. How can I fix this?

ANSWER

If you have recently modified your wall types, you likely accidentally adjusted the Main Layer.

In most circumstances, the Main Layer should be specified as the structural layer of the wall, particularly when the wall is a framed type. The Main Layer determines many things, including at intersections, walls join at the interior surfaces of their Main Layers.

For some wall types it is also important that the main structural layer be comprised of multiple materials. If this is changed then it can cause issues with wall intersections.

To ensure that your wall intersections connect correctly, adjust the main layer as needed for your particular wall type. For example, a standard wall will have a single structural layer made up of stud framing. Or, as you will see in this article, an ­ICF wall will have a structural layer made up of 3 materials.

To restore the Main Layer

1. Select one of the walls where the wall connection doesn't look correct, and click on the Open Object edit button.
   
   
   
2. Go to the Wall Types panel, and click on the Define button.
   
   In Home Designer Architectural, you will find this on the General panel.
   
   
   
3. In the Wall Type Definitions dialog, use the Move Up and Move Down buttons to rearrange your wall layers into the appropriate category.
   
   Recall that typically the Main Layer should be the Framing/Structural layer(s), often the thickest layer in your wall type.
   
   
   
   
   
4. Click OK again in the Wall Specification dialog, verify that the wall connections for this wall type now display correctly.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Repeat this process for any other wall types in your plan that you may have inadvertently defined incorrectly.