Ignite FB Tracking PixelShear walls: What are they & why are they important? - Lori David Boone, Associate Broker, MRP, SRS, RENE
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Lori David Boone, Associate Broker, MRP, SRS, RENE, eXp RealtyPhone: (334) 669-9698
Email: [email protected]

Shear walls: What are they & why are they important?

by Lori David Boone, Associate Broker, MRP, SRS, RENE 04/28/2025

Defining shear walls and the benefits of them during construction  featured image

Shear walls are often seen in construction to bear heavy loads and withstand the forces of natural disasters. Understanding the purpose of shear walls and how they work can give you great insight into the building process and how it ties into safety. 

What is the purpose of a shear wall?

A shear wall is an architectural design made to withstand high-impact winds and other forces parallel to the plane of the structure. 

How it works is when one end of the wall undergoes an uplift, the other side is compressed - both loads alternate as the structure shakes to distribute the impact.  

What is in a shear wall?

Shear wall construction is composed of two or more walls, with beams or slabs and columns connecting the beams. This type of framing provides resistance to lateral forces and lateral loads by bending and with movement. 

What type of plywood is used for shear walls?

APA rated sheathing and Structural I are some of the best plywood to use when building shear walls. Structural I must be dense Douglas Fir or Southern Pine wood, while rated plywood can be any wood species. 

It’s best to avoid using 3-ply plywood, as the highest acceptable values were reduced by the city of Los Angeles to around 200 lbs/ft maximum. This change took place after the Northridge Earthquake tore architecture with this type of plywood - so regardless of where you stay, it’s best to use higher grade plywood. 

When building a home with concrete shear walls, it is important to work closely with your contractor to ensure high-quality materials are used for optimal safety.



About the Author
Author

Lori David Boone, Associate Broker, MRP, SRS, RENE

 

Lori David Boone is a highly skilled Associate Broker with advanced real estate designations, including GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), MRP (Military Relocation Professional), SRS (Seller Representative Specialist), and RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert). Lori leverages her extensive legal background and market knowledge to provide high-quality representation for clients buying or selling real estate in the River Region. Her approach is built on strong negotiation skills, marketing expertise, and a commitment to smooth transactions. Currently affiliated with eXp Realty, Lori specializes in the River Region real estate market (Montgomery, Pike Road, Prattville and Wetumpka) , providing comprehensive services from initial consultation to closing.

Lori’s real estate career is distinguished by her dedication to market research and staying updated on the latest industry trends and best practices. Her expertise extends beyond traditional real estate roles, as she is skilled in property listing, market analysis, and creating effective promotional strategies that drive results. She takes pride in building lasting relationships with clients, listening closely to their needs, and delivering personalized solutions that make the buying or selling process as stress-free as possible.

In addition to her real estate credentials, Lori holds a Juris Doctorate and a Bachelor of Arts in English and Mass Communication, which further strengthens her communication and negotiation skills. These qualities, combined with her commitment to excellent service, make her a trusted advisor for both first-time buyers and seasoned investors.

With a passion for helping her clients achieve their real estate goals, Lori continues to be a top choice in the River Region for anyone seeking professional, reliable, and results-driven real estate services.

Reach out to Lori for personalized real estate services backed by a comprehensive understanding of the market and the highest professional standards.