In top plate connection, when is it required to extend braced wall panel sheathing to the roof framing?

The requirement to extend the braced wall panel sheathing to the roof framing arises from considerations of structural integrity and load transfer in buildings. When the spacing between braced wall panels exceeds a certain distance, specifically 50 feet, it becomes crucial to ensure that the loads, particularly lateral loads, are adequately transmitted to the roof framing.

This requirement exists because as the distance between wall panels increases, the potential for movement or sway in the structure also increases, which can lead to inadequate performance during wind or seismic events. By extending the sheathing to the roof framing, it provides a more continuous load path, ensuring that the forces acting on the walls are effectively distributed to the roof and then down to the foundation.

Thus, the correct answer highlights a critical safety measure to ensure that buildings maintain their structural integrity and resist lateral forces when braced wall panels are spaced farther apart than the specified threshold.