Studs are important.
They hold up the roof, hold windows and doors in place, retain insulation and act as a base for interior and exterior wall coverings such as plaster, stucco, siding and masonry. But studs have another important function. In an earthquake, a stud or two could be the reason your water heater doesn't topple and explode. In a hurricane, a wall stud could be why a cabinet doesn't fall over and injure a member in your family. And, under less critical conditions, a stud could be responsible for keeping a towel bar, toilet-paper holder or favorite family portrait from falling off the wall.