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By: J A Parker

The elements of beam design is a topic of great interest for structural engineers and contractors. Beam design is integral in the design and construction of a structure. Most structural beams are comprised of wood, steel or concrete. Each of these construction materials reacts differently under the stress of a load. Each also has its own unique advantages.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Concrete Beams

Concrete beams are most often seen in commercial construction, such as in the erection of multi-level parking decks, hospitals, and large hotels. Concrete beams are also commonly used as bridge and highway supports. Some concrete beams are used in conjunction with steel beams to provide added strength. Newer concrete beams may also contain a hybrid material of traditional concrete mixed with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) or Carbon FRP.

Concrete is a strong building material, but it is susceptible to water damage and cracking. Iron bars are often included in the beams to add strength and stability over areas prone to greater stress. Concrete beams area also desirable for their ability to absorb sound and vibration.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Steel Beams

One very common type of steel beam is the I-beam. These I shaped beam are strong and moderately affordable. Steel beams are capable of supporting heavy loads without experiencing great amounts of deflection by distributing the load of the structure over the flange of the beam. Steel beams may be treated to prohibit corrosion and oxidation, especially when used near or under water, such as in bridge construction.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Wood Beams

Wood beams are common in residential structures. Wood beams may be notched or jointed together for added strength. Wood beams are inexpensive and easy to alter to a builder’s specifications. However, they are also susceptible to rot and insect infestation. Specially treated wood beams are now available that resist decomposition, moisture and insects, making them an attractive choice in beam materials for most homeowners.

Elements and Examples of Beam Design: Flitch Beams

Flitch beams are specially constructed beams that join a steel plate with adjacent wood panels to form one composite structural beam. These flitch beams are strong, yet less expensive and lighter than solid steel beams. The construction of a flitch beam results in a reduction of the overall size of the beam, and the wooden exterior also allows the builder to nail the beam to other existing wooden structures in the home.

Elements and examples of beam designs are plentiful. Beam design and selection are an important part of the construction process and the wide variety of beams to choose from allow a builder to meet the needs of each project more easily.

About the Author

Josh Parker is a staff writer for Strucalc - Stuctural Analysis Software Company. StruCalc is one of the most intuitive structural analysis and design programs available. With structural analysis software, you can Quickly size beams, columns, and footings with StruCalc 7.0 Software. Strucalc offers quality, professional software, built with strict engineering methods and specifications to every business in need of an easy to use, affordable software package.

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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By: Greg Vandenberge

As a building contractor it is my job to assemble the house to meet the specifications from the architect and the structural engineer. I do this by looking at the building plans and installing the specified lumber sizes. I can take it upon myself to install a larger size wood beam or window header adding an additional cost to the job of course. I don’t think so.

It’s not uncommon for a framing contractor that has an additional 5 foot scrap piece of 4 x 8 left over that he now has no use for. He can then choose to use the 4 x 8 instead of a 4 x 6 for the window header. This type of building is common and acceptable.

If the structural engineer calls out for 4 x 6 window and door headers do not take it upon yourself to replace the 4 x 6 with a 4 x 4. I have seen too many framing contractors or carpenters make an on-the-job judgment like this.

A good example would be a single story house with 2 foot wide windows that require a 4 x 6 window header. As the carpenter builds homes over the years he can come to his own conclusion that a 4×4 will work fine for this application. Again keep this in mind as a framing contractor and a carpenter you are assembling the home not designing it.

Do not change the sizes of any headers or beams.

A long time ago carpenters used a standard rule of thumb, you could go up two sizes larger than the window opening for your header. Let me give you an example of what I’m trying to explain.

A 4 foot wide window opening would require a 4 x 6 window header. A 6 foot window opening would require a 4 x 8 window header. This should give you an idea of what I mean by going up two sizes larger than the window opening to figure out the lumber necessary to use for your window header.

This rule of thumb does not necessarily apply in today’s building industry. The reason for this is structural changes from earthquake damage. The structural requirements that are required for building a home require a lot more metal bracing and strapping. Therefore some of the lumber requirements for beam sizes and window headers will be different.

This message is for general contractors, framing contractors and carpenters. When installing a window header and you take it upon yourself to change the size you also assume the responsibility if the building fails. This type of mistake is common and you guys know what I’m talking about.

It’s not worth it. Keep in mind you are the assembler and not the designer of the building you are working on.

About the Author

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes and House Framing Structural Repairs

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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By: Kadence Buchanan

“A little love nest beside a stream, where red,
Red roses grow, our bungalow of dreams.
Far from the city somehow it seems,
We’re sitting pretty in our bungalow of dreams.”

Thus went the chorus of “Our Bungalow of Dreams,” a song written in 1927 that reflects widespread affection for a building style that swept across America as the 20th century was born. Today these distinctive Arts and Crafts homes still grace cities from California to Cape Cod, retaining the elegance and grace of an aesthetic, social and industrial movement.

The story began in England and was largely authored by William Morris whose home decorating themes stood in almost stark contrast to the guilded and ornate households of the Victorian Age. He, and others, wanted a return to organic simplicity and designs that blended with the natural environment. His decorative arts became integral to a new architectural style that simultaneously developed, sailed swiftly across the Atlantic and was adapted by American builders and designers.

Birth of a Movement

The appeal of Arts and Crafts homes, with their open interior design, low profile and simplicity of line was about much more than style. It was a reflection of social change brought about by the Industrial Revolution. In England, Morris and his mentors bemoaned the effects of mass production and the loss of personal connection to one’s work. They urged return to the craftsmanship of the past, when individuals were invested in the quality - not the quantity - of their work. Morris’s home decorations fully expressed this ideal and used patterns from nature, natural dyes and wall papers made from wood block prints.

At the same time, the Industrial Revolution was slowly changing daily family life in England and America. People were moving to cities for work in factories and families were earning a living - one that allowed an increasing number of people to own a home. Their homes would be simple - no need for servant quarters and grand entryways. Exteriors would be simple and easily maintained. Gingerbread carvings were replaced by natural stone, brick and timber that distinguished several variations of Craftsman homes in America.

America’s Craft Masters and Marketers

The nation gave birth to many accomplished architects whose work exemplifies the Movement - Greene and Greene, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Julia Morgan among others. Wisconsin offered up Gustav Stickley whose woodwork and furniture fully embraced and expressed Arts and Crafts principles. He also published the first of many magazines and catalogs that helped to popularize craftsman homes and décor.

While the work of these noted architects and designers captured attention in the early 1900s - and continues to do so today, it was a more popular medium that made the Craftsman house, the beloved Bungalow, an everyday American dream. Sears and Roebuck Company, Montgomery Ward and other national retailers began selling Craftsman home plans in catalogs, along with materials, blueprints and do-it-yourself kit homes. Sears and Roebuck even included house paint in its kits. Michigan alone had three major companies selling Bungalow and Craftsman kits across America. The costs of the kits ranged from a little over $1,000 to about $2,500.

This mass marketing mirrored other changes in American cities. Roads were being built, streetcars and trolleys were carrying people to an increasing number of white collar jobs and the demand for home ownership soared. Building materials were relatively cheap and the American dream of home ownership was thriving.

American Craftsman Styles

Arts and Crafts homes come in a number of styles. The Bungalow was among the most popular and still prized today. It characteristically has one story, a brick or rock fireplace, a small porch supported by brick or simple wooden columns, and a gently sloped roof. Some Bungalows have a small half-story perched atop the traditional design. Within this broad class are several styles that reflect the use of gables and extended rafters.

The Craftsman home has a more grand scale than the Bungalow. Its two-story design features fine detail work around windows and on eves. Roof rafters are exposed and cut in simple, yet elegant geometric patterns. The Craftsman home was generally larger than the more modest bungalow, with additional bedrooms upstairs and larger common living spaces. Front porches with characteristic columns might span the width of the house.

Yet another popular style in the Craftsman genre was the Foursquare or Box House that was often built on narrow urban lots. The two stories of the Foursquare were separated by a piece of simple trim board and a porch graced the entire front of the home. As with other Craftsman styles, brick, rock and wood used in simple lines embellished the Box House which was one of the most popular kit homes for Sears and Roebuck between 1900 and 1920. Many of these Foursquare homes have become the two-up, two-down apartments of modern American cities.

So popular is the Craftsman home, there was a resurgence of new building in this style at the end of the 20th century. The organic feel of the family friendly homes continues to appeal to people who are building in the 21st century. And, as testimony to the fundamental principle of the movement expressed by William Morris, Craftsmen homes built 100 years ago remain standing and strong. Built with care, attention to detail and dedication to craft, they elegantly stand the test of time.

Promotion by Author

Come visit us to learn about the beauty of Sonoma County Real Estate or if you are considering purchasing real estate in Sonoma County.

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By: Jeff Schaefer

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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By: Jere Botes

Materials

Thatching makes use of materials that are naturally available - grass or reed.
The stalks of thatching grass are normally hollow and about 3 mm thick. Dekriet stalks, however, are solid and about 3-4 mm thick. The quality of the material improves with cultivation and regular cutting. Some thatchers consider that the quality of material that is cut by hand is superior to that of material cut by mechanical means. Hand cutting will produce about 50 to 100 bundles a day. A mechanical cutter and binder will process about 6000 bundles a day.

Preparation

After cutting and loosely bundling, each bundle is shaken briskly to dis¬lodge all loose material. The bundles are then cleaned by passing a sickle through them. This removes the remaining leaf growth from the lower two thirds of the stalks.

The grass is then remade into bundles. These bundles are each tied with a thong of twisted grass or with twine and packed in heaps about 2m high and 3 m in diameter at the base.
When the thatch is to be used for the area immediately above the thatching battens, where the underside will often be exposed within a room, the material should be combed to ensure that the stalks are perfectly clean. A comb is made by driving a number of round wire nails into a approximately 300 mm length of horizontal pole.

Thatchers Tools

The thatcher in general thatch construction normally uses five tools:

Sickle - This is used for hand cutting as well as for cleaning the cut bundles.
The thatching spade - This is usually a home-made implement consisting of a board with a handle on one flat side, rather like a plasterers float. Several metal blades are secured to the other flat side. This tool is used to dress and shape the thatch in position.

A straight needle - When it is possible to have an assistant work¬ing on the underside of the thatch, a straight needle, about 300 mm long, is used to ’stitch’ the thatch to the roof battens.

A curved needle - It is used to ’stitch’ the thatch to the roof battens when it is not possible to have an assistant working under the roof surface.

A climbing hook - S-shaped climbing hooks are used to give the thatcher a foot rest when working on the roof slope.

Workmanship

A typical small thatching team consists of four men; one to pass material from ground to roof level, two thatchers working on the external roof surface and one working under the roof to assist those working on the outside. Such a team can be expected to lay about 10 m2 of thatch in a day. Before each bundle is passed to the thatcher on the roof it is butted against a butting board, or on level ground, to ensure that the butt end is even and that any sharp ends are blunted. The bundles are normally thrown up to the thatcher. The grass is used in bundles as cut and laid on the roof with the butt end lowest. As each bundle is laid on the roof the thatcher cuts through the twisted grass or twine that secures it. He lays the first bundle on the corner, at an angle of at least 45°, thus exposing the butt end at the eaves and at the verge. Each bundle in the first course at eaves level is secured to the second batten with tarred sisal cord ¬thatching twine at 75 mm inter¬vals.

In this process of stitching the straight needle is used, where one man can work under the roof. If it is not possible to work under the roof the curved needle is used. Subsequent courses are secured, either with a poplar stick or with a length of 4 mm diameter gal¬vanized steel wire. The thatch is laid, two bundles thick, to a total minimum thickness of 150mm. Each successive layer con¬ceals the poplar stick or wire that secures the previous layer. As thatching proceeds a layer of selected stems is spread evenly on the roof battens to a thickness of about 12mm. This gives a neat appearance inside the roof. On top of this layer a laminated foil of aluminum and building paper reinforced with fiberglass is laid as a protection against fire. Thatching then proceeds, course by course, to the ridge level until complete.

Rainwater Disposal

Thatched roofs are generally constructed with dripping eaves; rain¬water gutters and downpipes are not normally provided. Eaves overhangs should be at least 600mm and some provision should be made at ground level, around the building, to prevent erosion due to water dripping from the eaves. This can either be in the form of a concrete apron or paved surround.

Durability

A thatched roof will normally last for about 25-30 years if properly laid. Aesthetic advantage of using a thatched ridge has been mentioned previously. A disadvantage of using such a ridge is that it will require renewal every 4-6 years. As maintenance of a thatched roof invariably results in dust and pieces of straw being dislodged from the roof, the provision of a reinforced cement ridge, suitably waterproofed and colored, may be preferred.

About the Author

Written by Jere Botes, architect & founder of http://www.dreamhouses.co.za - a website dedicated to provide home builders, home renovators, home owners & developers with free professional advice on all aspects of home design, building & diy and http://www.cad-architect.net - a source of over 2000 CAD Symbols, Details, Drawings and lots of other information for Architects & Building designers.

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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By: Rayce Bannon

The construction job site safety audit can be a critical tool for keeping your projects on time and under budget. On going attention to safety and loss control is the ounce of prevention that’s worth a pound of cure.

A regular process, that identifies and then corrects or removes work site hazards, efficiently minimizes accidents and injuries.

Here are nine relatively common safety issues that were revealed by a regular construction job site safety audit:

1. Trenching
   • Excessive trench depth increases collapse hazard
   • Work must only proceed where collapse protection is in place
   • Collapses protection can be provided with proper sloping.
2. Containers - Gas cans must be clearly labeled as to contents and hazards.
3. Rigging Slings - Rigging must be taken out of service when heavily damaged or when wear detectors are visible.
4. Stairs - Stairs need to be properly constructed with consistent rise and run, secured treads, and stair rails in place.
5. Office Trailers - Unused access and entrance doors must be physically blocked from use to avoid falls.
6. Loading Platforms - Railings, to prevent falls, must have mid and top rails in place. Under certain conditions chains can be used.
7. Flammable Liquid Storage - A Flammable Storage Cabinet must be installed and used in any building or trailer where over 25 gallons of flammable liquids are stored.
8. Fire Extinguishers - Storage trailers containing flammable or combustible materials must have fire extinguishers within 50 foot proximity.
9. Ladders - Damaged ladders or ladder sections must be tagged “Do Not Use” until removed from the job site and destroyed.

The loss control audit by a safety officer or safety consultant provides important focus on the prevention of accidents and injuries in busy work environments.

In this example, nine safety issues were found. The hazards were identified before there were any injuries or accidents. Corrective action was immediate for some of the issues, while others required scheduling. Either way business interruption was kept to a minimum.

To take a look at the details of this loss control audit, including photos, please click on construction job site safety audit.

About the Author

For questions or other assistance with job site safety and loss control audits please contact Evan Casey and his staff at Great Lakes Environmental and Safety Consultants using the form at: http://greatlakesenvironmental.com/contact.html

Rayce Bannon is a freelance writer working closely with Evan Casey and the staff at Great Lakes Environmental and Safety Consultants, Inc.

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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By: Greg Vanden Berge

Remodeling and building homes over the years I have seen all sorts of stud spacing measurements in bearing and non-bearing walls.

How far should we space a framing stud in a bearing wall?

Most plans will give you this information. If you have a structural shear wall the plans will tell you what size of lumber to use at the plywood breaks. The normal spacing on a bearing wall will be 16 inches on center unless otherwise noted on the building plans. This is the most common spacing for studs in a wall.

How far can we space framing studs in a nonbearing wall?

I have seen studs spaced as far as 24 inches on center in a nonbearing wall. Over the years looking at the building code books I have found this to be acceptable for most framing applications. Do not confuse a nonbearing walls with a structural shear walls because there is no weight sitting on the shear wall.

Interior structural shear walls will require 16 inch on center spacing or less depending on the structural engineer and your local building department.

What are the disadvantages of spacing the studs 24 inches on center?

Using half-inch drywall with 24 inch on center stud spacing can give the wall a week or spongy feel. I have been in houses that have 24 inch on center’s stud spacing and can actually push the wall and see it move. Using 5/8 drywall will solve this problem in your walls.

What are the advantages of spacing the studs 24 inches on center?

The only advantage in spacing the studs farther apart is the fact you will be able to save a few dollars on the overall cost of building or remodeling your house. I personally do not recommend this process because the savings is miniscule compared to the overall cost of building the entire house.

If you look on a measuring tape between 19 and 20 inches you will usually find a little diamond. This little diamond is another measurement for laying out eight-foot walls or floors. So instead of using 16 inch on center layout you can use 19 1/4 for stud spacing. This will save you an additional stud in your wall or floor joist every 8 feet.

I have been writing more articles on home construction problems trying to help contractors and homeowners build safer stronger houses.

About the Author

Greg Vanden Berge is working on the internet to promote the education for creating simple to follow guides and home building books to help professional building contractors as well as the weekend warriors. He is currently working on more Building and Remodeling Library and adding useful content to help solve problems created by the lack of construction knowledge in the building industry.

Visit us and get more information on building and remodeling your homes in San Marcos Home Building

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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By: Jere Botes

A lot of advancements have been made in the manufacturing techniques of glass products for use in residential buildings. It is no longer the huge energy consuming product it once was with a new generation of products that conserve energy, block UV rays, minimize heat gain or radiate heat and offer privacy with a flick of a switch.

The use of glass in architecture has increased significantly as it evolved into the high-tech product it is today. Because of its transparent quality, glass will always play a vital role in architecture as people want to be connected with the outside world and prefer natural bright spaces opposed to electronically lit spaces and at the same time save energy. Big windows and open architecture in a home bring the light in, provide the opportunity for a wonderful view and create a special ambience.

Glass bricks

This material is not new to the building industry, but because of its structural properties, together with its transparency but at the same time providing privacy has remained a favourite in residential design. These bricks is not only aesthetically pleasing elements but also diffuses light into the home in such a way that overheating caused by the penetration of sunlight is reduced during the summer months. During the winter the thermal properties of glass bricks are comparable to double glazing.

Frosted glass

This type of glass is produced by the acid etching of clear sheet glass. This renders the glass translucent, obscuring the view while still passing light.

Laminated safety glass

This type of glass ensures your families’ safety in the event of an accident and also makes it significantly more difficult for a burglar to gain entry trough such a glass barrier.

Solar energy control glass

This is a type of laminated safety glass designed to keep out as much of the sun’s UV rays and solar radiation through the glass without limiting the amount of natural light into the building. This type of glass is especially useful in the construction of skylights and curtain walls.

Self-cleaning glass

Ideally used where windows or glass features are not within easy reach with a normal ladder. A titanium oxide coating ensures the break down of organic material when cleaned with warm soapy water and any residue washes away without leaving unsightly spots or streaks.

About the Author

Written by Jere Botes, architect & founder of http://www.dreamhouses.co.za, a website dedicated to provide home builders, renovators, owners & developers with free professional advice on all aspects of home design, building & diy and http://www.cad-architect.net, a source of over 2000 CAD Symbols, Details, Drawings and lots of other information for Architects & Building designers.

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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By: Brandon Alexander

In recent years new construction has become more complex as new designs, materials and technologies become available and government regulation increases. These factors change the construction process and necessary project team members. This article serves to provide a general overview of the daycare building construction process and the evolution of modular buildings.

New Technology & Designs
As time has progressed new features and technologies are now available. Green construction has been more common and green features can be incorporated into buildings at a reasonable cost. With the larger number of options, customers can choose how green they want the project to be depending on budget. Customers can also focus on green technologies which also have a positive effect on building operating costs. For example, higher R value insulation reduces heating/cooling load and utility bills as well as reducing green house gas produced from electricity generation. An eco-friendly environment for children can also provide the child care provider an advantage over competitors. A cost analysis can help determine payback period of each green feature.

In addition to green options for modular daycare buildings, customers have more construction types to select from. Site built construction remains the most common option but Off-Site construction is rapidly gaining momentum. Off-Site Construction has evolved from modular construction and the finished project is almost identical to a traditionally completed project. Off-Site Construction is performed in a State of the Art factory and achieves the look, function and feel of traditional on site construction.

In addition, Off-Site Construction is dramatically different than standard manufactured buildings. The process provides the benefit of up to 30% cost savings, faster overall construction time, reduced weather related delays and less site disruption compared to ordinary site construction. Customers now have the option of choosing between relocatable and permanent child care buildings. Several websites have sample floor plans for daycare centers which can be customized to fit individual customer needs.

Modern Off-Site Construction expedites expansion programs as well. Most of the construction is preformed off site therefore noise, construction traffic and safety hazards are dramatically reduced. The site for the new buildings is prepared, then the new buildings are simply installed and the limited finish work is completed. Off-Site Construction can be designed to match existing buildings for a seamless appearance.

Construction Process
Today’s construction includes new codes and additional governmental regulations. Modern buildings are arguably safer, more comfortable and more accessible than buildings of the past. Unfortunately, the number of factors involved with the construction process has increased as well.

A complete site survey must be performed to establish the location of utilities, topography of the site, any environment challenges and site egress. Next, a site plan must be developed to illustrate the location and relevant size of the buildings. Detailed architectural drawings of the building including appearance and floor plan must be created. The use of the building and number of children determines floor plan layout and building size. Customer desires and budget have considerable impact on the appearance of the buildings. These construction drawings incorporate safety designs, accessibility, building function as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, electrical, plumbing and communication utilities. Engineering review of the drawings helps ensure the building will meet current code and are structurally sufficient. The city or other local governing body must approve the project before construction can begin. Financing will be secured and construction will begin.

If Off-Site Construction is used, site preparation and building construction can occur simultaneously and it is not necessary to wait until the site is complete before building construction begins. This concurrent construction process can save up to 60% of the total construction time. Buildings are installed at the site when they are approximately 80% complete, then the limited amount of finish work is preformed. The buildings must be inspected throughout the constructed process by a third party agency to certify they are constructed properly. Customers can chose to manage each individual step with separate contracts for each company performing the work.

Alternatively, customers can use a Design-Build process to simplify construction. Select companies can provide comprehensive construction packages where the various aspects of the projects are incorporated into one contract. The design-build company takes direction from the customer and is completely responsible for converting customer ideas into a completed project. The company will arrange for the individual details and manage the entire process. If a problem arises the Design-Build company will make arrangements to resolve the issue. At the conclusion of the project the customer will review the project and make final payment to the design-build company.

In addition, the Off-Site Construction process can be combined with the Design-Build process to provide a complete turn-key project. The manufacturing & construction company will arrange and coordinate the various aspects of the process including design, Off-Site Construction process, site preparation, building installation and finish work. The Off-Site construction process provides reduced construction time through concurrent site & building construction. The Design-Build aspect streamlines the process to further reduce construction time and customer frustration as the individual steps are managed by a single company. Project financing may also be available as part of the comprehensive package.

Team Members

A limited number of companies specialize in Off-Site Construction of child care buildings and provide Design-Build services. Purchasing directly from the integrated manufacturer/builder eliminates intermediaries and facilitates direct communication between the customer and the builder. In addition, companies operating their own factories have direct control of the process and can ensure a high quality building. It is important to research the company thoroughly and ask to see past projects and examples of their work. An established history is a strong indicator of future success.

About the Author

Brandon Alexander serves as Strategic Marketing Analyst for Modtech Manufacturing & Construction which provides comprehensive Design Build Services for modular buildings including project financing.

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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By: Rickie Bell

Prior to the 1950’s balloon framing of new homes was the standard construction method, until the advent of platform framing. Platform framing is a safer, quicker, and more cost effective method than balloon framing. With that being said, balloon framing still has many effective uses in modern house framing that can be incorporated with platform framing for a safer, sturdier, and more cost effective home.

Balloon framing originated in Chicago in the early 1830’s and replaced the prior construction method of mortise and tenon. The name originated from the old mortise and tenon carpenters when they first saw the framing method in use. With the long skinny framing members being utilized and held together with only nails, they thought it would probably be blown away with the next strong gust of wind just like a balloon. The name caught on and has endured to this day.

Disadvantages

• Balloon framed gable walls are very tall, usually eighteen feet or more above the floor level. This added height requires the use of scaffolding for the framing carpenters, electrician, plumber, heating ventilation and air conditioning, insulator, drywall installer, painter, and trim carpenter resulting in higher labor costs.
• Fire can travel up the stud bay just like in a chimney, to mitigate the risk of fire, blocking should be installed at each ceiling and floor level.
• The required use of longer studs increases the cost per lineal foot resulting in still higher expenditures.
• These walls can be very heavy and dangerous, even life threatening, to raise requiring the use of proper lifting equipment and highly trained personnel. The hazards of manually lifting balloon framed walls has been clearly defined by OSHA.

Advantages

• The longer studs resist wind loads better and help to reduce drywall cracking and nail pops.
• Very large windows with rounded, arched, or angled tops can be installed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the home.
• Ability to construct a tall chimney.
• Two story open foyer.
• Great room.

When considering the use of balloon framing to enhance the look and livability of your new home the advantages and disadvantages should be weighed carefully.

About the Author

The author of this article has 29 years of experience working in the highly competitive housing market of the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago as a carpenter. His job titles have included Master Roof Cutter, Apprentice, and everything in between. Most of his experience is in the high end custom home marketplace, including all aspects of fine home building, from footings to ridge cap. His website contains more tips on House Framing and layout procedures for Balloon Framing Gable Walls

Fabric8 is an internet based, job management and communications system designed by builders for the building industry. It centralises all scheduling and communication within one internet based program.

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