Home Construction Tips

By Roger Frost

New homes are built using a method in construction known as light-frame construction, is a building technique based around vertical structural members, usually called studs, which provide a stable frame to which interior and exterior wall coverings are attached, and covered by a roof made of horizontal ceiling joists and sloping rafters.

The common form of framing is referred to colloquially in the building trades as stick and frame or stick and platform framing. The studs give the structure its vertical support, and the box shaped floor sections with joists contained within length-long post and lintels (more commonly called headers), supports the weight of whatever structure is above, including the next wall up and the roof above the top story. The platform also provides the lateral support against wind and holds the stud walls true and square.

Structure support in a house starts at the footing in the ground and is distributed upwards through supporting walls. The materials most often used to construct load-bearing walls in residential buildings are concrete, block, or wood frame construction. Load bearing walls can usually be identified by following up supporting walls constructed in basement.

Insulated Concrete Forms provide design professionals, architects, home owners and contractors a more efficient way to build structures. Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF's) allows residential buildings to be built stronger, more energy efficient, more comfortable and environmentally friendly. This type of wall is typically found on custom homes. Subdivision style homes will usually have a poured concrete foundation using portable steel forms which can be assembled in any configuration.

Wood roofs are usually either stick built or constructed using engineered trusses. Stick built rafters are usually constructed of two by fours or two by six lumber and are tied together using collar ties, which helps prevent rafter sag. Engineered trusses are assembled in accordance with engineers drawings and while wood is usually smaller in dimension the load is more equally distributed.

Moving or removing load bearing walls is a common request for people who are renovating their home. Many municipalities and cities will require a design plan to be approved before building permit is issued. Basement steel support posts maybe moved but again there has to be a design and footings have to be installed at the new location of posts.

When purchasing a home or cottage which may or may not have had changes made to structure of building, it is wise to obtain the services of a Certified Building Code Official. The Ontario Building Officials Association offers all the required building code courses and also offers professional accreditation for members who have fulfilled their requirements.

About the Author:

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