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“Capping”
Basement is capped ready for framing. 2’ X 10’ joists resting on sill and capped with chipboard. |
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The Sill
The sill of the house is generally a 2” X 8” plank bolted onto the basement wall. In this illustration the top of the foundation wall had a 2” X 4” plank set into it while the concrete was wet, flush with the top. Bolts were placed upright into the wet concrete ready to accept the sill when the concrete dried. |
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First Floor Framing
The exterior framing is made of 2” X 6” “studs”. This illustration shows the garage area and the “header” (lintel) which spans the opening. This is typical “platform framing” where each floor is built separately as opposed to “balloon framing” where two floors are built at one time as a single unit. |
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I-Beams
Steel joists or beams whose cross section is in the shape of the capital letter I. Commonly used for supporting floor joists where the span is too wide for regular sizes. Wood joists measuring 2” X 10” will bend and be springy unless supported at certain intervals by beams. |
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I-Beams
Steel joists may be used to span wide areas to prevent sagging and excess movement. The illustration shows joists which have been cut to fit the shape of the bar and rest on the bottom lip. |
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Wood Beam
A common method of supporting floor joists is to use wood instead of steel. In this illustration four 2” X 10” joists have been nailed together and installed into the concrete foundation. To prevent sagging and movement, jack posts have been added every 6 to 8 feet. |
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Wall and Ceiling Framing
Exterior wall framing with 2” X 6” studs at 16” centres and chipboard sheathing outside. Ready for insulation, vapor barrier and gyproc sheets. |
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Roof Framing
Internal view of a shallow roof illustrating roof trusses and joist strapping. Ready for insulation, vapor barrier and gyproc sheets. |
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Ceiling Joists
Internal view of 2” X 10” ceiling joists with strapping ready to receive gyproc sheets. Note “blocking” at right between joists to prevent movement. |
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Internal Framing
Internal view of partition wall frame in 2” X 4” lumber. Note staging for installation of ceiling. |
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External Wall & Ceiling Framing
Internal view of main floor room completely framed and strapped.
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House Wrap
In new construction houses are generally wrapped in a polyethylene “bag” which prevents water, moisture and air filtration entering the house from the outside elements. It is a weather resistant barrier. The manufacturer is Dupont and it is marketed under the name Tyvek. Some developers may have their own personalized supply of Tyvek. |
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Roof Trusses
Prefabricated roof trusses (frames) are delivered to the site ready for installation. Size, pitch and height are determined by the physical aspects of the building as well as local weather conditions such as anticipated “snow load”. |
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Installing Roof Trusses
Each truss is lifted into place by a crane and then placed over the exterior walls. The next step is to add plywood or chipboard sheathing.
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Roof Tight
The framing is complete, windows and doors installed and the roof has been shingled so that it is relatively weatherproof. The next step is for the installation of Tyvek and the siding followed by interior construction and finish. |
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Weather Tight
The siding is installed together with all “flashings” which makes the house weatherproof. The interior of the property may still be in the early stages of completion. |
