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Renovation—4th Edition > 4 Building Materials > Flashcards

4 Building Materials Flashcards

1
Q

What materials are needed to frame and sheath a house?

A

Standard lumber, engineered lumber, sheet materials (plywood, particleboard), fasteners (nails, screws, construction adhesives)

Finish materials in cabinets and trim choices are discussed in chapters 13 and 17 respectively.

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2
Q

What is standard lumber?

A

Lumber sawn from logs in the traditional manner; differs from engineered lumber, which is made from an amalgam of wood pieces and adhesives.

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3
Q

What is the importance of lumber grade stamps?

A

Indicates lumber grade, tree species, moisture content, sawmill, and certifying agency; essential for building inspectors to approve structures.

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4
Q

What are the dimensions of dimension lumber?

A

Sawn to a thickness and width slightly less than its nominal end cross sections (e.g., 2x6 actually measures 11⁄2 in. by 51⁄2 in.)

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5
Q

How are lumber grades determined?

A

Based on the presence of warping, knots, holes, decay, or other imperfections that could weaken the lumber.

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6
Q

What are the structural framing lumber grades?

A

Select Structural, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3

Select Structural is the highest grade; No. 1 and No. 2 are equally strong but differ in appearance.

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7
Q

What is light framing lumber used for?

A

Used for plates, sills, and blocking; has lower strength requirements than structural framing members.

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8
Q

What is the significance of lumber species abbreviations?

A

Denote types of wood, such as PP (ponderosa pine), DF (Douglas fir), and HEM (hemlock); important for understanding properties.

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9
Q

What happens to lumber’s moisture content after milling?

A

Lumber is air-dried or kiln-dried to reduce moisture content, which affects workability and stability.

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10
Q

What is the definition of S-GRN lumber?

A

Lumber with moisture content greater than 19%.

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11
Q

What does pressure-treated lumber signify?

A

Wood treated to withstand weather, moisture, and insects; important for applications near the ground.

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12
Q

What types of pressure-treated lumber are available now?

A

Alkaline copper quat (0.40 ACQ) and copper boron azole (CBA); both are arsenic-free.

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13
Q

What is the formula for calculating board feet?

A

Width (in.) × thickness (in.) × length (ft.) ÷ 12

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14
Q

What are the nominal sizes of softwood lumber?

A

Nominal sizes vary, e.g., 2x4 nominal size is actually 11⁄2 in. by 31⁄2 in.

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15
Q

What is salvage lumber?

A

Materials reclaimed from previous structures; advantages include low cost, but may require significant prep time.

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16
Q

What should you check when selecting salvage materials?

A

Ensure materials are structurally sound; test for rot or insects.

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17
Q

What is a common mistake when salvaging materials?

A

Assuming all materials are worth salvaging; some may be too damaged or short after removal.

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18
Q

What does the term ‘stick’ refer to in lumber jargon?

A

A piece of lumber, such as a 2x4.

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19
Q

What is the difference between nominal and actual sizes in lumber?

A

Nominal size is the name used for lumber (e.g., 2x4); actual size is smaller due to milling processes.

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20
Q

True or False: All construction lumber is classified as hardwood.

A

False

Most construction lumber is softwood from conifers.

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21
Q

What should you do if there is a danger of destroying a piece of salvage by removing it?

A

Leave it alone.

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22
Q

What is the main risk of inexperienced people dismantling a building?

A

They can get hurt.

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23
Q

What is the best advice for would-be users of salvage materials?

A

Buy it from a salvage yard.

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24
Q

What are some characteristics of standard lumber?

A

Knots, holes, splits, twists, cups, and shrinks.

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25
What is engineered lumber (EL)?
A combination of wood fiber and strong glues to create products like I-joists and engineered beams.
26
What are the main advantages of engineered lumber?
* Spans greater distances * Carries heavier loads * Remains straight and stable
27
What are the main drawbacks of engineered lumber?
* Heavy * Costs more than sawn lumber
28
What is a truss?
A large triangular wood framework that serves as a roof's support structure.
29
What are the advantages of using trusses?
* Prefabricated for almost any roof contour * Quick to install * Can route ducts, pipes, and wiring
30
What is a disadvantage of roof trusses?
They leave little living or storage space in the attic.
31
What is the typical spacing for floor trusses?
24 inches on center.
32
What are I-joists commonly made of?
* Plywood or OSB webs * Stiff lumber flanges
33
What is a key installation requirement for I-joists?
Blocking between I-joists must be perpendicular.
34
What is Glulam?
Glue-laminated timber used for high loads in clear spans.
35
What is LVL and its typical uses?
Laminated veneer lumber used as rim joists, cantilever joists, or in-floor headers and beams.
36
What is PSL?
Parallel strand lumber, the strongest and most expensive of structural composite lumber.
37
What is LSL?
Laminated strand lumber made from wood strands glued together.
38
What are the benefits of light steel framing?
* Fast installation * Less expensive than lumber * Can be recycled
39
What is a flitch plate?
Steel plates sandwiched between dimension lumber to increase span and load-carrying capacity.
40
What is the primary use of steel I-beams?
To support heavier loads than any other bearing material of equivalent depth.
41
What is a major drawback of using LVL?
It can't be pressure treated and shouldn't be used outdoors.
42
Fill in the blank: Engineered lumber will not ______ and remains strong and predictable.
shrink
43
True or False: I-joists are typically spaced 16 inches on center.
False
44
What type of screws should be used to attach drywall to metal studs?
Type S drywall screws.
45
What are the typical dimensions of steel I-beams?
Range from 4 in. to 10 in. wide and 41⁄8 in. to 10 in. deep ## Footnote Standard lengths are 20 ft. and 40 ft.
46
What is the weight of a 20-ft. 8x4 I-beam that’s 0.245 in. thick?
Roughly 300 lb. ## Footnote A 20-ft. 8x8H I-beam with a web that’s 0.458 in. thick weighs 800 lb.
47
What should you do before selecting steel I-beams?
Consult with a structural engineer.
48
What are the two most commonly specified structural panels?
Plywood and OSB.
49
What is the primary purpose of structural panels like plywood?
To sheath wood framing and increase its shear strength.
50
How is plywood constructed?
A sandwich of thin veneers sliced from logs, stacked perpendicularly in alternating layers and glued.
51
What is OSB and how is it made?
Oriented strand board made from logs shredded into long strands, mixed with resins, and pressed into thin sheets.
52
What is particleboard made from?
Mill waste mixed with resins and hot pressed.
53
What is MDF?
Medium-density fiberboard made from fine, randomly oriented wood fibers and resins, hot pressed for a smooth surface.
54
What issues has hardboard experienced when used as exterior siding?
Warping, delamination, and other moisture-related problems.
55
What does the stamp 'T&G' on a panel mean?
Tongue and groove.
56
What is the significance of the NAUF stamp?
Indicates no added urea-formaldehyde.
57
What does the Engineered Wood Association oversee?
About two-thirds of structural panels in North America.
58
What does a span rating of 24/16 indicate?
A panel can sheath rafters spaced 24 in. on center and studs spaced 16 in. on center.
59
What is the minimum number of plies required for plywood used for structural sheathing?
Five plies.
60
What is the common exposure rating for exterior-grade panels?
Can be exposed repeatedly to moisture.
61
What is a significant advantage of OSB over plywood?
It rarely delaminates and holds screws and nails better.
62
What persistent problem does OSB face when it gets wet?
Edges swell, appearing as raised lines (ghost lines).
63
What is the recommended nailing schedule for plywood?
Nail every 6 in. around the perimeter and every 12 in. elsewhere.
64
What type of nails hold best for subflooring?
Annular ring or spiral nails.
65
What should be done if a nail is driven too deeply?
It may diminish the shear value and holding capacity.
66
What is bamboo plywood recognized for?
Beautifully figured faces and edges, durable and sustainably produced.
67
What is the highest grade of hardwood plywood?
Specialty.
68
What flaws are allowed in Utility (No. 3) grade hardwood plywood?
Small flaws, tight knotholes, discoloring, and splits.
69
What does the grade 'A/B Exterior' indicate in plywood?
Grade A front veneer, grade B back veneer, and grade C inner plies.
70
What is a common mistake when using pneumatic nailers?
They won't 'suck up' a piece of plywood to framing.
71
What is the size and characteristics of a cooler nail?
A sinker with a bigger head.
72
What distinguishes a finish nail from a casing nail?
Finish nails have a thinner shank and a brad head, while casing nails have a thicker shank and a slightly larger head.
73
What is a duplex nail used for?
Temporary nailing to the depth of the first head, allowing easy removal via the protruding top head.
74
What are spikes in terms of nail size?
Nails 20d or longer.
75
How is nail length measured?
In penny sizes, abbreviated as d.
76
What are the two types of shank patterns mentioned?
Straight shanks and patterned shanks.
77
What is the advantage of spiral and ring-shank nails?
They resist popping and are well suited for decks and siding.
78
What type of point do most nails have?
A tapered four-sided point.
79
What is the effect of blunt-point nails compared to pointed nails?
Blunt-point nails are less likely to split wood as they crush fibers instead of wedging them apart.
80
What is the typical material composition for most nails?
Medium-grade steel, often called mild steel.
81
What is the purpose of pilot holes?
To avoid bending nails in dense wood or splitting boards when nailing near the edges.
82
What are Teco nails and their purpose?
Special nails supplied by manufacturers for attaching metal connectors, harder and less likely to shear.
83
What are the considerations for nail composition?
Material nailed into, presence of other metals, and exposure to weather and corrosion.
84
What is the recommended nail size for a 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick sheathing?
8d nails.
85
How do pneumatic framing nails differ from common nails?
Pneumatic nails often have thinner shanks and may not conform to local building codes.
86
What is the purpose of using screws in construction?
To quickly attach, detach, adjust, and reattach building materials.
87
What are the most popular drive head types for screws?
* Phillips * Square-drive * Torx®
88
What feature do many structural screws now include?
Self-tapping tips.
89
What is the significance of screw coatings?
Coatings resist rusting and affect the lifespan of screws in outdoor or humid conditions.
90
What type of screws are used for joining softwoods?
Screws made of relatively soft metal with steep-pitched threads.
91
What is a W-cut thread design in screws?
Threads nearest the tip are serrated to cut through wood fibers as they advance.
92
What is the lifespan of galvanized screws on a deck?
Approximately 8 to 10 years.
93
Fill in the blank: Nails that are rosin coated, cement coated, or hot-dipped galvanized hold ______ than uncoated nails.
better
94
What is the lifespan of galvanized screws when used outdoors?
8 to 10 years ## Footnote Lifespan is reduced if used near saltwater.
95
What type of screw is considered the king of exterior screws?
Stainless steel ## Footnote Stainless steel screws are the most corrosion resistant.
96
What are structural screws designed to withstand?
Seismic loads ## Footnote Example: Simpson’s SDS screws.
97
True or False: SDS screws generally require predrilling.
False ## Footnote SDS screws shorter than 6 in. generally do not need predrilling.
98
What is a common diameter for structural screws?
1/4 in.
99
What are some common types of wood construction connectors?
* H2.5, H4, H8 hurricane ties * L90 reinforcing angle * LS70 skewable angle * A35, A35F, A34 framing angles * U410 face-mount hanger * LU28 face-mount hanger * H10 and H1 hurricane ties
100
What is the primary use of wall anchors?
Attach light to medium loads to drywall and plaster walls.
101
What materials are typically used for wall anchors?
* Molly bolts * Drive anchors * Toggle bolts * Wedge anchors
102
What is a key advantage of wood construction connectors?
They offer wood-to-wood connections superior to traditional methods.
103
What is the purpose of joist hangers?
Add joists without end-nailing.
104
What do strap ties help prevent?
Joints from pulling apart.
105
What are hurricane ties used for?
Join rafters to top plates to resist roof lift during crosswinds.
106
What is the function of hold-downs in construction?
Anchor framing to foundations.
107
What is a characteristic of construction adhesives?
They bond to a variety of materials.
108
What can construction adhesives reduce the need for?
Nailing sheathing.
109
What are the two components of epoxy resins?
A paste mixture or dual-cylinder injector.
110
What is the main mission of elastomer-based extrudable mastics?
Stick things together.
111
What do polyurethanes bond well with?
* Wood * Stone * Metal * Ceramics
112
What are the three types of Polyvinyl Acetates (PVA)?
* Type I: Waterproof * Type II: Water-resistant * Type III: Not water-resistant
113
What is a key property of cyanoacrylates (CA)?
Set quickly, in 10 seconds to 10 minutes.
114
Fill in the blank: _______ are often used to hold miter joints in place.
Cyanoacrylates
115
What is the main purpose of nail plates?
Protect plumbing pipes and electrical wires from nails.
116
What is one advantage of using adhesives in construction?
Panels bonded with adhesive are stiffer.
117
What is a common feature of solvent-free adhesives?
Cure by evaporation.
118
What should be considered when choosing an adhesive?
* Materials being joined * Strength * Durability * Flexibility * Job-site conditions * Workability * Curing time * Toxicity
119
What are the three types of PVA glue?
Type I is water-resistant, Type II is water-resistant, and Type III is not water-resistant.
120
What is the curing requirement for PVA-glued joints?
All PVA-glued joints need to be clamped until they cure.
121
What are cyanoacrylates (CAs) known for?
They set strong and quick.
122
Name two popular brands of cyanoacrylates.
* Krazy Glue® * Super Glue®
123
Why are CAs prized by carpenters?
They allow for quick setting, ideal for holding joints in place.
124
What is the primary advantage of epoxy resins?
They are famous for their strength.
125
What is required for epoxy resins to bond effectively?
They bond well when the surface areas to be bonded are small or when dampness is extreme.
126
What unique property do epoxy products maintain?
They maintain structural strength across a gap.
127
What is styrene-butadiene used for?
It is a good all-purpose exterior and interior glue for joining materials of low porosity.
128
How are hot-melt glues applied?
Using an electric glue gun.
129
What are the main functions of sealants and caulks?
Fill gaps, keep moisture at bay, and reduce air infiltration.
130
What is a key difference between sealants and caulks?
Sealants tend to last longer, perform better, and cost more.
131
What are the advantages of silicones as a caulk?
* Durable * Water-resistant * Tenacious on nonporous materials * Little shrinkage * Can be applied at low temperatures * Best long-term flexibility
132
What are the disadvantages of silicones?
* Messy to work with * Difficult to remove once cured * Bond breakers on porous surfaces * Corrosive to metal * Cannot be painted
133
What are the advantages of polyurethanes?
* Attach well to wood, masonry, and metal * Won't corrode metal * Easy to work with * Negligible shrinkage * Can be painted
134
What are the disadvantages of polyurethanes?
* Poor UV resistance * Less durability than silicones
135
What is the design criteria for floor joists in terms of live load and dead load?
Strength – 30 lb. per sq. ft. live load, plus 10 lb. per sq. ft. dead load.
136
What is the deflection limit for floor joists?
Limited in span in inches divided by 360 for live load only.
137
What are the advantages of latex acrylics?
* Water-based * Nontoxic * Largely odor-free * Easy to apply * Good UV resistance * Can be painted
138
What are the disadvantages of latex acrylics?
* Significant shrinkage (up to 30%) * Long curing times * Varied performance across products
139
In what kind of areas are latex acrylics best used?
Protected areas in temperate climates.

Renovation—4th Edition (20 decks)

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