Carpentry And Builders Construction book Flashcards
Spec House:
A house constructed by a builder before there is a buyer
What are some examples of special conditions?
Is the lot on a flood plain? Are there any underground springs nearby? Is there any industrial contamination?
Center lines (how do they look):
The center of an object. Represented by lines and dashes, evenly spaced. At intersections, short dashes intersect.
Dimension lines:
Indicate the start and end point of a particular dimension. They have arrowheads at each end, and the dimension is written as a break in the middle of the line.
Leader Lines
Connect a note or reference to part of the drawing. They usually end in an arrowhead or a large circular dot. The arrow/dot shorts always end within the outline of the object
Break lines
May be solid, freehand lines that indicate short breaks. Full ruled lines with freehand zigzags are used for longer breaks.
Sectioning lines
Indicate the exposed surfaces of an object in a sectional view. They are generally full, thin lines, but may vary with material.
Hidden lines
Short evenly spaced dashes that shows objects hidden from view.
Dashes connect at corners, and don’t touch where it would continue another line.
Outlines/Visible lines
Represent the edges of Objects we can actually see
Cutting Plane lines
Show sections that would seize otherwise be hidden
Signs for:
Outlet, pull switch, duplex convenience outlet, range outlet, special purpose outlet, single pole switch, 3 way switch, power panel
Symbols for:
Outside door, inside door, swinging door, bypassing side door, double hung window horizontal sliding window, casement window
Symbols for tub, toilet, sink
Symbols for:
Brick, brick concrete block, cinder block, concrete, cut stone, earth, stone, sand, face grain wood, end grain wood, end grain alternative
Site plan/plot plan
Shows the building lot with boundaries, contours, existing roads, utilities, etc.
Framing plans
Show the size, number, and spacing of structural elements. May utilize separate plans for floors and roof
Elevation
Side view that allows you to see the height and width of objects.
Section views
Slices the house vertically so you can see inside details. (Cut may be staggered, or continuous)
TYP
Tropical sections. Construction features that are repeated many times throughout the house are the same.
Specific section
A construction feature that appears only once.
A precise drawing giving information about a small or complex portion of the building is called a ________ _________
Detail drawing
Isometric drawing
A drawing made around 3 lines that are 120 degrees apart. It gives the drawing a3 dimensional look.
Engineering drawings
Pre manufactured components sometimes require this.
Sometimes they are made by civil/a engineer for specific problems.
Will contain an official stamp.
Can NOT be altered.
Renderings
Presentation drawings, more like a picture.
Schedule:
A list or chart of necessary items (i.e windows, doors, etc. each item will have a corresponding letter or number to match to the plans.
Room finish schedule
Identifies the materials and finishes to be used for floors, walls, and ceilings for each room/hallway
_______ ________ ___________ determines how quickly flames will engulf the surface of the material.
Flame spread ratings
(Rated A-most resistant to C-least resistant)
Smoke density
The measure of how much smoke is created when a material is burning.
______ _________ ________ is a measure of how long an assembly or product will withstand a fire on one side without letting it pass to the other side.
Fire resistance rating
Anyone who prepares a estimate must:
Be able to read and measure building plans accurately
Have an excellent understanding of materials and techniques to build
Have an excellent understanding of local building codes
Be precise with their numbers
Pre design estimate
During the early stages, pre design estimates are like quotes. Multiply the square footage of the building by approx. construction cost + land cost
Quantity Takeoff
A cost estimate in which every piece of material required to build a house is counted and priced. You need a complete set of building plans first.
Unit-Cost Estimate
The house is divided into components. Estimates are made on each component. This is faster than the quantity takeoff. Units change for different components.
Calculating board feet (equation)
(Surface of 1 sq ft, thickness of 1”)
Number of pieces x W” x T” x L’/12
(If length is in inches, divide by 144)
Allowances
Are used when a cost is unknown until later in the building process. Lightning fixtures, floors, cabinetry, etc.
Money which is set aside for unforeseen complications in the building process is called a ____________ ______________
Contingency Allowance
(5-10% of the total cost)
Direct Costs:
Aka project cost. This is related to a specific house, e.g, labor, materials, permits, temporary power, etc.
Indirect Cost:
Overhead. Office equipment/supplies, construction tools/equipment, office payroll, taxes, etc.
Construction-Order Checklist:
Should go in the same order as the work to be done.
CSI masterformat
Look it up
First Load:
All the material needed to complete the house up to and including the subfloor.
Second Load:
Walk dealing and ceiling joist
Third Load:
Roof framing materials and roof coverings.
Fourth Load:
Exterior doors, windows, exterior trim, siding. (After this, the house can be locked up. Interior wall finish and plaster can be applied.)
Fifth Load:
Hardwood floors and underlayment
Sixth Load:
Interior doors, trim, and cabinets
What goes before excavation in the activity scheduling?
Surveys and permits.
What happens before the foundation?
Temporary water and power, usually from the city.
The first mechanical trades on the site, before the basement slab is poured:
Plumber
Before backfilling, you should
Frame. Especially ground level.
How long should you wait after windows and doors arrive before you install them?
ASAP
After driveway, sidewalk, and landscaping…
Install paint, resilient flooring, and fine electrical and plumbing. Hardwood and carpet are the last things.
Punch List:
The last on every activity schedule is gonna be the punch list. You walk through everything with the owner of the house.
Bar Chart:
An easy way to keep track of the project. It shows how long each task will take
Black background, red oval
Danger
Yellow background, black rectangle
Caution
P A S S
Pull
Aim
Squeeze
Sweep
How often should excavations be inspected?
Daily
Excavations deeper than ____ must have shoring, sloping, or trench boxes
5 ft.
Benched Excavations:
Have a stepped slope. This may offer more protection.
Simple or benched slope excavations deeper than ____ must be designed by a registered engineer.
20’
Soil has to be removed at least ____ away from the edge
2’
Ladders or ramps in excavations should be no more than _____ away from workers
25’
Can you have standing water in your excavation
No. Water must be pumped out
Which is better for guardrails, nails or screws?
Screws
When debris must be dropped ____ outside the building, a chute must be used.
20’+
Inside the building you still need barricades
A person still sweats, but experiences extreme weakness, fatigue, giddiness, nausea, or headache. Skin is clammy and moist.
Heat exhaustion. Rest in a cool place and drink electrolytes
Sweating stops, mental confusion/delirium, hot, dry, or red skin. 116 degrees Fahrenheit
Heat stroke. DON’T pour water on them, it can send them into shock. Instead, use a cloth. Fever and no sweat, call 911 immediately.
How should plywood for cabinetry be cut?
Good side down
What type ladder is used on construction sites
Industrial type 1, which is rated for 250 lbs.
What’s the ratio of a ladders working length to the horizontal distance
1 to 4
Access to scaffold should only be by what?
Stairs and fixed ladders
Delete
Delete
Trestle
Portable metal frame with rings for supporting scaffold. Like a ladder
What are pump jacks used for?
To work on Siding
Pump jacks must
Have posts no more than 30’ long
Posts must rest on wood or steel pads
Must be attached to the structure every 10’ by metal standoffs
A lifeline must be rated to support a minimum dead weight of
5,000 lbs.
Sequential nailer vs. contact nailer
Sequential nailers need to be pressed against the workpiece before they fire. Contact nailers do not.
What’s the max length a hose (house??) can be?
100’
Collated fasteners
A roll of nails, fed through automatically.
D head nails are used with
Nailers only.
Types of nails
Concrete hydration
A chemical process that occurs when water combines with cement. This generates heat as the concrete is cured.
Mortar/Grout
Water, cement, and sand (no coarse aggregate)
Portland cement ingredients
Lime, Silica, and alumina heated to 2,700+ degrees, then mixed with gypsum.
What type of Portland cement is most common?
Type 1.
(Type 3 is quick, type 4 is used for damns because it doesn’t crack.
Hydraulic cement
Expands when mixed with water and is used to plug up holes and in foundation.
Air entrained concrete
Good for changes in temperature/cold climates
Retarding admixtures
Useful in the heat
Accelerating admixtures
Helps in a tight schedule. Calcium chloride is a liquid option (dissolves better)
Crazing
Fine cracks that appear within a week. Crazing is caused by excessive floating or by spraying water on during the finish. Can also be caused by improper curing in hot, dry weather.
Plastic shrinkage
Shallow, parallel cracks caused by drying too fast.
Efflorescence
Whitish crystalline deposit that appears on the surface of concrete/mortar. Can occur after curing, or when compounds are drawn from soil into concrete.
Cracks in concrete
Can significantly reduce the strength and durability of concrete. Causes include not compacting enough, too high slump, not enough expansion joints, or shallow rebar.
Chalking
Loose powder on a concrete surface. Caused by finishing wet concrete, or putting concrete over non absorbent materials.
Scaling concrete
Flaking of concrete, usually caused by extreme freezing/thawing
Psi to bag conversions
2,500 psi - 4 1/2 bags
3,000 psi - 5 bags
3,500 psi - 5 1/2 bags
4,000 psi - 6 bags
What is a 6-6-6-0 mix?
6 bags, 6 gallons of water, 6% of additives
1:2:3 batch
1 pail of Portland cement, 2 pails of sand, 3 pails of crushed stone
What is the minimum bag mix for ready mix concrete trucks?
5 bag mix (5 bags per 1 cu. yd.)
6 bags where high strength is needed or steel reinforcement is used.
Why is epoxy coated steel used?
In especially corrosive conditions.
Size and weight of reinforcing bars
How much cover do different rebar need?
What is the most common welded wire fabric for residential construction?
6x6
What are the two basic methods to determine a building’s location?
Measuring from an existing reference line, or using surveying equipment like a level or transit.
Builder’s level
Aka dumpy level. Accurate within 1/4” at a distance of 75’
Automatic Level
Automatic levels are accurate at least 1/4” at 100’. Some are accurate 1/16 at 200’
Transits:
Transits are measured in minutes and seconds. They can measure horizontally and vertically. They can determine if a post or a wall is plumb.
Electronic transit:
Theodolite
Station Mark
Point over which the level is directly centered
Batter Board Steps
- Drive 3 2x4s at each corner, at least 4’ past foundation
- Nail 2x6 or 2x8 to the stakes horizontally and level
- Stretch string exactly over nails in the corner stakes
- Make a saw kerf where the string hits the board
- Tie the strings to the batter boards
Check the diagonal to make sure corners are square
Top of foundation wall height
Established by the building code. Often, it is 8” above finished grade
Beating capacity
A measure of how well the soil can support the weight of a house
Topsoil is often stockpiled by what equipment?
Dozer, front end loader, or a grader
If you dug a footing too deep, how do you backfill it?
Never use soil. Only use more concrete to bring it to grade.
Typical footing dimensions
Keyway
A dent on the top of a concrete footing that locks the wall in place to prevent moisture. It’s usually 3 1/2 wide x and 1 1/2 deep (a 2x4 is often used)
After the rebar is positioned in a footing,
The top of the footing should be toweled smooth.
Lumber formwork is often done with:
Spreaders to make the form the right size.
Duplex nails (easier to remove later)
What else needs a footing
Other load bearing parts of the structure (chimneys, columns, etc.)
What size are blocks used for basement walls and stepped footings?
8” (including 3/8” mortar joint)
Vertical step shouldn’t be more than 2” (best practice)
Footing drains
Always have holes facing down, (4” plastic. DON’T FORGET DAMP PROOFING
Can you run storm water to a septic tank or drain field
No
How much should footing drains be sloped?
1/8” per foot minimum
ICF is not permitted in what areas?
Areas with heavy termite infestation.
Should concrete be thick or thin?
As thick as possible.
How to get air pockets out of concrete
You can sometimes jab it with a shovel or pipe repeatedly as it is poured. Vibrator is better
Crawl spaces must have
Vapor barrier underneath, ventilation, and insulation in the floor above. Floor girders have to be 12” of the ground min. And must be covered with 6 mil plastic sheeting (reinforced sheeting is better)
Masonry Ledge:
A supporting ledge of the foundation wall, about 5” wide (including 1” gap between brick and tyvek). Base flashing is used below sheathing and framing. (Lapped with sheathing paper) weep holes also on this course.
Utility Sleeves:
A tight fitting foam block is placed within the form and nailed down, leaving space for utilities.
Flashing on a brick wall goes…
Under the first brick course that’s above grade.
How to reduce moisture in a beam pocket?
Add 1/2” clearance at the sides ands ends of the beam. Waterproof membrane, such as roll roofing, is applied under the end of the beam.
How long to leave forms on?
At least 2 days, hopefully more. At least a week when below freezing.
How do you pry concrete forms?
Use wood wedges, NOT metal pry bars. Also don’t use a wire brush, only a wedge + a bristle brush.
Is damp proofing required for foundation walls if it’s not an inhabitable space?
Yes. Damp proofing is still required.
Dampproofing walls must convert what area?
It must cover the entire foundation wall from the top of the footing to finished grade. Don’t apply it concrete is too fresh. (May not stick)
In more demanding circumstances (e.g livable spaces, high water tables) what else miser happen?
A waterproofing membrane must be applied. All joints must be overlapped and sealed with the correct adhesive.
Examples of waterproofing membranes:
2-ply hot mopped felts
55-lb rolled roofing
6-mil PVC/Polyethylene
40-mil polymer cement
60-mil flexible polymer cement
1/8” cement based fiber reinforced waterproofing coating
60-mil solvent-free liquid-applied synthetic rubber
During backfilling, what do you have to do to vertical drain pipes
Cap them to prevent them from getting filled up.
When backfilling, what sized lifts should you use?
6”-8” lifts compact as you go. Be careful about wood debris, never use clay or other expanding, poorly draining soils. Later gravel in as needed.
What sized rebar for reinforcing block walls?
4 - #7 rebar laid vertically then filled with concrete.
In a block wall, columns of rebar and concrete should be spaced no more than:
72” OC
Pilasters:
Columns on the interior side of a CMU wall that strengthen the wall under a beam or girder.
In CMU walls, basement doors ABs windows should be what?
Keyed to the foundation to prevent air leakage and add rigidity
What is the nominal dimension of brick?
Nominal dimensions allows for a 3/8” thick mortar joint
Vertical mortar joints are called ____
Horizontal joints are called ____
Head joints
Bed joints
Stretcher, corner, and 2 core stretcher
Common bond vs stack bond
Common bond is most common, courses are overlapped. Stack bond is straight up and down (aesthetic)
Goes to protect blocks from moisture:
Put them on planks, not on the ground. Cover them. Don’t allow moisture during storage or building.
What affects the strength of a mortar bond?
The type and quantity of mortar
The workability, aka plasticity of the mortar
The surface texture of the bedding area
The rate at which the masonry units absorbs the moisture
The water retention of the mortar
Skill
What are the ingredients of mortar and how do they influence the mix?
Cement: strength
Hydrated Lime: plasticity and stickiness
Sand: reduces shrinkage
Types of mortar:
M: below grade/heavy duty
N: above grade
O: interior walls/low strength
S: earthquake/high wind zones
How long can mortar sit?
Mortar should be used within 2 1/2 hrs on hot (above 80) days, and 3 1/2 hrs on cool days.
Building the corners
The corners are usually built 4 or 5 courses high, then set the bottom course straight (chalk line), then lay the full mortar bed, and place the brick accurately.
Story pole
A wood story pole marked with the course levels should be used to maintain proper height
How to tie walls together
A metal lath or 1/4 mesh galvanized cloth for non load bearing walls. Got load bearing walls, ladder reinforcement is used on every other course of block.
How to determine # of block?
9 8x8x16 blocks = 8 sq ft.
Find total sq fr off wall, divide by 8,
Multiple by 9.
Then subtract 1/2 of block from each corner course.
Or just use a table.
DON’T FORGET OPENINGS
Anchor bolts:
1/2” in diameter, 7” long, not more than 6’ apart. Metal lath is placed in the second joint from the top.
Parging
The process of spreading mortar or cement plaster over the block as part of the damp-proofing process. Make sure to add a cove (lip) to the bottom where the wall meets the foundation
Parging 2.0
Parging should be at least 3/8” thick. After it dries, add asphalt. If additional waterproofing is needed, see concrete waterproofing.
Surface Bonding:
Aka dry stacking. Stack wall on a bed of mortar. Then, Don’t mortar in between joints. Use fiberglass reinforced mortar at least 1/8” thick. Takes less skill
Protective steps against radon:
Gas permeable layer (4” thick drainage beneath floor slab)
Soil gas retarder (polyethylene sheeting 6 mil thick on top of gas layer
Sealants (seal all openings and cracks)
Vent pipe
Cap course- cap off all block walls to stop the gas from traveling
Flatwork
Concrete flat work is usually 5” or less
Monolithic slab
Monolithic: slab and foundation are a single pour. Strengthened with rebar at edges. (Better for moderate climates and termite areas)
Independent slab
House is supported by foundation walls, and the slab is poured between the walls.
How high above grade does the concrete foundation/wall have to be?
8” (siding should be 6” max off the ground
IRC building code prohibits what in termite heavy zones
Foam plastic insulation cannot be used on the OUTSIDE of a foundation.
Foundation poured with foundation walls need…
Rigid insulation on top of the vapor barrier.
Need for vapor barrier
Without pressure, water doesn’t penetrate concrete. (Proper drainage prevents this). Water vapor can still penetrate
Vapor barrier for foundations
6-mil polyethylene, cross laminated is better. Joints must be lapped at least 6”. Forced concrete to dry differently. Cover polyethylene with 3” layer of sand.
How far can concrete drop?
4’
Minimum thickness for basement floors
3 1/2”, sloping towards the floor drain.
Max slope for gravel driveways
7%
Concrete driveways
5”, Should have broom finish and be slightly crowned. Gravel bases aren’t required for sandy, undisturbed soil. Vapor barriers aren’t required, forms are built from 2x6s
How does the driveway meet the sidewalk
With an expansion joints of asphalt saturated felt strips. Also should be used every 40’ (long driveways)
Walkways to the house should have steps when greater than ____
5%
When to screed concrete?
When to bullfloat?
When to edge/joint
Screed immediately
Bullfloat when concrete is moist but not wet
Edge when the sheen has left
When floating air entrained concrete…
Only use aluminum or mag floats. (Wood sticks to the concrete)
Fresno
Steel trowel attached to a large handle.
Concrete should be kept moist for AT LEAST how many days?
2 days, 5 days for exposed concrete.
Cambium
Layer of living tissue that produces sapwood, which becomes heartwood over time.
What is the maximum backfill that can cover a trees roots?
1ft. Be especially careful with oak
Flat sawn wood
Arch like pattern in the grain.
Moisture content
The amount of water in wood, expressed in weight of water divided by overall weight.
Drying up to _____ doesn’t cause shrinkage.
28%
Moisture content of air dried vs. kiln dried concrete
Air dried-19%
Kiln dried<10%
Quarter sawn vs. Flat sawn lumber
How do builders condition homes to prevent swelling/shrinking of lumber?
???
How much does board size vary based on lumber?
About 1% for every 4% change in moisture
What kind of primer do you use on hardwood?
Oil based primer
Hardwood grades
First and seconds (FAS), select, and no. 1 common
Softwood grades
Green (>19%)
Dry (<19%)
Grading varies by region (e.g western wood products association, etc.)
Softwood grade stamp
Nominal dimension vs. actual dimension
Nominal dimension: width and thickness of rough sawn lumber
Actual dimension: dimensions after being surfaced and seasoned
Lumber defects
Lumber defects 2
Dry rot
Brown crumbly rot where the wood was exposed to moisture. Started out as discoloration in wood or paint. Where decay is occurring, hammer tap may sound hollow/sunken areas
Highest decay resistance in natural softwoods
The heartwood of Bald cypress, redwood, and cedar
____________________ termites account for 95% of all termite damage
Subterranean
What is the evidence of carpenter ants?
Sawdust piles
How do you treat carpenter bees
Insecticides, and painting the wood
Engineered panel
Any manufactured sheet product, including plywood, which is made of wood or wood pieces bonded with a natural or synthetic adhesive.
Veneer quality grading
Ranges from A (best) to D (worst)
(Optional) plywood grade stamps
Water resistant veneer markings
Water resistant veneers always end with an ’X’. All exterior panels need to be water resistant.
Performance panels
Typically used for single-layer subflooring, exterior siding, and sheathing. (Broken down further into categories based on moisture resistance)
APA stamp example
Composite panels vs. plywood
Plywood is made from veneer only, composite panels (OSB, MDF, particleboard) o m made from veneer, chips, and fibers.
OSB gaps
Sheathing and flooring should have 1/8” gap at the ends, and 1/4” gap at the sides. Do not damage the edges (sealed to prevent moisture)
Hardboard with 1 side smooth and 2 sides smooth abbreviations
S1S (one side smooth)
S2S (two sides smooth)
MDF
Good for painting on. Carbide tipped saw blades are best.
Particleboard
Smooth and inexpensive. Course flakes located near core, smoother flakes located on surfaces Not as strong as OSB or MDF, wax can be added to increase water resistance.
Engineered lumber should not be used where?
Where it will be exposed to the weather.
Web stiffeners
Added to I joists at points of high stress. Bearing stiffeners vs load stiffeners???
What material is used for rim joists on I joist flooring?
Rim boards, NOT solid lumber.
Glulam
Layers of lumber that have been glued together. Stronger than solid lumber of the same dimension, stronger than steel. Also fire resistant
Glulam installation
The camber (curve) must be facing up. (Radius of curvature is 3,500’ residential, 1,600’ commercial)
Finger jointed lumber characteristics
It’s always straight
It can be sawed and nailed like regular
It’s available in longer lengths
Certified glued joints (finger joints):
ONLY suitable for vertical use. Never use it horizontally.
Balloon framing
Studs go from sill plate to top of 2nd floor. 1x4 ribbons run diagonally on 2nd floor studs. Less affected by expansion/contraction, but not used because length of boards needed.
Platform framing
Every level is built separately, the floor is independent of the walls. Mind the connections between floors, walls, and roofs.
Floor joist stud spacing
12”, 16”, 19.2”, 24”, wall studs are typically just 16 OC
In line spacing
All joists, studs, and rafters are spaced the same. Increase load bearing efficiency and reduces amt. of lumber. E.g you don’t need a double-top plate
Post and beam framing
Uses fewer, but larger pieces. Subfloors and roofs are supported by beams spaced <8’ beams are supported by structural timber posts. Exposed beams in ceiling are aesthetic
Structural timber
5”x5” or greater
Timber framing
Post and beam framing using traditional woodworking techniques.
SIP
3 1/2” foam insulation between 2 sheets of exterior plywood/OSB
Shear wall
A wall designed to resist lateral (sideways) forces. Shear strength is crucial at the corners of a house
How to create a shear wall?
You can use a specific nail spacing. The top of the wall must be fastened to the second floor framing, the bottom of the wall must be fastened to the still plate.
Design value
A number assigned to how well a particular wood resists stresses. ALWAYS READ FOOTNOTES
Modulus of elasticity
A measure of how far wood will bend in proportion to its load (e.g springy floorboards)
Nail size picture
16d nail pronunciation
‘16 Penny’; nails are classified in this way by length
Standard zinc coating:
G 60 (don’t .005” thick)
Upper limit: G185. Anything beyond that and you should consider stainless.
Joist hangars
Sturdy 18 gauge galvanized brackets for holding joists. Sometimes, they come with their own 10d nail (otherwise, use 10d common)
I joist tip
DON’T NAIL I JOISTS. Use web stiffeners on hangars to fill the gap
16D common vs. sinker
Sinkers are thinner and shorter
Joist hanger nails
larger diameter than common nails, provided by mfr
Floor joist
Any light beam that supports a floor
Girder
Large principal horizontal never used to support floor joists
Post
Post is a vertical member that supports the girder. Posts can be made out of steel, wood, engineered wood, or sometimes blocks
Steel post requirements
AKA lally columns. 3” diameter minimum. You need Rust protection. They take up less space. Sometimes, they are filled with concrete for extra strength???
Girder placement
Down the middle and across
What determines the strength of steel girders?
The depth of the web (i), and the thickness of the steel.
W12 x 45#
W - wide flange
12” flange
45 lb per foot
Wood bearing plates can be fastened to steel using what?
Steel pins, powder actuated. Or welded threads for bolts
Dead load
The total weight of the building. (Including anything permanently attached.)
Live load
Anything not permanently attached. Live loads are calculated by the use of the building.
Floor trusses
Structural product that can be used as a girder or joist. Made of chords, webs, and connector plates. Use temporary braces to keep trusses in place.
Box sills
Sill is anchored to the foundation wall and rim joist is toenailed to the sill.
Sill plates
Establish the quality of everything that comes after. The HAVE to be level and properly secured. Sill plates must be secured every 6’ and 12” from the edge. Use sill sealer underneath to prevent leaks.
There’s a crown in a joist, which way should you lay it?
Crown side up. Knots are only ok on the compression (top) side.
Rim boards
Solid wood rim joists cant be used for i beam floors. Use Engineered wood products called rim boards
Solid bridging (floor joists)
Perpendicular bracing. No bridging is required by code but a lot of builders add it anyways. 1 row of bridging >8ft, two evenly spaced for >16 ft.
Cross bridging
More common, bridging at an angle to make an ‘x’
Bridging tip (floor joists)
Leave the bottom loose until after the subfloor has been installed. Then go back and nail the bottoms. (Use a chalk line)
Floor joists under load bearing walls
If the wall runs parallel, double the joist. If pipes have to go through the floor, add blocking (must be same size as floor joist) to triple the the joist.
Joist headers
Horizontal members that carry loads and direct the weight around spaces (stairwells, chimneys, etc.)
Tail joists and trimmer joists
Tail joists run into the header. Trimmer joists are on the side of the header.
Which stairwell is easier to frame? Parallel or perpendicular?
Parallel.
Rough openings of stairwells to be at least…
37” wide, (36” finished with 1/2” drywall)
Cantilevered extensions shouldn’t extend beyond:
2’
Flooring tip:
Use hangers on tail joists
What thickness is the subfloor?
1 1/8” or thicker (tongue and groove)
Hours much glue for a glue nailed subfloor?
I bead of construction adhesive to each joist. Panels are installed immediately thereafter. Pneumatic nailers should be used.
Underlayment
An additional layer, should not be laid until right before the floor.
The subfloor grain should go
Perpendicular to the joist grain.
How to nail a subfloor
Measure 48” across the joists.
Half nail the subfloor
Space gaps with a 10D box nail (1/8”)
Stagger with 1/2 panels and full panels
When laying underlayment, the edges should be
At least 2” offset from the subfloor. (Usually automatically done because subfloor extends beneath the wall plates and the underlayment does not.
Blocking beneath subfloor
The edges should be supported with blocking between joists. (Just nominal 2” lumber)
Wall studs should be at least
No. 3 standard/stud grade lumber
How to cut the ends of studs
Circular saw, radial arm saw, or miter saw. Not necessary for pre cut studs
Purposes of a double plate
- Adds strength
- Supports rafters and joists above
- Helps distribute loads
- Ties intersecting walls together
King stud
The stud on either side of an opening
How are headers built
Headers brace the tops of openings.
They are built from multiple 2 by’s and space blocks.
Let-in bracing
Studs are notched to receive diagonal 1x4 bracing
Typical wall sheathing thickness
At least 5/16”, but 1/2” is more common
Advantages to laying sheathing on the ground
Eliminates need for ladders, but it adds more weight.
Top edge of sheathing requires what?
Blocking between studs. Horizontal sheathing is allowed, but would require more horizontal blocking
2 main steps of a wall layout
- Mark the location of walls on the subfloor
- Mark the location of the studs, windows, and doors on the wall plates
The outside edge of the exterior wall should be flush with the:
Outside edge of the subfloor
Carpenters’ tip
Never assume that the floor is square!!
By walls and butt walls
By walls are take the outside corner, they are erected first. Butt walls are put up second and they are connected by the top plate.
How to setup wall plates for markings
Tack them together with 2 or 3 8d nails. Mark every stud, door, and window.
Marking openings on plates
Measure from one corner to the center of the opening, mark with a center line symbol
Corner post construction
DON’T do blocking, only solid studs because you can’t insulate blocking.
Layout template
An aluminum bar that is set 16”OC for easy markings
How to build a header
Nail 2 2x6s and a 1/2” plywood spacer (3 1/2” total). Use 16d nails, staggered on 16” centers.
Metal straps on headers
In high wind areas, code may require metal straps to connect headers, plates, and studs
Temporary bracing
Prevents walls from tipping when standing them up, keeps walls in position after you plumb them. May consist of a 2x4/6 and a block nailed to the subfloor.
When putting up walls, what do safety cleats do?
Safety cleats prevent wall from kicking out.
What size nails for the double plate?
10d nails, 16” oc, 2 nails per corner
What are some ways to increase the strength of shear walls?
Extra nailing, hold downs, anchor bolts, wider studs, construction adhesives, sheathing, etc. as specified by engineer.
Cabinet walls
Inset cabinet walls must have blocking to nail directly into.
Soffit
Aka bulkhead. Is a lowered portion of ceiling, used for lights and shavings where cabinet doesn’t meet ceiling.
How deep is a soffit
A soffit will be about 2” deeper than the cabinet to make room for the molding
Building code may require fire blocking in walls that are over _____
10’ high. (In standard height walls, the bottom plate is the fireblocking)
Common roof styles
Gable roof
Triangular walls, enclosed by sloping roof. May include dormers (upright projected windows) for light and ventilation.
Hip roof
Slopes at the ends and sides (even overhang). Very strong, can handle severe storms.
Gambrel roof
Steep slope leads to gradual slope, used on barns.
Roof framing diagram
Tyes of rafters diagram
Span (roofing)
Distance between the outer edges of the top plates. Measured perpendicular to the ridge board.
Total run
1/2 the length of the span
The unit run (roofing)
90 degrees to the ridge will always be ___
12”
How much the rafter movers horizontally in a flat foot of space
Total rise/unit rise
Total rise is vertical distance between top plate and top of measuring line
Unit rise number is inches the roof rises for every flat foot.
Slope vs. pitch
Slope - rise to run
Pitch - rise to span
Bird’s mouth
A notch made in the rafter so it will fit within the top plate.
Vertical is called heel cut, the flat is called seat cut
Strongbacks
A length of wood that runs perpendicular to the joists, stood upright. Stiffens the ceiling joist, but doesn’t replace header.
Trusses
Save on labor and materials by utilizing smaller dimension labor.
Parts of a roof truss
3 types of trusses
Truss tips
Support and lift upright, support entire length of truss, protect from ground dampness and rain, leave the bands on until just before you use them.
Truss bracing
Gable end bracing
Bracing is decided be mfr. gable end truss is most important. Should be braced to the ground.
Top chord bracing
Top chord bracing the rest with 2bys and 16d nails diagonally. Can be removed after sheathing is installed. Permanent bracing doesn’t remove the need for temporary bracing.
Partition clips
Allow up and down movement under load, but doesn’t allow side to side movement. Necessary for non bearing partition walls
Purlins
Purlins are horizontal structural members that transfer roof loads to structural supports underneath.
Box cornice diagram
Fascia
A board that is mailed to the end of the rafter tails to protect the end grain of rafters and gives a surface to mount rafters
Soffit (roofing)
The underside of the eaves, sometimes enclosed with plywood, vinyl, or aluminum.
Lookout
Horizontal members that extend from rafter end to form horizontal surface for soffits to be attached.
Installing a sectional soffit
Stamped sheathing panels (e.g 32/16)
Top number, maximum roof spacing.
Bottom number, maximum floor spacing.
For 7/16,15/32,&1/2 inch thick panels:
1 6d nail 6” from the edge, then spaced every 12”, OR
Stapling 4” from edge, then every 8”
Building code requires that the total area of window and glass in a room be not less than:
8% of the floor area. Must be able to open at least 4% (unless air conditioned)
Bathrooms must have no less than
3 sq ft of glazing, unless ventilated with fan
Characteristics of an egress window
Sill height < 44”
Height of opening > 24”
With > 20”
Unblocked open area > 5.7 sq ft (5.0 sq ft on grade)
Basic window styles
Muntins
Vertical or horizontal piece that holds a pane of glass
Most accurate ratings of windows performance will include:
Weatherstripping, materials, construction, and glazing
U values
Heat transfer ratings for windows. Like r values for insulation, but reversed. Lower U factors indicate greater performance.
Solar heat gain coefficient
Amt of solar heat that passes through a window from 0 (none) to 1 (all)
Visible transmittance
Indicate how well a window transmits daylight, expressed as a percentage.
Double glazed windows
Has air in between the glass as insulation.
Low e glazing
Glass that transmits less heat to the outside.
- Heat absorbing glazing
- Gas filled glazing
- Absorbs heat in colder climates
- Double glazed window with more dense gas (argon or krypton) to increase efficiency.
Tunnel skylight
A dome skylight brings in light to a sealed tunnel through the attic to a diffuser in a room below. Allows natural daylight in a interior room.
Installing a flange window
Step flashing vs. pan flashing
Step flashing consists of small L shaped metals that are interwoven with shingles.
Pan flashing is a single piece, must be specially fabricated.
Raised panel door diagram
Standard door jamb size:
4 9/16” wide. You can nail in a jamb extension to widen the jamb. Or use a custom jamb.
Single door diagram
Exterior doors (size):
Usually 1 3/4” thick and >6’ 8”
Main entrance needs to be 3’, other doors can be 2’ 8”
Astragal stop
T shaped molding on French doors
Any door between a house and an attached garage must have one of the following:
20 minute fire rating
Solid wood construction > 1 3/8” thick
Solid core or honeycomb core steel not less than 1 3/8” thick
(Don’t trim the doors, it could affect their fire rating)
Installing the door frame
Belle installing the frame, prepare the rough opening 2” wider and 2” higher then for. The top of the sill should sit flush with finished floor surface.
Exterior door hinge placement
Exterior doors usually have 3 hinges
Bifold doors
Usually for laundry rooms/closets/pantries. Put the pin in the track so the doors can fold open and closed
Interior door diagram
Interior doors only need 2 hinges
Fitting a door diagram
Exposure (shingles)
The amount of a single that shows after installation. The exposed edge is called the butt edge,
Top lap/side lap
Top lap: the portion of a shingle by the the shingle above
Side lap: the portion of a shingle hidden by another an adjacent shingle
Underlayment (roof)
Material (like roofing felt) that is applied to to the sheathing before the roof shingles.
Roof slopes
Flat < 2 1/2-in-12
Low between 2 1/2-in-12 and 4-in-12
High > 4-in-12
Shingles can be made of:
Asphalt, fiberglass, wood, cement, or slate
Anatomy of a shingle
Architectural shingles
Aka laminated shingles. Strip shingle has variable widths cut into it for a deep, textured look
Types of shingles
Strip(most common), individual (interlocked lbs or stapled down), and large individual (either Dutch or American lap methods)
Roll roofing
Cheap, industrial, requires double coverage of underlayment
Tile roofing
Tile roofing better for fire hazard, popular in California
Underlayment (roofing)
Protects the sheathing from moisture until shingles are installed
it provides a second layer of weatherproofing
It prevents asphalt shingles from sticking to the sheathing
It prevents condensation on the sheathing.
How to prevent ice dams
Don’t let the roof get warm. Use soffit vents and insulation to prevent the warmth from staying at the eave, and eave flashing
Eave flashing
At least 2 layers of underlayment, cemented together
A single layer of self sheeting bitumen sheet
Exposed metal flashing sheets with soldered joints
(Should extend 24” up the eaves)
Metal for flashing
Galvanized steel, at least 26 gauge (.024”), 16 oz. Copper, or lead coated copper
Step flashing
Small L shaped pieces of metal that can be used wherever the vertical and horizontal planes of the roof meet
Valley flashing
Has a rib that reduces splash into the other side of the roof. Flashing is held into place with metal cleats that allow the flashing to expand and contract.
Drip edges
Drip edges are designed to protect the edges of the roof it is applied to the sheathing UNDER the underlayment at the eaves, and OVER the underlayment at the rake.
2” onto the roof, 2” overlap, nailed 12” OC
Installing underlayment
Single coverage: no. 15 felt, bottom to top. Create a top lap of 2”, and a side lap of 4”, hips and ridges, 6” each side.
End laps should be at least 6’ apart
Fastening underlayment
Only use as much fasteners as necessary.
Button caps: nails with thin plastic washers (prevents wind damage)
Some roofers use a hammer tacker
Bundle of shingles
25 paper wrapped shingles. 3 bundles in a square of shingles. SPREAD THE WEIGHT AROUND!!!
3 tab shingles nailing
Requires 4 nails per strip. Individual tabs require at least 2 nails. High winds may require 6 nails
(1 nail 5/8” above the cutouts, 1” from either edge, and centerline of each cutout)
Baffle boards
Maintain 1” space between sheathing and insulation
Closed valley roofing
36” roll roofing (55lb min.)
Weave tabs at least 12” past the center
Use extra nail at the end of each strip
No metal flashing is necessary
Closed cut valley roofing
Lay one side of shingles and have at least 6” clearance past center line Snap a chalk line on the adjacent side, lay shingles and cut at the chalk line. 3” wide asphalt cement is used under the cut ends and no fasteners are installed within 6” of the valley.
Open valley
overlaps with the roof 4” vertical, 8” up the sides, 36” underlayment underneath.
Mineral surface asphalt: 18” wide roll roofing, 12” overlap vertically, minimal nails 1” from edge 36” strip on top of that. Snap a chalk line on either side for shingles.
Wood shingles
Usually on open sheathing, underlayment is 30 lb asphalt saturated felt. Underlayment kiss overlapped with the roof successively.
Shakes
Handsplit and resawed
Tapersplit
Straightsplit
Shake slopes
Shakes are not recommended for slopes of less than 3-in-12
Max exposure for shakes
Double coverage:
13” for 32” shakes, 10” for 22” shakes, 7 1/2” for 18” shakes
Triple coverage:
10” for 32” shakes, 7 1/2” for 22” shakes, 5 1/2” for 18” shakes
Wood single side spacing
1/4” - 3/8”
Wood shingle lengths
22” (royals), 18” (perfections), 16”(fivex)
Wood shingle grades
No. 1 grade (blue label), No. 2 grade (red label), and No. 3 grade (black label)
Also. An undercourse grade for starter courses.
Exposures depends on roof slope.
Eave protection
In cold climates, plywood sheathing is required at least 24” inside the interior wall. Then cover with double layer of 30lb asphalt saturated felt (self adhering bitumen could work)
What do you do on first layer of wood shingles first course
Double or triple the first course. It should project 1”-1 1/2” past the eaves to serve as a drip edge. No. 3 grade singles are often used on the starter course.
Minimum overlap for wood shingles
Side lap at least 1 1/2” (staggered).
Also, at least 1 1/2” from any defect.
Space shingles 1/4” - 3/8”
Nailing wood shingles
Use only 2 nails per single. Not more than 3/4” from the side edge, not more that 1” above the exposure line. Drive nails flush
Slope for gutters
At least 1” per 16’ towards the downspout
25’ Max between high point and downspout.
How to fasten gutters
Wraparound hangers every 3’-4’ OC
Spike and fertile method: aluminum spikes through the gutters and into the fascia board.
How to fasten downspouts
Straps or hooks should be used at least 2 per 8’
Splash blocks should be at least 3’ long
(Some contractors use underground drain directly to a storm sewer instead.
Wood siding variations
Board and batten siding:
When square edges board siding is used, how are joints covered with slender pieces of metal called battens.
Flashing on wood siding
Flashing is used wherever siding meets a horizontal surface (door frames, window sills, etc.) flashing must extend to behind the siding.
How is the sheathing protected from wind blown rain and vapor?
Building paper or house wrap, stapled just before siding is installed. Siding is installed over this barrier.
Vapor barriers on sliding
Vapor barriers prevent water from entering, but lets water leave freely.
Housewraps
Made from fight density polyethylene fibers. Blocks water but not vapor. It’s lightweight, 9’ wide, difficult to rip, but you need to use HOUSEWRAP SEAM TAPE on all seams and tears. Don’t use behind stucco.
What 3 kinds of nails can you use for siding?
Galvanized steel, stainless steel, or high tensile strength aluminum.
Galvanized nail types
Plated and hot dipped
Plating is more uniform, hot dipped is usually more resistant.
Stainless nails
Used when machine weather resistance is necessary, also used with cedar siding. (Cedar is corrosive to other metals)
Wood bevel siding priming
If it can’t been pre primed by mfr, then it needs to be back primed. Don’t forget cut edges and ends
Minimum overlap on wood siding
1” for 4”-6”, and 1 1/4” for widths over 6”.
(6” exposure, 1 nail per stud.
>8” exposure, 2 nails per stud)
Nail location on wood bevel siding
Vinyl siding panels
Nailing techniques for siding (vinyl)
Never drive nails unless specified.
Always drive nails straight and level.
Stay in the center work towards the ends
Space nails <16” apart on panels, and 8”-10” apart on accessories.
Center all nails. Except top corner post
Leave 1/4” space at joints and corner posts
Stagger end laps (rear to front) 24” between courses
end laps must be >1” wide.
Fiber cement siding
Very popular. Won’t burn, rot, or split. It resists mold, mildew, fungus, and UV rays, termites, etc. most commonly sold as planks
Fiber cement siding storage
Store dry and flat. Carry long planks on their edge. Use respirator when cutting. Use pneumatic or handheld shears to cut. Or circular saw with approved blade. Consider HEPA filter on circular saw.
Facing brick
Used for exposed exterior surfaces
Fire brick
Pale yellow or buff in color. Used for fireplaces ands other heating units, AKA refractory brick
Cored brick
AKA hollow brick have holes in them. Bricks without holes are called solid brick. Cored bricks harden more evenly during firing. Cored bricks are cheaper, lighter, and extra mortar gets in the cores for stronger connections
Frogs
Depressions in the brick that help the mortar. Frog side always goes down.
Modular and nonmodular brick dimensions
6 brick positions
Types of mortar (pic)
Key differences between concrete and mortar
Concrete should have the least amount of water possible, mortar should spread easily and stick to vertical surfaces. Concrete doesn’t contain lime.
Mortar drying time
Mortar can be retempered? Above 80 degrees, mortar drying time is 2 1/2 hrs. Cooler temperatures might extend mortar drying time.
Supporting a brick veneer wall
A brick veneer wall must be supported by the concrete/masonry foundation and must be tied to the framework of the house.
Wall ties (brick walls)
Veneer walls must be tied to the frame of the house with corrosion resistant wall ties. 7/8” x 6” straps are standard. Wire ties are more corrosion resistant.
Wall tie construction (brick walls)
One side is nailed/screwed through the sheathing into the stud, the other side is embedded into the mortar joint (2”), spaced a maximum of 24”
Lintels
A lintel is a structural support for masonry, made from steel, stone, or concrete. Must have at least 4” of bearing.
Rowlock
Slanted bricks at the sill to shed water
Lead corner (brick)
A lead corner is a partially constructed corner of brick to guide the wall.
Mortar joint shapes
Working with brick in freezing temperatures
Bricks have to be warmed under 20 degrees. Frozen bricks have to be thawed and dried. Mortar can’t freeze. Consider heating the sand and water and also working in a heated tent.
Makeup air
Fueling a fireplace with air from outside
Ona fireplace, the damper is placed where?
8” from the top of the opening.
Fresh air intake on fireplaces
Provides at least 6 sq in of air and must be converted with corrosion resistant screen.
Must be within 24” of the firebox, closable, and not in a garage or basement.
Firebox
Must be made from solid stone, reinforced concrete, or hollow stone grouted solid. When lined with 2” of firebrick, the walls should be at least 8” thick. Use refractory cement
Hearth
The floor of the firebox, plus the fireproof area in front of the fireplace. There’s the front/finished hearth, and the back hearth (under the fire)
The back hearth must be how thick?
4” thick, minimum.
How thick does the front hearth have to be?
2” thick min. (Don’t have to resist prolonged heat, just sparks)
How big should the front hearth be?
If under 6 sq ft, 16” in front and 8” on both sides
If 6sq ft+, 20” in front and 12” on both sides. (Always check local codes)
What is the average lintel size for a fireplace?
1/4” thick angle iron with 3 1/2 wide legs.
No woodwork can be placed within ____ of a firebox opening.
6”
When is a chimney required?
A chimney is required for any fuel burning appliance. (Fireplace, wood stove, furnace)
Draft (chimneys)
The upward movement of air within a chimney that pulls air into an appliance.
With has a better draft? Interior or exterior chimneys (assuming same size)
Interior chimneys have a better draft
On a pitched roof, the flue lining should be at least:
2’ above any part of the roof within 10’ horizontal.
The top of the comet must be above any operable windows within a _____ radius
20’
Corbel
A course of brick that is offset to extend past the course below it.
How far can corbeling extend past the lower brick?
1/2 the height of the brick, or 1/3 the width of the mortar bed. You can’t change the chimney or flue within 6” of a floor, ceiling, or roof
Overlapping flashing
Aka cap flashing, Aka counter flashing.
Embed flashing 1 1/2” into mortar joint, then overlap a wide piece of base flashing on the roof.
Chimney saddle
Aka chimney cricket. A jump that diverts water around chimney. Required on chimneys >30” parallel to the ridgeline that don’t intersect the ridge.
Chimney flashing should be made out of what material?
Lead coated copper, galvanized steel, or Copper
Cut stringer stairway
Treads and risers are connected to notches in the stringers. 3 stringers are common, wider stairs have 4 stringers. Most common type of stairway.
Parts of a stairway
Balustrade
The entire system of balusters, handrails, and related support pieces.
Stairway width
36” between finished walls, Minimum
(42” is better)
Minimum clear width of stairwells
If 2 handrails, 25”
If 1 handrail, 31 1/2”
What is the preferred angle for stairs?
30-35 degrees
Basic layout of a stairway
Calculating total run of stairs
If the top of the stringer forms a full tread, there are as many treads as there are risers. Multiply # of treads by length of tread.
When to use a third stringer on stairs
When the treads are less than 1 1/8” thick or when the stakes are more than 2’-6” wide.
Crown/bed molding
Window casing using stool and apron
Brick molding
Casing and baseboards
Casing and baseboards are similar, but baseboards are bigger
Drip caps
Stools
Window stool position
Coping a joint
Coped joints always line up even if the corners aren’t perfect, and they’re less likely to shrink after installation.
Standard kitchen dimensions
Cabinet installation
Typically begins with a corner. Shim it into place. If the walls are uneven, you may have to remove some material.
Installing wall cabinets
Use #10 Roundhead screws that are long enough to go through the 3/4” back rail and wall and at least 1” into the studs. Minimum 4 screws per cabinet.
Bearing wall vs. non bearing wall metal studs (gauge)
Drain field
A network of perforated pipes embedded in sand and gravel for septic. Wells should always be located on the opposite/uphill side of the house (>100’ away)
Batts and blankets
Batt- any precut, thick insulation
Blankets- extra large batts
Batts are 15”, stud cavities are 14 1/2”. The difference is to ensure a snug fit.
Fiberglass
Usually comes with a paper making that acts as a vapor retarder.
Otherwise, use 4 mil plastic.
Alternatives include rock wool and cotton/wool (treated for mold, fire, and rodents)
Loose fill insulation
Commonly used in attics where pipes and wiring make batts difficult.
Tip: flying foam board to basement walls
Spray foam
Can expand by 100x, excess must be sliced flush and recycled.
It fills gaps better than other insulation.
Open cell vs. closed cell foam
Slow curing helps foam flow over obstructions before it sets.
Open cell allows moisture to pass after it cures, closed cell doesn’t.
Wet spray insulation
Made of cellulose/fiberglass. Once insulation drops below 19 percent(>24hrs), you can drywall it.
Vapor retarder examples
Asphalt laminated papers, aluminum foil, and plastic film.
What are vapor retarder values called
Perm values. The lower the better. .50 is adequate, but <.25 is ideal.
How do you handle vapor barriers at outlets and seams
A ribbon of sealing compound should be used.
Vapor barriers on the outside of houses
THERE SHOULD BE NO VAPOR BARRIER ON THE OUTSIDE OF A HOME. Sheathing paper should be waterproof, not vapor proof.
Where a ceiling is insulated, there should be at least ______ between the sheathing and insulation to encourage airflow
1 1/2”
Radiant heat gain
The outside starts heating the inside, forcing the AC to work harder. Radiant heat barriers are thin sheets with at least 1 reflective surface. (DON’T USE IN COLD CLIMATES)
Emissivity and reflectivity
Emissivity: radiation of heat (0-1)
Reflectivity: reflection of radiated heat (1-100)
Radiant heat needs high reflectivity (90+) and low emissivity (<.1)
Attaching radiant heat barriers
Can be applied under the rafters, or drooped over the rafters just before sheathing (at least 1” of airspace). Don’t spread over attic insulation.
Building envelope
Insulating ceilings
Use a vapor retarder on the back of the ceiling finish. When layering unfaced blankets, put layers perpendicular.
STC
Sound transmission class higher the number, the better the soundproofing. A 1 sq in hole can reduce STC by nearly half.
Drywall dimensions
4x8
Can also be 9’,10’,12’, and 14’ long
4’-6” widths also exists
Most commonly 1/2” thick, sometimes 3/8 or 1/4 for curves/coverings
Type X fire resistant drywall
5/8” thick, contains glass fibers.
This is required for the outer surface of walls by an attached garage. Type C is even more resistant. Sometimes drywall is layered for added resistance (commercial)
Moisture resistant drywall
‘Green board’. Comes in 1/2” and 5/8” fire code MR drywall is also available.
Can you use green board behind shower tile?
No. Green board is not suitable for tubs and showers (except ceiling), MUST USE CEMENT BACKER or GLASS-MAT GYPSUM.
Specialty drywall
Foil back drywall: layer of aluminum foil vapor barrier
Flexible drywall: typically double layered.
Sound resistant drywall
Type W drywall screws
Used for wood framing, must penetrate the stud at least 5/8”
Type S drywall screws
For steel studs. Must penetrate least 3/8”
J trim (drywall)
Nail and screw spacing for drywall
Ground (plaster)
A material permanently or temporarily attached to the plastering surface. Provides a straight edge to help gauge plaster thickness. Can be metal or wood.
3 coat plaster
3 coats of plaster over a metal lath. Usually >3/4” thick.
Can be applied in 2 or 3 coats over 3/8” gypsum, then the minimum thickness is 3/8”
Names of the coats of plaster
Scratch coat, brown/leveling coat, finish coat
Different types of plaster finishes
Sand-float finish, lime and sand are mixed to make the texture
Put finish doesn’t use sand, it’s smooth for gloss/enamel paints
Can you player in the cold
No. Plaster must be constantly heated if done below freezing. Wet plaster has to be protected for at least 24 hrs
Suspended ceiling
Panels held in place by a grid.
Acoustical ceiling
Panels are glued directly to the ceiling surface or staples to wood strips nailed to ceiling joists. Panels are 12”by 12”(sometimes 24”) tongue and groove, each groove gets 2 staples.
Mastic method
If the ceiling is flat, you can glue with mastic or construction adhesive near the corners, otherwise, staple and use shims.
How to sink nail heads into the wood
Use a nail set and hammer, then fill with exterior grade wood putty. Seal any knots before finishing.
For oil based paint, the outside temp has to stay below _____ for ____ hrs after painting
40 degrees; 24 hours
For latex paint, the temperature has to stay above be ____ for ____ hrs
50 degrees; 24 hrs
When using paintable water repellant wood preservatives prior to painting, temperatures should be __________
Above 70 degrees.
Blistering paint (siding)
The suns heat pulls out moisture.
To fix: stop source of moisture, scrape off old paint for 12” around the blister condition, sand till fresh and prime. Caulk all seams and holes, then paint.
What kind of paintbrush is used for “cutting in” corners?
A 5”-7” flagged bristle brush. (Flagged means splayed at the tips)
Painting a door diagram
Moisture in wood floors
Hardwood floors must acclimate. Store it in the building for at least at least 4 or 5 days before laying the floor.
Laying strip flooring
Line up the first courses (use string or chalk line, not the wall). Place a long piece of flooring 1/2” from side wall to allow contracting/expanding. Fill in gap with baseboard/molding
Sleeper (flooring)
A length of preservative treated lumber that supports wood flooring over concrete. Follow mfr spec.
Underlayment (vinyl flooring)
A thin panel that’s smoother than plywood/OSB. It covers flaws and fills gaps. It should be at least 1/4” thick and have a sanded face.
CCA treated lumber
Chromate Copper Arsenate. Discontinued in 2004 due to leaching into the soil. Commonly ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary) is used.
Piers (decking)
Cylindrical concrete columns that serve as foundations. Should extend 6” below the frostline.
