House Framing Basics
Whether you are going to frame a new house or remodel your current home; there are several framing basics with which you you need to become familiar. Most of the houses in the United States are framed with wood studs. In older homes studs were mostly 2×4, however today many homes are being framed using 2×6. Studs are placed on a bottom plate (treated material recommended), up to a double top plate for strength. The roof rafters sit on the top plate.
You have two types of walls. First you have load-bearing walls which carry the weight of the house above them. These walls are not to be disturbed by a DYI carpenter. You should certainly hire a framing contractor if one of these walls needs to be moved or altered. The next type of wall is known as a partitioned wall. Rather than holding up weight, these walls serve as space dividers. These walls can be removed or altered without changing the integrity of the structure.
A load-bearing wall can be removed or altered, however you must support the joist above with some type of a beam. If this task is not completed properly, the ceiling could immediately come crashing down on your head, but you can be assured that even if this doesn’t happen, over a period of time the ceiling will sag without some added support.
When remodeling, you need to guard against damaging the plumbing and wiring. This can be a very expensive proposition if not handled properly. At your local home improvement store you will find books that give specifications on spacing, recommended loads to be considered and so on. Home improvement is very rewarding if you are careful and play by the “book”. You may even ask “Should I build my own house?” You can do it if you have a little “smarts”, a lot of spare time and a patient wife (or husband).
Category: New Construction
