Activity 2.1.1 Wood Frame Systems

[Pages:3]Activity 2.1.1 Wood Frame Systems

Introduction

Most people do not consider what is behind the painted walls or exterior surface in most buildings. Homes are often constructed with a wood frame, especially if the area has an abundant supply of wood. Much of the United States has an abundant supply, so wood frame buildings are common. Different regions, however, dictate other differences, such as whether the outside facing walls are made of 2x4 or 2x6 studs to allow for different amounts of insulation. Wood frame construction has existed for many years. If you visit a construction site to observe the skeleton of such a structure, you should be able to make sense of the placement of the different support pieces.

Equipment

Internet and/or reference texts

Procedure

In this activity you will use available resources to identify the primary parts of a traditional wood frame structure and then describe the purpose of each.

1. Use letters or numbers to identify at least 15 components in the image below. Then list the purpose of each component.

2. Upon completion, discover and include any components that should be added to your table.

Label Component

A

Floor Joists

B

Subfloor

C

Roof

Sheathing

D

Wall

Sheathing

Component's Purpose

Floor joists are used to carry the load of the floor and ceiling

The subfloor is the structural floor that joins the joists and supports finished flooring

Roof Sheathing is plywood used to enclose the structure, provide lateral support for the structure and provide support for the roofing material. Wall Sheathing is plywood which is used as an insulating board to enclose the structure.

? 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc. CEA Activity 2.1.1 Wood Frame Systems ? Page 1

E

Sole Plate A sole plate is a structure member at the bottom of studs used

(Sill Plate) to hold walls together. Provides a surface for the wall to attach

to the structure.

F

Header

A header is used to support structural members over openings

(Window

in the wall.

Opening)

G

Sill (Window A sill is placed on the bottom of walls and opening in walls,

Opening

supports wall and structure.

H

Roof Truss A roof truss is made up of connecting triangles that work as the

(Truss)

framework of a roof of a building provides support to the roof.

I

Insulation

Insulation is material used to restrict the flow of sound and heat

from one surface to the other.

J

Top Plate

A top plate is used to hold walls together.

K

Vapor Barrier A vapor barrier is used to block the movement of moisture

through the exterior of the building.

L

Siding

A siding is used as an outer wall and is the final product of the

shed.

M

Underlayment The underlayment provides temporary weatherproofing during

construction and a secondary weatherproof layer for the

finished building.

N

Asphalt

Asphalt shingles provide protection to the house's roof, blocking

Shingles

out the elements.

O

Stud

(Walls)

Studs are the vertical framing member in frame wall construction.

? 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc. CEA Activity 2.1.1 Wood Frame Systems ? Page 2

N M C

H

O

K F

D I G

L

J

Conclusion

A

E

B

1. List, describe, and explain the purpose of two components of a residential building that you are familiar with, such as your home.

Insulation is a component of a residential building which is used to block out the cold during the winter, heat during the summer and sound from the outside. This component is important because it makes residential buildings comfortable and quiet. Asphalt shingles are another component of a residential building which are used to block out the rain, sun, snow, etc. They make residential buildings separated from the environment.

2. Which part of wood frame construction do you think will change the most in the near future? Explain the change and why you believe it will occur soon

I think the subfloor will change the most in the near future because architects and/or construction workers might think of more effective methods or shapes. I believe it will occur soon because many homes don't have a strong foundation so new designs can fix the problem of weak foundations and collapsing homes.

? 2010 Project Lead The Way, Inc. CEA Activity 2.1.1 Wood Frame Systems ? Page 3

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