Construction and Sheathing Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of studs in wall construction?

To support beams and joists (correct)

To act as decorative elements

To insulate the walls

To provide fire resistance

What type of wall is typically considered load bearing?

Partition walls

Exterior walls (correct)

Interior walls

Non-structural walls

Which material is used specifically for fire resistance in wall systems?

Non-structural sheathing

Oriented Strand Board (OSB)

Asphalt impregnated sheathing

Gypsum Wall Board (GWB) (correct)

What is blocking used for in wall construction?

To stop fire spread Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the top plate in wall construction?

To connect the studs at the top Signup and view all the answers

How does structural sheathing contribute to a building's integrity?

By adding structural strength Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate spacing for studs in exterior wall construction?

16 inches Signup and view all the answers

What type of sheathing is known for its weatherproofing abilities?

Asphalt impregnated sheathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using OSB sheathing in construction?

Cost, versatility, and strength Signup and view all the answers

Which material is specifically categorized as a type of OSB sheathing?

Aspenite Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between a vapor retarder and a vapor barrier?

Vapor retarders slow down moisture movement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of drywall clips in construction?

To connect and hold drywall panels Signup and view all the answers

What role do openings in a building serve?

Allow for ventilation, light, and climate control Signup and view all the answers

What does the lintel (header) do in a construction context?

Supports the wall above doors and windows Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is specifically designed to function as an air barrier?

TYVEC Signup and view all the answers

The purpose of asphalt-impregnated sheathing is primarily for:

Moisture resistance Signup and view all the answers

What type of roof is characterized by having two slopes and distributing loads down to the sidewalls?

Gable Roof Signup and view all the answers

What is the required gap around a chimney to allow for expansion and contraction during installation?

Two inches Signup and view all the answers

Which type of roof is not recommended for skylights due to water accumulation issues?

Flat Roof Signup and view all the answers

What type of dormer has a single slope and distributes weight at the top and front wall?

Shed Dormer Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate slope ratio denominator for roofs?

12 inches Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ceilings that have no attic space?

Support lightweight loads Signup and view all the answers

Which roof type has an even slope and is often seen in modern designs?

Shed Roof Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum load requirement for floor joists?

50 psf Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of using trusses in roofing?

They can handle snow loads effectively. Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a truss helps to keep the rafters intact near the roof peak?

Collar tie Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of roof sheathing?

To provide a nailing surface and lateral bracing. Signup and view all the answers

During roofing installation, which layer is installed immediately after the sheathing?

Underlayment Signup and view all the answers

What is an advantage of the energy heel truss design?

Better insulation distribution. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of underlayment is considered more durable?

Synthetic underlayment Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the drip edge in roofing installation?

To direct water away from the walls. Signup and view all the answers

Where should ice and water shield be installed during roofing?

On sensitive areas like valleys and chimneys. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of using ridge vents in roofing?

To allow hot air to escape and maintain airflow Signup and view all the answers

Which roofing material is recognized for its supreme durability and thickness?

Wood shakes Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of soffit vents in roofing ventilation?

To allow cool air to enter the attic Signup and view all the answers

What causes ice damming in roofing systems?

Melted snow refreezing at the eaves Signup and view all the answers

What must be improved to combat ice damming in roofs?

Attic insulation and ventilation Signup and view all the answers

Why are metal roofs often used in standing seam designs?

They provide a watertight seal Signup and view all the answers

Which type of roofing material is considered the most common?

Asphalt shingles Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of different slopes in roofing, particularly valleys?

To facilitate drainage and water management Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Walls

Studs are vertical columns supporting beams and joists, transmitting loads to the sill plate.
Exterior studs are typically 2x6 or 2x4 and spaced 16 inches apart.
Walls are constructed downwards and then lifted up for installation.
Blocking (firestopping) is horizontal lumber used to prevent fire spread.
Blocking is required between studs in walls taller than 10 feet.
Walls are nailed to the subfloor for stability.
Exterior walls are load bearing, while interior walls are non-load bearing.
The bottom plate rests on the subfloor, while the top plate is at the top of the wall.
Top plates overlap at corners and bearing wall intersections, providing structural integrity and acting as beams.
Sheathing strengthens walls, provides lateral resistance, and acts as a base for siding and roofing.
Structural sheathing provides support and strength.
Non-structural sheathing provides insulation.

Sheathing Types

Asphalt impregnated sheathing is moisture-resistant, made of wood fibers saturated with asphalt, providing weatherproofing and strength.
Gypsum wallboard sheathing (GWB) is fire-resistant and moisture-resistant (used in bathrooms) and cannot rot.
Oriented strand board sheathing (OSB) is a common and strong sheathing made from compressed wood strands and adhesives.
Aspenite is similar to OSB but made with compressed aspen wood strands.

Corner Details

Drywall clips connect drywall panels to the wall.
Drywall is a board made from plaster, wood pulp, or other materials, used for interior walls.
TYVEC air barrier and Zip system are types of impregnated air barrier sheathing.
Corner details provide structural strength and weather resistance.
Option 1 corner details are the most energy efficient.

Vapor Retarders

Vapor retarders slow down moisture movement, preventing vapor from passing through walls, ceilings, and floors.
Vapor retarders partially protect against moisture, unlike vapor barriers.
Openings in buildings allow light, ventilation, and climate control.

Lintels and Headers

Lintels are horizontal beams placed above windows and doors to support the wall above.
Lintels are typically thick and made of stone, wood, or other materials.
Insulated lintels help maintain consistent indoor temperatures by minimizing thermal bridging.

Ceilings and Roofs

Pitched roof, shed roof, and flat roof are broad categories of roof types.
Big overhangs protect the building envelope from water.
The denominator of the slope ratio always stays at 12 inches.
Flat roofs have low slopes.
Conventional slopes are considered "v".
Ceiling joists support ceilings.
Floor joists are engineered wood designed to support 50 PSF.
Rafters are sloping pieces of wood supporting the roof.

Roof Types

Gable roof has two slopes that meet at a peak.
Hip roof has four slopes that meet at the peak.
Shed roof has a single slope.

Lookout

Lookouts are horizontal supports for rafters.
Cantilevers are required when the lookout is 12 inches or more.
No cantilever is required with lookouts less than 12 inches.
Roofing installation techniques, materials, and best practices are important.
Roof openings include skylights, dormers, and chimneys.

Skylights

Skylights should be installed parallel to the roof slope to prevent water accumulation.
Curb mount skylights are raised above the roof.
Framed-in-place skylights sit within the roof structure.

Dormers

Dormer glazing is vertical.
Gable dormers have two slopes and distribute loads to sidewalls.
Shed dormers have a single slope and distribute weight to the top and front wall.

Chimneys

Chimneys require a 2-inch gap for expansion and contraction.
Saddles or crickets are built behind chimneys to divert water and debris.

Trusses

Trusses support roof loads and are pre-engineered structures.
Truss advantages include handling snow loads, quality control, reduced lumber waste, and faster installation.
Truss plates connect truss members.
Trusses sit on the top plates.
The heel is the point where the truss connects to the top plate.
Energy heel truss designs have increased space above the top plate.

Roof Sheathing

Roof sheathing provides a nailing surface and lateral bracing for the roof.
Sheathing is installed perpendicular to rafters for stability.
Expansion and contraction gaps are left between sheathing panels.

Underlayment

Underlayment is a secondary layer of protection against water damage.
Asphalt felt is a traditional underlayment, while synthetic underlayment is more durable and often preferred.

Shingles

Shingles are installed from the eaves upwards, with proper overlap.
Drip edges are used to direct water away from walls.
Shingles are machine-made and have a uniform appearance.
Shakes are hand-split cedar with a more textured appearance.
Shakes are thicker than shingles and offer durability.

Ice and Water Shield

Ice and water shield is a protective barrier installed in vulnerable areas like valleys and around chimneys to prevent leaks.
Valleys are the space between roof slopes where shingles overlap.

Roof Ventilation

Ventilation is important for preventing moisture buildup in the attic.
Ridge vents allow hot air to escape and maintain airflow.
Intake vents bring in cool air from outside at the eaves, called soffit vents.
Exhaust vents release warm humid air outside.
Ventilation helps regulate temperature, prevent moisture buildup, reduce energy costs, and control ice damming.

Ice Damming

Ice damming occurs when melting snow refreezes at the eaves, causing water to back up under shingles.
Solutions include improving attic insulation and ventilation.

Roofing Materials

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material and are made from fiberglass impregnated with asphalt and granules.
Metal roofing is durable and often used in standing seam designs, which are crimped together for a watertight seal.
Clay tiles are durable and aesthetically pleasing.
Wood shingles are solid pieces of wood requiring proper installation and maintenance.

Other

Attic knee walls support rafters in the roof and block off small spaces.
Collar ties are used to reinforce rafters against outward forces.
Roof joists keep the structure's walls from spreading at the base and support the ceiling.
Cornice is the connection between the roof and sidewall, used for aesthetic installation .

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Description

Explore the fundamental aspects of wall construction and sheathing types. This quiz covers key concepts such as studs, blocking, load-bearing walls, and various sheathing materials. Test your knowledge on the structural integrity and installation processes involved in wall assembly.