Concrete House Footings for 2018 Codes

Design concrete footings for residential houses according to the 2018 IRC even if its on solid rock. Footing Basics The footing transmits the loads from above to the soil. So when an aggregate such as gravel , and the soil beneath it is compromised, then it will fail. This is why the many concrete design […]
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Making Roof Trusses

Roof trusses are fabricated from individual framing members so they behave as a single object. They are typically engineered, but can also be home built. Home built versions can work great for shops and barns or anything else that must clear span (no posts or beams). Just know that if your project involves building inspectors, […]
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Introduction to Roof Framing

From the very beginning of my framing career I was fascinated by roof framing. It was obvious to me, even at such an early age, that this was not easy thing. It was clear to me right off the bat that it involved extreme climbing, heavy lumber, harsh temperatures, and unbelievable schedules (not to mention […]
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Build your own concrete foundation forms

Concrete Foundation Forms 2 x 4’s and 3/4″ forming plywood works best. The form will be lightweight and strong. If they will be reused, then use treated lumber. The 2 x 4’s should be No.2 kiln dried pine simply because it is cheap, easy to work with, and holds nails very well. The plywood needs […]
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Wood finishing made easy

Prepare the Wood for Finishing Finishing wood begins with preparation. All wood should be clean, dry, and free from any protrusions such as nail heads. Any fasteners such as nails or trim screws need to be properly set and filled with wood putty. Use caution with wood filler. Use only small amounts and be sure […]
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Compare the Rough Openings vs Door Size

The rough opening for a door is directly relational to its size. For prehung single doors, the formula is simple, just add 2″ for the width and 2 1/2″ for the height. Rough Openings for Doors The reason why the rough opening is 2″ wider than the door is because of the door jamb on […]
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Driveway Bridge Spans Over Creek

This bridge design is for driveways that must go over a creek. Its simple design features concrete foundations, steel girders, and a wooden floor. Planning for a driveway with a bridge over a creek Sometimes there is no option except for a driveway to have a bridge that spans over a creek. The first step […]
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Are Shingles Better than Metal Roofing?

Directly compare three types of shingles against two types of metal roofing for pricing, speed, reliability,and durability. Learn the advantages and disadvantages for both applications. Also explore other factors such as how steep the roof is, and whether or not it is new construction or a tear off. Shingles vs Metal Roofing Know that there […]
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