A recent inspection on a family residence revealed that sheathing panel edges were telegraphing through the roofing shingles. Since the roof was properly ventilated and there was no moisture present, we conducted an inspection to see what was causing the problem.
Recently we had a call from a builder complaining that their roof sheathing was buckling, causing a telegraphing effect through their roofing shingles. Concerned about the structural efficacy of the roof, they asked us to take a look. The builder and dealer thought it was a number of problems with the roofing panels themselves but, on closer inspection, we discovered that there were a number of installation issues that caused the problem.
Subflooring on a roof? Has the whole world been turned upside down and gone topsy-turvy? Don’t worry folks, let the Ol’ Sage Builder set the record straight on this matter!
As construction costs increase and building codes demand more effective building envelopes, construction professionals are looking to taller wall panels to fill in the gaps. OSB wall panels already make for a sustainable and cost-effective option but with longer length OSB wall panels, the efficacy of the building envelope is increased by creating fewer seams while costs, waste and installation time are reduced.
I-Joists are engineered wood products that are gaining popularity with building professionals. Engineered I-Joists are manufactured under exacting conditions to ensure consistent strength that provides long span and high load capabilities. These installation tips are supplementary to your manufacturer’s instructions and technical guides.
Homes built in high-wind areas must be able to withstand the wind forces known as uplift (which try to roll the structure over) and shear (which tries to push the structure sideways). Catastrophic damage to property and tragic loss of life have prompted industry professionals to look for cost-effective ways to build homes better able to withstand combined shear and uplift using products trades are familiar with. Now structural wall sheathing can provide the required continuous load path needed to resist high winds and meet high wind codes.
Many framers are being told to install OSB wall panels/sheathing as tight as possible in order to create a tighter building envelope and meet energy codes. While this may make some sense, there are inherent pitfalls to this strategy.
Did your roof sheathing get caught out in the rain? Worried what being wet might have done to it? Let the Ol’ Sage Builder fill you in on the details!
Using the right nail for each job will mean that your work lasts longer and can reduce expensive callbacks. For example, using the incorrect nail for a sub-floor installation could result in squeaky floors, uneven surfaces and bounce.
Nails literally hold the world together, but just how much do you know about your fasteners? Do you use the same nails for every job out of habit? Always ask your design professional to stipulate sizes and fastener patterns, but knowing what kind of nails to use may save you time and money on work that lasts.
