Review About The Open Wall Construction Technology

Open Wall construction is not limited to a single technique. The theories and principles behind the construction are unique, but the design uses existing methods and materials to allow for complete flexibility.

Methods discussed later describe only one of a number of design models created, and provides examples of the applications, which should be modified to meet local codes and personal preferences.

Wrap and Strap Open Wall Construction

This method is ideal for tradesmen because its application is simple, and the buildings thermal envelope can easily be maintained. It consists of a primary shell, which is the buildings structural skeleton, being constructed with standard platform framing techniques. The entire building is then wrapped in polyethylene, then a second non-structural skin is attached to the exterior, which is insulated and finished. This type of open wall construction is used to retro-fit existing two by four construction into super-insulated, air tight homes.

Platform Open Wall Construction

Platform construction methods require that the framing carpenters perform not only the structural framing, but install the windows, doors, insulation, air/vapor barrier, exterior moisture barrier and sometimes exterior finishes when used in paneled wall sections.

This method has been utilized in the pre-manufacture of exterior walls in sections which are handled by four workers easily. It is very effective for consumers, not familiar with structural design, but who wish to erect their own homes. It is also a much quicker method because the building can be factory built elsewhere, shipped, and erected with the vapor barrier, insulation, electrical, interior finishes, windows, doors and siding already installed. A unique ability of this method is the capability of the structure to be disconnected and moved in sections. This would have ideal applications for modification and additions, or to perform panel repair/replacement.

Construction of pre-manufactured walls are made in major sections of eight foot lengths, and minor sections, in divisions of one, two or four feet. Corner units are constructed to allow for varying exterior wall thickness. Wall heights include above floor thickness to maintain interior ceiling heights of seven foot six inches to nine feet.

Foundation

When building the foundation wall assemblies, it is important to use proper materials and consider the use of a raised, compacted sub-footing. Whether using a granular sub footing, a full height concrete footing or a footing and sub foundation to elevate the wall assembly, the foundation panels cannot be backfilled more that three and a half feet. Any more than this and the structural integrity of the wall will be compromised.

Foundation walls must also be constructed with at least two by eight inch plates to prevent lateral plate failure caused by earth pressures. The bottom plate is of pressure treated material which is about one quarter of an inch smaller than non treated construction lumber. Because of this, the interior structural two by three wall assembly must overhang the plate by approximately one quarter of an inch. Exterior wall framing can be made with economy or number three graded lumber so long as it is pressure treated to resist rot. The horizontal economy grade stabilizer and remaining stud grade plates are non-treated lumber.

The interior framed two by three wall is constructed first. It is constructed with regular framing nails with the studding at sixteen inch centers. The wall section is then squared off and secured to prevent movement. Over this, a polyethylene air/vapor barrier is placed, with the edges folded over the outer wall members, and stapled along the outside faces. Do not staple the air/vapor barrier to the edges of the plates or the studs, this will only punch irreparable holes in it. Corner sections require that the air/vapor retarder be wrapped around the interior walls corner studding. At this connection it is necessary to ensure that enough of the air/vapor barrier is left so that it will provide a surface to seal to at the interconnecting sections. Corners should be neatly folded to prevent bunching which would create air passages and prevent proper joining of the sections.

Over this, a horizontal stabilizer is laid down perpendicular to the wall studding, and fastened with screws to each individual stud. The stabilizer should be placed forty-five inches above the sole plate for full batt insulation placement. The composite wall top plate can then be fastened to the interior wall top plate, flush and true, with normal ardox framing nails.

Individual pressure treated exterior wall studs can then be nailed to the to top plate at sixteen inches on center. The pressure treated sill plate is fastened, first to the exterior studding, then the sole plate of the interior wall assembly, the two end studs, then all exterior wall studs. These studs should be lined up straight, and fastened to the horizontal stabilizer with wood screws. Structural wind bracing (when required) is placed in the wall section, by being let into the exterior wall studs.

Batt insulation is laid in the middle cavity, perpendicular to the studs with approximately one half-inch overhang at the ends of the wall assembly. Batt insulation can now be placed within the exterior stud cavities. Depending on the covering of exterior, foam insulation and or sealed polyethylene to grade is applied. If foam insulation is used, the joints are sealed with vapor tape or acoustical sealant to the wood wall components as well as each other. It is a good idea to install the walls vapor trap along with the exterior polyethylene, as a single sheet, which can be sealed to the interior vapor barrier between the two sole plates. A moisture barrier is then placed over the wall assembly. It is secured by folding the edges over the studs and plates, and fastening with staples.

Finishing the wall by installation of the pressure treated plywood foundation cover and/or siding is then done. The plywood foundation paneling must be installed with the joints staggered against the underlying foam board. These panels are fastened with exterior screws, spaced eight inches around the edges, and ten inches within the interior area.

Foundation vapor traps and groundsheets should be sealed by sandwiching them between the sill plate and the top of the foundation with a combination of sill gaskets and acoustical sealant. The moisture barriers are sealed with vapor tape at each joint. Anchor bolts should be left loose to allow for shimming or grouting if necessary.

The exterior walls are fastened together with wood screws, every two feet along the end studs of the interior wall. If required, metal tie straps are installed on the inside edge of the top plate. The walls can then be leveled and squared before proceeding with floor or roof construction.

First Floor Walls

In design, it is important that if you do not use tie straps to hold the sections together, then the upper and lower sections should have overlapping plates to prevent separation. Also, depending on the particular design, the floor may have to be installed before continuing. It is recommended to install floors before continuing for this gives the carpenters a level area to construct the upper walls on and supports the exterior foundation.

One way these walls can be installed with the windows and siding is by overhanging the wall sections. Construction of the interior bearing walls, vapor barrier, stabilizer, plates and exterior wall studding in this approach is similar to the foundation wall assembly. Where they differ is in the edging of the units.

Edging is the bottom cover, which hides and protects the overhanging framed members and insulative barrier. It can be decorative hardboard nailed to the underside of the sole plate which is sandwiched between the plate and the foundation or floor assemblies. This edging should be sealed to both the first floor and foundation wall or to the floor assembly vapor barriers.

This overhang method is ideal when combined with a face brick applied around the first floors exterior. The overhang allows for installation of bearing, platform framed floor assemblies while providing sufficient second story overhang for the brick face.

Windows and Doors (exterior openings)

Probably the trickiest area to seal against infiltration and exfiltration. Although the area around the opening could be sealed with expanding foam, by pre-installing the windows in frames with a perimeter gasket, less work and material is required.

The window or door is first squared off in its frame, and held in place by cross corner strapping. A half-inch plywood or aspenite frame is built up around the window. The aspenite frame width should be equal to the entire thickness of the wall assembly. This frame is then sealed to the window by sandwiching a sill gasket between it and the surrounding wood members, which is secured with wood screws inserted through the window frame. This allows removal for future repair or replacement of a window or door. Leave approximately two inches of the gasket extending beyond the interior edge. The resulting box allows fastening of the interior finish directly to its surface, without gaps or unsupported areas.

The framed walls and header should be attached with screws directly to the boxed window, with sealant applied between the box and the individual vapor barriers. After squaring up the completed section, bracing is let into the studs. This bracing is important to the operation of windows or doors, because out of square or twisted framing will cause binding. For this reason, casement windows and wood doors should be used to allow post construction adjustment. Once the bracing has been secured, exterior sheathing with the moisture barriers are installed together, and exterior finishes applied.

Interior Floors

Because open wall construction relies on continuous wall insulation between stories, the interior floors in this method must be designed to remain within the building envelope. Utilizing overhanging walls, wider lower wall sections or ledger strips, the interior floors can be supported on sufficient bearing. Floor assemblies can be joists, truss floors, wood I beams or any other type of framing material.

Floor construction, through wall overhang or wider lower wall sections, allows the carpenters to construct the floor assemblies as current accepted practices, with one exception. The header or trimmer joist may have to be placed inside the edge of the top plate of the lower wall. The main concern with this type of construction is that when installation of the upper-framed wall is attempted, there is a likely hood of dropping the lower wall off the platform and foundation wall when raising it. Simple blocking or tiebacks under the floor will prevent such a problem and ensure site safety.

Floor construction with ledger strips or ribbon boards permit finished floor levels to meet with the top plate of the lower wall assembly. The bearing ledgers or ribbon boards should be installed as per local building code requirements. Floor sheathing must overlap the wall joists to ensure a proper firebreak between floor levels. Although time consuming, header and trimmer joists can be omitted because end restraint is achieved by lamination to the lower wall studs.

Variations of the interior floor support concepts can include second plates, joist hangers or tie straps. Most importantly, design the connections for your tradesmen abilities. Framed floors are easiest to construct and install because the techniques and design criteria already exist. Only qualified personnel with the proper experience should attempt other more complex designs.

Roofs

Open wall construction was designed for use with truss components, but by strapping over ceiling joists, the same results can be obtained. For effective design, overhangs should be completely eliminated. They are costly and require extensive labor to complete. Roof edges should have angled fascia (called knife edging) to allow enough overhang to prevent excess run off from running down walls. Simple "two by" fascia, lapped over wall siding can be trimmed or painted in many colors and still provide adequate visual separation from the roof. By lapping the fascia over the siding gravity water cannot enter into the buildings wall cavities. But remember to leave enough screened eave area, to allow for adequate attic ventilation. Gables should also be completed with knife edging and reduced overhang. Sheathing and roofing materials are applied as per current building techniques.

Raised heel trusses or plated ceiling joists will raise the roof to allow for eave insulation and venting. The attic vapor barrier should consist of 10-millimeter polyethylene. This thicker and more durable layer is less likely to be damaged during construction, or when running fish tapes for future utility lines. The vapor barrier is installed parallel to the truss members or ceiling joists. Wall edges are sandwiched with acoustical sealant between the top wall plate and two by two strapping. Joints landing on truss members or ceiling joists should be sealed between it and a piece of two by two strapping.

Over the ceiling air/vapor barrier, two by two strapping is screw nailed to the underside of the ceiling support members. Areas around penetrating utilities such as stack vents and furnace exhausts should be made with plywood sealed directly to the air/vapor barrier. Holes drilled or cut for the utilities must be carefully sealed to the plywood with expanding foam or other acceptable materials such as acoustical sealant.

How to Become a Successful Real State Investor

So you want to be a success real estate investor? Well, you need to have your goal setting in line. In order to have the greatest chance of achieving your goals you need to be setting SMART goals. Now, not the Webster definition of smart, but rather SMART as an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. I want you to write these five words on a piece of paper because all your goals should be evaluated to ensure they meet the smart standard.

So let's first look at the S in smart, which stands for specific. Your goals need to be precise and say exactly what you want to happen. Being specific helps you apply your efforts effectively and clearly define what you are going to do. The specifics of your goals are the what, why, and how. Ask yourself this question, what are you going to do? Answer this question with action words such as learn, buy, create, and so on. The why is why do you want to accomplish this goal and why do you want to accomplish it now rather than later, and finally, the how. How are you going to do it? You must ensure each goal you set is specific. Rather than setting a vague goal such as I want to invest in real estate, set a specific goal such as I want to own 2 rental properties each cash flowing $250/mo after all expenses. See how being more specific allows your planning to be much more focused.

Okay, now on to the M in smart, this stands for measurable. Goals that are too large are hard to manage and if you cannot manage your goals you will not achieve them it is that simple. The measurable aspects of goal setting focuses mostly on short-term goals that when built upon allow you to achieve your larger long-term goals. Let's take for example our previous specific goal of owning 2 rental properties each cash flowing $250/mo after all expense. To achieve this goal you need to set more measurable short-term goals such as obtaining financing, locating properties, rehabbing them if they are distressed, heck you may even need to learn how to analyze a rental property to even know if it cash flows. See how even though our goal was specific there is still more specific short term goals needed to increase your chances of achieving the goal. The last item I want to touch on about measurable goals is that you must have a gauge to measure them against. Set concrete criteria for measuring progress. Not only will this keep you on track but as you reach these short-term goals there is excitement in knowing you are one step closer to your overall goal.

Now the A in smart, this stands for attainable. If you set goals that are too large or too far out of your reach, you won't truly commit to trying to achieve them. For example, setting a goal of buying 100 rental properties in the next 12 months, or generating $250,000 in rental income in the next 12 months for most of us is not attainable. Setting goals such as this you may start out excited and be ready to go get them, but before long your subconscious will remind you that this goal is just too much to achieve and you will become less and less focused on achieving your goal and before long you will quit trying at all. The goal needs to be hard enough that you have to work for it but not so hard you have no shot of achieving it. When you achieve a goal it is exciting and has your pumped to achieve the next one. This is the attitude you need to have, not a continued list of unaccomplished goals. Building momentum with attainable goals is a sure fire way of achieving more difficult long-term goals.

The next to last letter which is R stands for realistic. Now, realistic does not mean easy but does mean doable. If you have $500 dollars to your name and your goal is to buy 30 properties next week this is probably not a very realistic goal. Could this goal be achieved, possibly but is it more unrealistic than realistic, yes. Set goals that will require effort, but if they are too difficult you are just setting the stage for failure. On the other hand setting goals that are too easy is just showing yourself you have no confidence and that you are not very capable. Set the bar high enough that achieving it feels like an accomplishment.

Finally, we have reached the T which stands for timely. This one is pretty self-explanatory. When setting goals they must have an end point or target date. Is it next week, next month, two days from now, no matter what the case there must be a timeframe associated with the goal. When you do not set a timeframe you are not truly committing to accomplishing your goal. Without a timeframe there is no urgency to start taking action now.

Here at PA Deals we assist every one of our clients by creating a custom blueprint that is formulated on the basis of SMART goal setting. So, the next time you are setting a goal, no matter what it is for, make sure it is SMART. Have a great day and until next time be SMART!

Building Construction, Modification and Customization Work

Building construction is a phased task, which is always completed in one by one completion of different phases involved. It needs a whole lot of planning. You need to choose a place for building construction, if you are planning to build a residential home for yourself, you will certainly look for calm places along with natural beauty, out of the hustle and bustle of modern life and pollution, but nearby all major facilities required in daily life, like schools-colleges, hospitals, shopping centers, entertainment parks and health clubs.

Similarly if you are planning to construct a building for your office premises then you will certainly look for the fundamental requirements of electricity, telecom, and other required infrastructure facilities. Easy access to that area via bus-trains and other public means of transport is also important, so that employees can attend offices on time and they can commute without any problem in case of late or night shifts.

If you have planned for fresh complete construction of your house, or office complex, or may be you have plans of modification of existing building, or may be some customization work in terms of design, or functionality. The case often arises when the original construction work lacked proper planning, or you have shifted to already existing premises.

You need assistance of Building Construction companies to carry out the tasks efficiently. They are certainly of great help right from the planning and implementation to construction, furnishing and finishing in all types of cases be it fresh construction work, customization or design.

But, the selection of construction companies to hire for services is very important. You need to do a survey over them. Contact several companies, and ask their details, charges, as well as the time required in task completion. Always go for a licensed and insured General Contractor, equipped with latest machines for construction work. Cross check past credentials of these companies for an overview, it will be a decision factor for you.

Look for construction companies that offer highest quality and most cost effective methods of construction. Some companies are experienced in all levels of construction and some has specialization is a particular area, so choose them according to your need.

Building Construction: Foundations

Types of Foundations

The building construction can be a simple process or a complex one. The complexity depends upon the nature of construction. House construct is much simpler than making structures for manufacture or research. Nevertheless large or small technology is always involved in modern buildings. Even in ancient structures technology and team work was involved. Some of the magnificent monuments dating back in history are an architectural marvel.

One prime example of architectural magnificence is the Taj Mahal at Agra. There are many such examples of superior building construction in India.

Constructing a building is a process that requires team work. The process begins with conceptualization of the building. This is put is a design by the architect on a laminated design poster. The engineers work their way out to interpret and add security and safety measures in places. In many countries specified codes exist which are followed as norms. These are basically concerned with safety and environment. Local municipal bodies may places guidelines and limitation of residential and commercial constructions.

Engineers conduct many tests including check the soil and the terrain before the construction can start. Laying the foundation is the first step executed as per the specifications set by the engineers and the architect. The foundation varies depending upon the type of structure, soil conditions and the impending load of the building itself.

Materials to be used also make the difference. Light gauge steel construction requires a different approach to laying the foundations

The involvement of the labor starts at this stage, brick layers and masons are involved. The basic foundations are of the following types;

Shallow Foundation: These are of the following types

Spread Footing Foundations

Mat Slab Foundations

Rubble Trench Foundations

Earth Bag Foundations

Common in residential construction the weight is spread over a wider area for support and stability.

Deep Foundations: This is resorted to whence the upper layer of soil does not promise stability. The foundation is established in the deep layer of the soil where it is the strongest.

Types of strong foundations:

Driven Foundations

Pile Foundation Systems

Monopile Foundations

Augercast Pile

Drilled Piles

Under reamed Piles

Pipe Piles (Steel)

Besides there are many types of specialty piles used in building constructions all over the World.

In all building constructions the cost matters hence use of optimum in materials consumption and limitation in design and infrastructure comes into the picture. The technology put to use may differ from region to region.

Different Kinds of Construction Tools and Apparatus

Construction equipments are generally used for companies involved in construction and roadways. These equipments are quite essential for completing various projects and road repair works. There are many types of gadgets or tools that help in building structures.

Some of the construction apparatus are as follows:

* Loader- The Loader is also popular as scoop vehicle or loader, used majorly in road and building construction projects. Loader are of many types like front loader, bucket loader, back-end loader etc. loaders also aid in moving materials like sand, cement, rock, logs or gravel to other trucks or trailer cars.

* Crane- A crane is operated by switches and cables for lifting and lowering resource materials for building structures of various kinds. Cranes are also used for destruction purpose along with boom trucks. Hydraulic cranes tow raw building materials and used products for recycle purposes.


* Excavator- It is a big tool with extended arm and bucket to dig holes or foundations in farmlands or construction projects. An excavator also performs other functions like demolishing various structures, landscape gardening, cutting wood in forests, lifting materials, dredging the rivers, etc.

* Crawler- More popular as a bull-dozer, crawler is used for dynamic construction plants and projects. Crawlers have dozer blade attachments to be used as a tractor. Such tools are very expensive and many companies used leased crawlers to finish their deadline construction works.

* Road Rollers- These tools facilitate in compacting or flattening concrete, gravel or asphalt materials. This heavy equipment is generally used for building roadways and large building structures.

There are more equipments that are indispensable for construction purposes and mega projects for building structures. Equipments like concrete mixers for mixing the cement and sand in rotating drums is also used by all construction engineers.

Construction is not an easy procedure; it is the combination of various activities and coordinating them to serve one single purpose. Construction can be of different kinds like building your dream home, an official structure, a dangerous dam project, a good roadway, etc. most of the construction works are carried out by professional workers of construction companies.

Most people prefer to appoint professional construction companies with government registration certificates. And nowadays, every authentic construction company has an official website with all necessary information about their work and experience. Construction companies have to invest in many kinds of construction equipments like skates, hydraulic jacks, cement mixers, crawlers, etc.

Many companies also buy these heavy construction tools on lease basis from construction tool manufacturers to cut costs and save money, especially if the tide is low and work pressure is slow. There are numerous online resources that help buy quality tools necessary for construction.

Such construction tools help faster progress of construction projects. Such construction apparels also lessen the load of manual workers and save their power for other constructive purposes. One can search online sources for more exhaustive info on construction companies and equipments needed for building great construction structures.

For More Information Click Here : Shree Balaji Construction

Construction Equipment Auctions

In the last several years, the demand for development products sales has grown significantly. It is one of the attractive places from where to buy gadgets at inexpensive cost points. Construction products sales are a fast and successful method to sell development gadgets. Both new and used development gadgets are traded at these sales with circumstances various as per industry circumstances.

The industry for development products is hot right now with the period in development enterprise in the United States. The cost of new development gadgets is very high. It is the biggest problem confronted by the installers. Auctions allow discounts, thus development products sales are a perfect solution for getting these gadgets at smallest costs. Through these sales buyers can access to a variety of gadgets produced by different producers. Most of them are traded to the highest prospective buyer, despite the cost.

Construction products sales offer both hefty and lumination gadgets. For hefty improvements, the essential gadgets required are bulldozers, scrapers, cranes, well exploration devices, turbines, earthmoving products, loaders, lumination systems, draglines, wire television plows, and wheels. Heavy products sales are held for a series of reasons. Whatever may be the reason; these sales offer you an use of gadgets at a portion of the cost of purchasing new hefty gadgets from a seller.

Today, on the internet development products sales are becoming very well-known. Construction products public auction internet sites are becoming very well-known with the intense growth of Internet. Selling development gadgets through sales is a big enterprise. The internet sites offer details about public auction information by date, purchase, products points, budget, vendor, model, auctioneer, and location information.

Selection of the most suitable development products needs good thought and perseverance. Finance is one of those areas that you need to check out carefully before deciding. Don?t forget to consider the moving cost of the devices.

General Knowledge about Residential Buildings

Residential Buildings: All those buildings in which sleeping accommodation is provided for residing permanently or temporarily with or without cooking or dining or both facilities are termed as residential buildings, for example Apartments, Flats, Bungalows, Dormitories, Private Houses, Hotels, Hostels, Cottages, Holiday Campus, Clubs, outhouses, Motels, Inns, etc., These buildings are further sub-divided in to 5 groups, namely; Lodging Houses; Family Private Dwellings; Dormitories; Flats; and Hotels.