![]() The differences in premiums for wood and concrete houses in the same neighborhood can vary from 26 percent in a metropolitan area to 90 percent in a rural setting. Homeowner insurance for concrete structures is cheaper because there is less risk of fire damage. But while frame houses can be more energy efficient, they are also more expensive to insure. Wood is a natural insulator and frame houses include extra space in the walls for insulation. Another money-saving advantage of frame houses is lower energy bills. Most frame houses can be built in less time than block homes, an important factor to consider if you have a construction loan because delays cost money. The sun’s energy could stay in wood frame construction for three hours. The conditions for wood frame structures in accordance to ASTM C 1060 require an 18☏ temperature difference (ΔT) from the interior surface and outside surface for at least four hours before the inspection. Each will have its own unique thermal signature. ![]() ![]() The insulation installed could be either fiberglass batts, blown cellulose or a sprayed foam insulation. The exterior of the wall has OSB or plywood as sheeting with a certain nailing pattern applied to penetrate the wood studs for maximum strength and rigidity. In the case of CMU homes, the second floor is usually built in wood frame for cost savings. On both wood frame and CMU construction, the same wood roof trusses/rafters, sheeting and interior lumber walls are used. The use of fasteners and nail spacing and patterns are also part of the design. Rods, cables, clips and other hardware are incorporated into the design. Homes are designed for wind loads, sheer value, up lift and hold down protection. The wall sits on a pressure treated 2×4 on top of a weather barrier that sits on the concrete slab itself. The wall is anchored from the bottom of the wall at the slab to the top of the wall. The lumber member is spaced between 12″ and 16″ on center and is determined by using required building codes. The exterior walls are constructed with 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 dimensional lumber. Knowing structurally what we are thermally looking at will help show insulation conduction issues and performance issues, but knowing the right conditions to even doing the surveys should be understood. ![]() It is crucial that a Florida Professional Building Inspector take this class. Applications for Infrared Thermography Level 1 course covers proper infrared techniques and the Standards set by ASTM for air leak detection in the Building Applications portion of the class. Infrared will detect possible air leaks within the structure. Here in the near future, an infrared inspection may be required also. It’s a good thing when the home doesn’t blow away due to hurricanes. The inspector is looking for structural ties from the roof to the walls and the walls tied to the floors. In the state of Florida when a home is either built or sold, a wind mitigation test must be conducted and passed. Of course, the best idea for all Floridians is to leave town if a “Cat 4” hurricane (winds over 131 mph) is about to strike and let the insurance folks sort out the details later. It is true that the exterior walls in a CMU home are more durable than a wood frame home, but just because a CMU home might have some exterior walls still standing after a hurricane, doesn’t mean the home wouldn’t be missing a roof, windows and doors, rendering it a total loss. Some people prefer CMU because they think they will be safer in a hurricane. The other areas in the state generally build CMU homes even though the majority of homes with a second floor are constructed out of engineered wood frame construction.Įither method is acceptable because both methods meet all current building codes which require the structure to withstand 120 mph winds and thermally performs properly. The northern part of the state as well as the panhandle and some central Florida areas are mainly built in wood frame. People wonder why Florida has a combination of both wood frame and concrete block homes. The top of the wall consists of a “poured in place” concrete lintel that ties everything together. Once the CMU wall is constructed, some of the hollow block cells are filled with concrete in the cells that hold vertical rebar. The CMUs are laid on top of the slab in an interlocking staggered method and the wall is raised to its desired height. Typically, a residential exterior wall made from CMUs measures 8″ x 8″ x 16″ and is 80 % hollow. CMUs are cement blocks made from a mold in a factory. ![]()
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