Steel-Frame House Construction
Table of Contents

Introduction | Preview A Chapter | Back Cover

1 What Is Light Gauge Steel? 5
     Why Switch from Dimensional Lumber? 5
     The Growing Interest in Steel, 7
     The Transition from Wood to Steel, 9

2 Design and Standardization, 13
     Hiring an Engineer, 13
     Prescriptive Method, 14
     Steel Fire and Sound Ratings, 18

3 Designing the Steel-Framed House, 21
     Sizing the Steel Members, 24
     Planning for Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC,  27
     Steel Framing Design, 27

4 Light Gauge Steel, 29
     Production of Molten Steel, 29
     Purchasing from Manufacturers and Distributors, 31

5 Steel Framing Tools, 33
     Fastening Tools, 33
     Cutting Steel, 37
     Clamps, 39
     Bending Steel, 39
     Miscellaneous Tools, 40

6 Steel Framing Fasteners, 43
     Screw Basics, 43
     Point Types, 45
     Framing, Sheathing and Gypboard Screws, 46
     Drive Pins and Nails, 47
     Welding and Clinching, 49
     Anchors, 49

7 Types of Construction, 51
     Stick Framing, 51
     Panelization, 52
     Pre-Engineered Buildings, 54
     Cost Impact, 54

8 Before Construction Begins, 55
     How Will You Cut the Steel?, 55
     Simplification, 55
     Your Cut List, 55
     Estimating Costs, 59
     Material Delivery, 60

9 Foundations and Anchoring, 61
     Concrete Tolerances, 61
     Slabs-on-Grade, 61
     Crawl-Space Foundations, 61
     Basement Foundations, 61
     Anchorage, 62

10 Floor Joists — First Floor, 67
     Girders and Bearing Walls, 67
     Layout, 70
     Floor Squeaks, Pongs and Vibrations, 77

11 Wall Construction — Loadbearing Walls, 79
     Wall Assembly, 79
     Installing Studs, 81
     Bracing, 85
     Wall Erection, 89

12 Second Floor Construction, 93
     Bearing Walls or Clear Spans, 93
     Setting Floor Joists, 93
     Safety, 95

13 Roof Framing with Rafters, 97
     Designing the Rafter Roof, 97
     Material Take-Off and Cut List, 101
     Framing the Rafter Roof, 104
     Finishing the Rafter Roof, 109

14 Roof Framing with Trusses, 111
     Manufactured (Pre-engineered) Trusses, 111
     Site-Built Trusses, 111
     Ridge Caps, 125
     Bracing, 125

15 Roof Completion Details, 127
     Rafter Heels, 127
     Roof Hold-Downs, 127
     Roof Fascia, 128
     Collector Blocks, 129
     Rakes, 131
     Barge Rafters, 131
     Soffits, 131

16 Specialty Framing, 135
     Curved Walls, 135
     Curved Floors, 137
     Archways, 137
     Dormers, 137
     Stairways, 138

17 Thermal Considerations, 139
     Meeting the Energy Code, 139
     Cavity Insulation, 140
     Foam Insulation, 142
     Loose Cellulose, 145

18 Wall Construction — Nonbearing Walls, 147
     Layout, 147
     Nonbearing Wall Studs, 147
     Wall Assembly, 148
     In-Place Wall Framing, 148
     Gypboard Installation, 151
     Attaching Molding, Cabinets and Shelving, 151

19 Exterior Finishes, 153
     Factors to Consider, 153
     Attaching the Exterior Finish, 154

20 Working with Utility Subcontractors, 159
     Planning for Utility Runs, 159
     Working with Plumbers, 160
     Working with Electricians, 162
     Working with HVAC Contractors, 164

21 Inspections, 165
     Inspection Checklist, 166

22 Selling to the Homebuyer, 175
     Marketing Tools, 175
     Destroying the Myths, 176
     Conclusion, 177

Prescriptive Method for Residential
     Cold-Formed Steel Framing, 181

How to Use the Steel-Frame
     Cost Data Disk, 289

List of Steel-Framing Details, 312

Index, 313

Introduction | Preview A Chapter | Back Cover