BUILDING TRADES II ALTERNATIVE FRAMING TECHNIQUES TEACHER S GUIDE

INTRODUCTION This Teacher s Guide provides information to help you get the most out of Alternative Framing Techniques. The contents in this guide will allow you to prepare your students before using the program and present follow-up activities to reinforce the program s key learning points. This program discusses several different techniques for framing a residential home, including panelizing, structured insulated panels, cold-formed steel, and insulated concrete forms. For each alternative technique discussed in the program, the process for completing the framing and the advantages and pitfalls of that technique are discussed. LEARNING OBJECTIVES After viewing the program, students will be able to: List several alternative framing techniques that can be used to frame a residential home. Describe the process for framing a home using the panelizing framing technique. Describe the process for framing a home using the structured insulated panels framing technique. Describe the process for framing a home using the cold-formed steel framing technique. Describe the process for framing a home using the insulated concrete forms framing technique. EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS National Standards This program correlates with the National Competency Standards and Objectives from the National Standards for Construction Education and Research. The content has been aligned with the following educational standards and benchmarks from this organization. Identify the components of a metal stud system. Identify applications for metal stud systems. Lay out and install a metal stud wall with openings. Identify the components of manufactured wall-forming systems. State the differences in construction and use among different types of forms. Erect, plumb, and brace a manufactured wall form. The competencies and objectives from the NCCER have been reprinted with permission. English Language Arts Standards The activities in this Teacher s Guide were created in compliance with the following National Standards for the English Language Arts from the National Council of Teachers of English. 2 Use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information). Copyright 2004 Meridian Education Corporation

Adjust their use of spoken, written, and visual language (e.g., conventions, style, vocabulary) to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences and for different purposes. Employ a wide range of strategies as they write and use different writing process elements appropriately to communicate with different audiences for a variety of purposes. Use a variety of technological and information resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge. Conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g., print and nonprint texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries. Standards for the English Language Arts, by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, Copyright 1996 by the International Reading Association and the National Council of Teachers of English. Reprinted with permission. Technology Standards The activities in this Teacher s Guide were created in compliance with the following National Education Technology Standards from the National Education Technology Standards Project. Develop positive attitudes toward technology uses that support lifelong learning, collaboration, personal pursuits, and productivity. Use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences. Employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world. Use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions. Use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. Use technology tools to process data and report results. Use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources. The National Education Technology Standards reprinted with permission from the International Society for Technology Education. PROGRAM OVERVIEW Alternative framing techniques can reduce structural lumber requirements and costs, as well as offer design improvements, such as openings in steel-frame studs that allow for the running of plumbing or electrical systems. This program looks at some of the more popular industry options in terms of materials and construction plans. MAIN TOPICS Topic 1: Panelizing Framing Technique Section defines the panelizing technique for framing and discusses the process for framing a house using this technique. 3

Topic 2: Structural Insulated Panels Framing Technique Section defines the structural insulated panels technique for framing and discusses the process for framing a house using this technique. Topic 3: Cold-formed Steel Framing Technique Section defines the cold-formed steel technique for framing and discusses the process for framing a house using this technique. Topic 4: Insulated Concrete Forms Framing Technique Section defines the insulated concrete forms technique for framing and discusses the process for framing a house using this technique. Topic 5: Conclusion Section reviews the key learning points of the video. 4 FAST FACTS Builders of residential construction typically use stick-frame wood joist and stud elements to frame a house. Panelized framing is when the manufacturer builds the wall, floor, ceiling, and roof framing to the approved specs and ships them to your site. A crane is used to unload panelized framing materials at the site and to put them in place. When panelizing, the first construction step is placing the sub-floor trusses. When using panelizing framing, the roof construction work is handled the same way it would be if you were site building the rest of the house and using trusses for the roof. Windows and exterior doors are hung after the rest of the panels and trusses are in place in panel framing. Paneling can be used as a cost-saving way to frame a house because the labor costs can be controlled. Structural insulated panels, or SIPs, are often used when builders are being particularly conscious of energy-efficiency and environmental concerns. SIPs are pre-manufactured to a design. Although there are standard sizes and shapes, panel processors usually follow CAD designs to form pieces that conform to a builder s plans. SIP frames are joined together by interlocking systems. Sometimes, builders combine stick-framing and SIP paneling, such as using wood joists under panel flooring or trusses under panel roofing. Standard SIP floor framing requires only a girder at the center point for internal support. SIP framing is still only used on a limited basis but is endorsed by those who use it for its construction speed, strength, and energy efficiency. Builders who choose cold-formed steel over wood frequently cite its dimensional stability, meaning it has no shrinkage and exact dimensions. Steel framing materials are similar to stick-frame materials. Site building with steel follows many of the same procedures as stick-framing, but there are distinct differences. Some builders combine wood elements, such as wood roof trusses, with steel framing for cost savings or ease of installation.

Steel framing can be more costly than wood framing primarily because skilled framing crews are not in ample supply. Insulated concrete forms can be installed fairly quickly and easily and are energy efficient. VOCABULARY TERMS cold-formed steel: Relatively thin steel that can be bent and shaped, cold, on site. insulated concrete forms (ICFs): Concrete forms that are locked together with tongueand-groove profiles on the top, bottom, and ends. ladder: Used to brace one panel, the ladders are located at the end of each frame panel. light-gauge steel: Steel commonly used for residential framing. Usually consists of 18-to- 20-gauge steel. panelizing: Pre-manufactured framing in panels, delivered ready to install. rebar: Metal rods that are often set in the walls to help strengthen the walls and keep them from cracking. sandwich panels: Two wood panels adhered to foam. structural insulated panels (SIPs): Foam-core panels that are installed by interlocking the panels. structural steel: Steel that can only be shaped at high temperatures. unfaced panels: Foam slabs that notch to accommodate load-bearing studs. PRE-PROGRAM DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What are some of the alternative techniques that can be used to frame a home? 2. How do you find out about new framing techniques? 3. What are the risks involved in using alternative framing techniques? 4. How do you learn how to use alternative framing techniques on a project? 5. What might be some of the pitfalls in working with alternative framing materials/techniques? POST-PROGRAM DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the alternative techniques discussed in this program? 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using cold-formed steel in framing a home? 3. What are the factors you should consider when determining whether or not to use alternative framing techniques vs. traditional framing techniques? 4. What are the benefits and drawbacks of using SIPs in framing a home? 5. When might it be appropriate to use insulated concrete forms in framing a home? GROUP ACTIVITIES Framing Materials Report Groups will research the different types of materials available for framing and write a brief report of the benefits and drawbacks to using each material. Students should consider environment, cost, availability, ease of use, durability, and strength in their reports. 5

Framing Methods Report Assign small groups one of the alternative framing methods discussed in the video and ask them to research the process for building a home using their assigned method. Based on their research, groups should create a 3-to-5-minute presentation describing the process. Students should be encouraged to create diagrams, etc., to use in presenting their findings to the larger class. Alternative Framing Tools Assign small groups one of the framing techniques discussed in the video and ask them to identify the key tools and resources (such as an engineer) that might be needed to frame a home and identify which tools should be used for each step in the framing process. INDIVIDUAL STUDENT PROJECTS Building Supply Store Trip Ask students to visit a building supply store and price out the different types of framing products (i.e., wood, metal, concrete and polystyrene blocks) to determine the cost differences between each type of product. Then provide them with the amount of material needed to frame a house and ask them to calculate the cost difference for each product. SIP Framing Students research the two types of SIPs and develop a brief report detailing the differences between sandwich panels and unfaced panels. The report should include when it is most appropriate to use each type of SIP and the benefits and drawbacks of each type. Cold-formed Steel Framing Students research the effects of settling on a building (due to lumber shrinkage) and discuss the benefits of using cold-formed steel to frame a house and when a builder might decide to use this technique in place of traditional wood framing. INTERNET ACTIVITIES Alternative Framing Products Research Ask students to use the Internet to research alternative products used in framing buildings, and have them develop a summary report on the appropriate application, benefits, and challenges of each approach. Energy/Material Conservation Framing Ask students to use the Internet to research energy-efficient framing methods and have them develop a list of pros and cons for using these types of methods over more traditional methods of framing. 6 Safety Precautions when Framing Students research the safety precautions they should take when framing a building using alternative framing techniques. Their list should include equipment and tips framers can use to make their workplace safer.

ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS Q: What is the panelizing technique for framing a house? A: It uses pre-manufactured framing in panels, delivered ready to install. Feedback: The manufacturer builds the wall, floor, ceiling, and roof framing to the approved specs and ships them to your site. A crane is used to unload the materials and put them in place. Q: Which of the alternative framing methods comes with ladders at the end of each panel? (a) Panelizing (b) Structural insulated panels (c) Cold-form steel (d) Insulated Concrete Forms A: (a) Feedback: Panelizing panels come with ladders at the end of each panel. The ladder is used to brace one panel to the next while you re working. Q: What is cold-formed steel? A: Cold-formed steel is relatively thin steel that can be bent and shaped, cold, on site. It can be used to frame a home. Feedback: Cold-formed steel is distinguished from structural steel because structural steel can only be shaped at high temperatures. Q: Builders who choose over wood frequently cite its dimensional stability. A: cold-formed steel Feedback: Cold-formed steel won t rot and it s also resistant to insects. But using steel for framing can be costly if you don t make the best use of each piece of material. Q: Framing the walls with SIP paneling is performed somewhat similarly to: (a) panelizing (b) stick framing (c) balloon framing (d) post-and-beam A: (b) Feedback: Framing the walls with SIP paneling is akin to stick framing. The sections are assembled on the deck and raised into place. Q: Describe the insulated concrete foam method for framing a building. A: The forms lock together with tongue-and-groove profiles on the top, bottom and ends. The forms are stacked by interlocking the tongue-and-groove channels. Feedback: When using insulated concrete foam, every wall will need to be reinforced and the accurate placement of the rebar is critical. Q: When using insulated concrete foam, the has to sit in the middle of the 1-footon-center core voids in the waffle forms. A: rebar 7

Feedback: The rebar has to sit in the middle of the 1-foot-on-center core voids in the waffle forms, starting with a bar rising up the center of the corner cavity. So, it s important to know how your foam forms will lay out and to mark the footing forms for the proper rebar locations. Q: When measuring for steel studs, how many inches will you probably allow on center between studs? (a) 12 inches (b) 18 inches (c) 24 inches (d) 30 inches A: (c) Feedback: Because steel is stronger than wood, when measuring for studs, you will probably allow 24 inches on center between studs. Q: Some builders believe that wood combined with steel framing allow easier installation of subfloors. A: I-joists Feedback: Some builders combine wood elements, such as wood roof trusses, with steel framing for cost savings or ease of installation. Q: SIPs are often used when builders are being conscious of: (a) ease of installation (b) safety (c) energy efficiency (d) cost A: (c) Feedback: SIPs are often used when builders are being particularly conscious of energyefficiency and environmental concerns. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES WEB SITES HUD User Publications www.huduser.org/publications/destech/altframe.html ToolBase Services Framing www.toolbase.org/secondaryt.asp?trackid=&categoryid=1024 ToolBase Services Steel Framing www.toolbase.org/secondaryt.asp?trackid=&categoryid=907&type= Home Energy Studs of Steel http://hem.dis.anl.gov/eehem/94/940707.html 8

BOOKS Handbook of Alternative Materials in Residential Construction by Richard Bynum & Daniel Rubino. McGraw-Hill Professional, 1998. ISBN: 0070119783 Residential Steel Framing Handbook by Robert Scharff & Walls and Ceilings Magazine. McGraw-Hill Professional, 1996. ISBN: 0070572313 OTHER PRODUCTS The Future of Home Construction: New Techniques, New Technologies, VHS/DVD, Meridian Education This program travels to the National Association of Home Builders Research Center to study four townhouses constructed using some of today s most innovative building materials and energy-saving technologies. Filmed at each stage of construction, these houses showcase foundations made of precast, pre-insulated, high-strength reinforced concrete or insulating concrete forms; walls made of ICFs, Hebel blocks, or steel framing; exterior finishes that incorporate thermally elastic stucco; and standing seam steel roofs. Photovoltaic roofing panels, a natural gas heat pump that uses a non-cfc refrigerant, an electronic home energy management system, gas fireplaces, doors made from sawmill residue and wood scraps, a geothermal heat pump, a pellet stove, and a combined space heating and water heating system are also featured. Item no: 30680, www.meridianeducation.com, 1-800-727-5507 9