Lay the bundles in rows on
the ground and mark the bundles with stakes, numbering the stakes
to identify the piles of steel before the bundle is opened. To
off load the truck a lifting device is required. Building a steel frame house - page 2 of 4
Lay the bundles in rows on
the ground and mark the bundles with stakes, numbering the stakes
to identify the piles of steel before the bundle is opened. To
off load the truck a lifting device is required.
Using the plans and material lists provided, begin to build
the steel framing assemblies. A good idea is to put the flooring
together first if you are building over a basement or crawl
space.
After establishing a solid floor, assemble the roof trusses on the floor. This will give you the maximum flat, level, workspace that truss assembly requires. Set roof trusses aside off the foundation area.
Assemble the headers and wall assemblies by following plan details. Steel materials are identified as "Part Numbers", both on the steel itself and on the plans.The wall assemblies are lifted up (tilted) and braced off. Brace Well! Anchor bolts are pre-drilled or poured into the foundation. We use weather strip and silicone seals on the bottom track prior to raising the walls. This will help keep weather out from under the bottom track plate.
Follow the
plans in order of wall number as much as possible.
Raise the trusses with a crane after all exterior walls and header are in place. Brace trusses well!
Attach the truss soffit extensions (rafter tails) after the trusses are in place and begin attaching roof hat channel.
Roof hat
channel is a critical step in the framing process. The channel
must be straight and evenly spaced on 24" centers to catch
the roof sheathing. We suggested measuring and running string
line for each run of hat channel. A very small mistake could
cause headaches when the sheathing is being applied.
Wall and roof sheathing may be applied prior to setting windows and doors. Screw the sheathing to the steel hat channel with galvanized decking screws. Glue may be used along with screws to tighten up the sheathing. Window openings can be cut into the sheathing on the wall. Windows are screwed into the sheathing and steel frame with decking screws.
Once the sheathing is up and the windows are in, black paper the roof, wrap the house with tyvek, and begin roofing and
siding. Notice, we have not framed the interior - yet!
Interior Framing
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© 1996 Daniel Hafle