Structural
Latest Structural Articles
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Structural
Steel Beams
Steel I beams can be used on residential construction. However a steel beam design might require special handling. Structural steel beams are heavier then wooden beams. Consider the cost of special cranes and steel beam prices when using steel beams. read more... -
Structural
Removing a Low Ceiling
You can remove a low ceiling and move the structural ties to different locations for support. Consult a structural engineer before proceeding, and gain space for ceiling fans and a vaulted ceiling atmosphere. read more...
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Structural
Modifying a Load Bearing Wall
Modifying a load bearing wall with the addition of archways or openings is usually possible. Creating the proper support in the weight bearing wall for the shifted load is a task best left to the professional structural engineer. Follow these tips and tricks to craft your desired opening with the proper supports and beams. read more...
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Structural
A Load Bearing Wall Can Be Deceptive
Your walls can fool you. Posing as an innocent non-load bearing wall, an interior wall may, in fact, be a prime load bearing wall. Check this photo. read more... -
Structural
Load Bearing Wall Photos
These photos are typical of load bearing walls you will find in your home. Study these details to learn how loads are distributed and carried in a load bearing wall. read more... -
Structural
Load Bearing Wall Identification
A load bearing wall can be tough to identify. Determining load bearing walls and how best to go about removing a load bearing wall are among the most frequent questions I receive. Mechanical and electrical structures may be hiding behind those interior walls as well. How to determine if a wall is load bearing? The safest way to sleep at night is to hire a professional structural engineer. read more... -
Structural
Wiring For Your House - Make It Cat5 Cable
Both old and new homes should incorporate cat5 cable. This new house wiring standard is low voltage cable that provides options for networking appliances, telephone lines and computers all in one. Cat5 provides for future additions of these electronic devices-- and others we may not even have heard about yet! read more...
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Structural
Scissors Truss Design
A scissors truss provides the benefits of a vaulted ceiling in the same framing time as standard roof trusses. Structural engineers and special software customize the roof truss to your home roof pitch. Use standard trusses in part of your home and the scissors trusses or another special truss in other sections. Explore all truss options with your builder for custom results. read more...
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Structural
Remodeling? Smart Upgrades To Make While Changing Your Roof / Attic
If you are remodeling and have major roof and attic modification underway, now is a smart time to upgrade and add some other projects. Consider additional insulation, wiring, ventilation and wire conduits for starters. Adding one of the great central vacuum systems will also make your home more efficient and pleasant. read more...
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Structural
Trusses - Gain Space with a Scissors Truss
Ask your builder about special roof trusses that will gain storage space for your home. You can mix standard trusses with scissors, attic, or storage trusses, and avoid losing valuable space that is paid for but unusable. Call in a pro engineer before converting a traditional roof to a vaulted version. read more...
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Structural
Skylights - Flared vs. Straight Shafts
Skylights bring light, stars and the outdoors in to other parts of your room. Constructing a skylight with a flared, rather than straight, shaft will gain much more light with a simple expansion. Consult a professional structural engineer before tearing into your trusses, however! read more...
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Ceilings
Vaulted Ceiling Building
Building a vaulted ceiling can be accomplished by the DIY'r, however you must be a very good DIY'r. Check first with a structural engineer. You don't want your roof to collapse. Try to think of building for the future with added electrical wiring. read more...
