Top 10 Framing Mistakes

Top 10 Framing Mistakes and How to Correct Them

Sometimes it’s the simple things that can make the difference between quality construction and satisfied customers and the home construction that dogs you with callbacks and complaints.

The typical errors that we see in the field are both common and highly preventable. Reducing callbacks is all about paying attention to detail and keeping up with wood construction systems that deliver the best structural and building science performance. While home construction isn’t a field known for its technological advancements, there are, in fact, important developments in building materials and systems that significantly improve both the building’s performance and the buyer’s satisfaction with the home.

Top 10 Wood Framing Errors

• 1. Sheathing installed as a simple span

  Sheathing should be installed over two or more spans, or three supports, at a minimum.

• 2. The strength axis is installed in the wrong direction

  In general, panels should be installed with the long dimension or strength axis of the panel across supports.

• 3. Sheathing is ripped less than 24 inches and not properly supported

  A narrow-width panel will deflect more than a panel 24 inches or greater in width. These panels are often installed on roof ridges, where workers are likely to walk during construction. The addition of blocking or edge-support clips will provide narrow-width panels with the support needed to handle heavy loads.

• 4. Glulam is installed upside down

  When glulam beams are manufactured as unbalanced beams, there are different bending stresses assigned to the compression and tension zones, and the beams must be installed accordingly. When “Top” is stamped on the top lamination, that end of the beam should be up.