Tag:Tips
Green That Saves Green 101: T-Wall Intersections
Figure 1 – T-Wall Traditional Framing
Following up on our previous entry on corner connections which dealt mainly with exterior corners, we can look at intersections between interior and exterior walls, often referred to as T-Walls. These connections create some of the same issues. There is a need for support at the corner structurally and as a connection point for interior finish material. Traditional framing accomplishes this using two additional studs in the cross wall to provide nailing corners for interior finishes. (Figure 1) When the cross wall is an exterior wall, the same issues of maximizing insulation in the exterior wall applies. The additional studs can create an insulation void as well as unnecessary use of additional wood studs.
Figure 2 – T-Wall with Bypass Drywall
In a room with drywall finishes, one of the most economical and efficient methods of solving these issues is to install drywall continuously on the cross wall prior to installing the T-Wall studs. (Figure 2) This can be accomplished before the cross wall is built or the connecting stud can be left out or loose until after the drywall on the cross wall is installed. This is a technique that is often used in steel stud framing.
Figure 3 – T-Wall with 2 x 6 Back-up
When it is not practical to install the cross wall drywall first, blocking can be used to provide finish support at corners. When the T-Wall is 2 x 4 construction, a 2 x 6 installed within the cross wall can accomplish this. (Figure 3) As this is only there to create a nailing strip, scrap salvaged from roof sheathing, floor decking or other areas can be substituted for the 2 x 6. Also, since the 2 x 6 is not there as structural support, it does not have to be continuous as long as it provides nailing points at least every 24″ o/c.
Figure 4 – T-Wall Ladder Connection
Further efficiency can be achieved using scrap lumber, 2 x 4 cutoffs, scrap roof and floor sheathing, etc. to create a ladder effect to provide nailing points. (Figure 4) Drywall clips are also a solution, as previously discussed.
These things require planning, but are easily accomplished.
Easterday Construction Co., Inc. will be making every effort to use these more efficient corners for T-Walls on projects as we go forward. Preferably the bypass method, but using salvaged lumber when this isn’t possible. This is Green that saves Green!
Summary
- Reduction in materials required for the job. Two less studs and associated fasteners at each corner.
- Reduction in labor necessary for material installation.
- Reduction in waste material sent to the landfill when cutoffs are substituted for new studs.
- Increase in energy efficiency by increasing the accessible wall cavity and eliminating the heat transfer through the additional studs when this situation occurs with an outside wall.
Cordless Tool Tips
Advances in battery technology has made the use of cordless tools on jobsite obiquitous. The NiCad and NiMH batteries are still the most prominent due to costs, but the new Li-ion batteries are quickly taking over. Despite their greater costs, they can generally provide more power with lighter weight batteries. (Be sure to dispose of failed batteries properly. Most manufacturers have recycling programs allowing the return of batteries that no longer work for recycling. Cadmium can have a detrimental effect on the environment if not handled properly.)
Along with the advances in the batteries there have been advances in how the tools and chargers manage the batteries. Sensors in the tools track the draw-down of the battery’s stored power and better manage it. Chargers optimize the charging time, run refresh cycles to even out battery cell usage reducing the memory effect and some include fans to reduce heat in the charging process.
All these things are improving the use of cordless tools on our jobsites. Cordless tools will continue to improve and are the wave of the future for construction workers.
Concealed Deck System
The Kreg Deck Jig
Kreg Tool Company makes The Kreg Deck Jig™ that acts as a guide for installing deck screws at a controlled angle on the edge of the deck boards rather than on the surface. There are several systems on the market that accomplish this using special fasteners or clips, but this tool lets you accomplish the same thing with standard materials.
There are several advantages to concealed fastener systems:
Green That Saves Green 101: Corner Framing
There are several ways we can improve the efficiences in the framing of outside corners. A California Corner is one designation for a wood framing pattern that rotates one of the three studs in exterior corners. On exterior walls this allows insulation to proceed all the way to the corner rather than creating an insulation void.
Time Change – Battery Check
Anyone that knows me is aware of my disdain for Daylight Savings Time (DST). I humbly request that you take my grumblings with a grain of salt the next few weeks as I adjust. I am generally a fan of Benjamin Franklin and like to carry his likeness with me at all times, but when I found out that it was his writing of An Economical Project in 1784 that fostered DST, my respect for him dropped considerably! Honestly though, he would probably be quite amused that his tongue-in-cheek treatise based on his desire to stay up late and sleep until noon was adopted as international policy!
When you change your clocks, check your smoke detectors as well.
So, can we make lemonade from lemons here? The time change is a good time to check your smoke detectors. This is promoted by fire departments across the United States. First, minimally, go around and press the test button to be sure they’re working. Best would be to go ahead and change the batteries. Even the hardwired detectors often have battery back-ups. If the battery died while you were on vacation, you might not have heard that annoying chirp. Also, someone may have robbed the detector of its battery for a use they considered more of an emergency at that time. This is ALWAYS a bad idea! Drag your lazy butt to the store if the TV remote needs a new battery!
Second, review your smoke detector locations. If you have an older home, you may not have smoke detectors located to meet current codes and recommended standards. Check with your local building inspector for code requirements in your area. Check with your insurance company for their minimum standards which could be different. If you are adding smoke detectors, be sure and review the types available. Ionization smoke detectors are the most popular, mainly due to price. These economical units are reliable, but may not detect a slow, smoldering fire quickly. A photoelectic smoke detector uses a beam of light that is refracted when smoke is present. This is generally considered a better detector, but is also more expensive. You can find a well written comparison of the two here.
Third, consider adding carbon monoxide detectors. These devices give you another form of protection against unsafe air conditions.
Fourth, review your escape plan. The lives of you and your family may depend on it. Cool heads are rare in a fire, so make up for this by having an easy to follow plan that everyone in the family knows and understands. There is a good template on developing a fire escape plan here.
Lest you think I’m softening my position on DST, it is recommended that you check your smoke detectors once a year. It would be much better to do this on a once a year holiday such as Valentine’s Day (to protect your lover) or the 4th of July (because fireworks are fire hazards) or Christmas (you have the ladder out to put the star on the tree anyway). DST causes you to change the clocks twice a year, which will undoubtedly lead to confusion for some. But since the firemen have chosen the Spring DST clock change for this, there’s no sense bucking city hall… You’re already late! Check your smoke detectors now.
Ed. Note: Fire Chief Andrew made a good point in the comments: One additional item to mention comes from the NFPA website. “Having a smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a fire NEARLY IN HALF. Test yours today”
