FRAME HOUSES Framing Complete from Foundation to Roof Taking up the subject of house framing, it is to be noted at the outset, that certain very important work must be done before anything like a stable, permanent structure can be erected. The plan must be laid out, building lines determined and fixed, excavations made, and foundations erected.
Building Lines. After the site has been determined exactly—either in accordance with the architect's drawings or determined by the soil conditions, elevation, grade, etc.—it is in order to stake it out. This is done by placing stakes outside of each corner and connecting them with cords to guide the workmen in their excavating. It is very important that this be done with great care. Even in small buildings, it should be carefully attended to; while for large structures this work is entrusted to an engineer, who lays out the building lines with transit and level. The lines that have to be located are: the excavation line (which is out side of all); the face line of the basement wall; and, for masonry construction, the ashlar line, which indicates the outside face of the brick or stone wall.
The main rectangle of the plan is laid out 3 first; and then the supplemental rectangles— as for ells, porches, bays, etc.—are laid out with reference to it, in their proper places.
Squaring a Corner; the 6, 8, and 10 Rule. It is frequently required to square the excavation for a building with a tape line, without the use of other lines and stakes. The method is simple, and may be quickly done by three parties, as follows: Run off 24 feet; then the first party should take the end of the tape, and hold it at the 24th foot. The second party should hold the line with thumb and finger at the 16th foot, and the third party in like manner at the 10th foot. Draw till the line is tight, and it will form a right-angled corner true enough for proving up excavation work. The figures given are absolutely correct; but, as a little is liable to be lost at the corners in not being able to hold the tape so as to make sharp bends, this may cause a trifle variation, but the results will be true enough for the purpose stated. The tape
will outline a triangle with its sides 6, 8, and 10 feet long; hence the method is called the 6, 8, and 10 Rule.
Other figures may be used, provided they are in the same proportion—as 12, 16, and 20. The illustration, Fig. 1, shows the latter figures applied. Suppose we wish to square-cut from the line AB at D. Measure hack on the line from this point 16 feet, as at E, and with the end of the tape drawn to 48 and stationed at E, the 32-foot mark will be at D, and the third point will be at the 20-foot mark at F; then DF will be at right angles to AB.
Another method which is very convenient to use at times is as follows: Draw a line, Fig.
2, parallel to the starting line at opposite side or where there is to be an angle. Now, stick a pin in line at corner stake, and measure a given distance each way on the line—usually about as far as the parallel line is distance away. Now, from one of the points measured, draw a tape to as nearly square across from the corner as can be guessed at, and place a pin there. Then measure the same distance from the other measured point, and stick another pin. Divide distance between these two pins, and you are across from first corner; and the rest is easy.
Concrete Foundations. Except in a few localities where native stone is to be had very cheaply, all foundation walls are coming to be of concrete. Builders have found that for strength, warmth, and enduring qualities, foundation and basement work in this material is far superior to brick or to wood piles; and for economy and ease in handling, it has an advantage over stone.
This growing popularity of cement for the foundation and basement work of frame houses makes it exceedingly desirable for all carpen ters to become familiar with the special prob lems of its use. The contracting-carpenter on a small job does not want to be obliged to call in a concrete specialist to show him how the foundations and cellar floor should be put in. It is not necessary. Also there are certain problems in connection with the joining of the wood construction onto the concrete that are worthy of attention.