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There are two criteria for making the decision.

1) How much weight is the beam carrying. Wood beams look great and can carry most residential loads. Commercial buildings often use steel beams to carry the snow wind and floor loads, but heavy timber can also do the trick.

2) How should the wood or steel beam look? If the building is prettier using wood, that might be the way to go. If steel looks better - use steel. Sometimes a combination of wood and steel is perfect.

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Do all houses have interior load bearing walls?

The simple answer is no. There a number of considerations to determine if laod bearing walls area required. Type of house and amount of storys. How the first floor is actually supported and is beneath open plan or not. Are Steels used (RSJs) to support the first floor so that the expanse is covered acoss the whole building. In these cases the steel is normally strong enough (bearing in mind the expanse ) to support a floor above. Building codes in the area where the building is Types of wall structure i.e. brick, block or wood


What does tgi stand for in construction?

In construction, TGI stands for "Truss Girder I-beam." It refers to a type of engineered wood or steel beam that is designed in the shape of an "I" to provide strength and support for structural applications. TGI beams are commonly used in floor and roof framing due to their efficiency in load distribution and lightweight properties.


Do new brick houses have steel or wood frames?

Unless it is a commercial building a normal house would not have a steel frame. It would have wood. If you were to look at your wall, what you initially see is 'drywall' when that is pulled off you will see insulation, when that is pulled out you will see wires (electrical do NOT touch unless the electricity in the whole house is off. If you do not know about electricity don't even attempt this!!) you will then see wood framing, that will be screwed to the brick or somehow otherwise attached. Please do not attempt to rip down walls without consulting a professional. You need certain permits to remove certain walls, or the house structure will be compromised. Get a contractor or a carpenter in your house to access if the wall can be removed!


How is the foundation post protected from the moisture in the concrete support?

The foundation post is typically protected from moisture in the concrete support through the use of moisture barriers or protective coatings. These barriers, such as polyethylene sheeting or specialized sealants, prevent water from migrating from the concrete to the wood post. Additionally, using treated wood that is resistant to decay can further safeguard against moisture exposure. Proper drainage and ventilation around the foundation can also help minimize moisture accumulation.


Open and closed foundation in house construction?

Closed FoundationIn a closed foundation, the foundation wallextends from the footing to the first floor aroundthe perimeter of the building. The foundationwall is typically a bearing wall. The below-gradeportion is typically constructed of concrete ormasonry, but preservative-treated wood can alsobe used. The foundation wall enclosesa basement, a crawlspace, or the soil below a slabon-grade.Open FoundationIn an open foundation, the building is supportedby piles or piers, and the bottom of the first-floorframing is several feet above-grade Piles and piers are constructed of concrete,masonry, timber, or steel.

Related Questions

What is the purpose of floor joists?

In construction, a joist is a horizontal piece that runs from wall to wall, wall to beam or beam to beam. A joist is essentially considered to be one of the most supporting pieces towards the structural aspect. It focuses in on supporting beams and other pieces in the floor, ceiling and roof.


What is a flush beam?

A flush beam is a beam that is flush the the surrounding floor or ceiling joists. Often held in place with metal connectors. It could be a steel 'I' beam, lvl, built up wood. It is used when ceiling height is needed to be maintained.


What is the name of ceiling support?

The name of ceiling support is typically referred to as a "ceiling joist." Ceiling joists are horizontal structural members that support the ceiling and are usually made of wood or metal. They help distribute the weight of the ceiling and any attached fixtures, ensuring stability and safety in a building.


How large of a cut out in a wood floor for a second floor toilet addition?

All you will need to cut out is the hole for the drain, probably 5 inch circle. The ceiling below and how you route the drain is always different.


What is a Crossbeam?

A crossbeam is a beam (piece of wood/2x4) that traverses the empty space between two walls both under the floor and above the ceiling in a room.


Why is strip mining is used?

The strip is a strip of what they are mining. It holds up the ceiling of the mine. Without it the ceiling would collaspe . Also they save money by not going through expensive and risky means to support the walls and ceiling themselves with wood ,steal, ect.


Which is better for the environment, a real wood floor product, or a laminate wood floor product?

A laminate wood floor product is better since it uses less actual wood that an all wood floor does.


What is the name for a beam above a door or a window?

The beam above a door or window is called a "lintel." It serves to support the structure above the opening and distribute weight from the wall or ceiling above. Lintels can be made from various materials, including wood, steel, or concrete, depending on the architectural requirements.


What is harder steel or wood?

wood would break so steel


How can I build a floor to ceiling bookcase?

To build a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, you will need to measure the space, choose the right materials like wood or MDF, cut the shelves and sides to size, assemble the frame, secure it to the wall and floor, and add finishing touches like paint or stain. Make sure to follow safety precautions and use proper tools for a sturdy and functional bookcase.


Can you use floor paint on wooden porch ceiling?

You probably can. As long as the masonry paint is 100% acrylic, you will have no problem at all using it on a wooden porch ceiling. Using a cheaper vinyl paint is not suggested on wood though as it will craze and crack over time.


What information can I find in the ceiling joist span table?

A ceiling joist span table provides information on the maximum allowable distances between ceiling joists to support the weight of the ceiling and any additional loads. It helps determine the appropriate spacing for ceiling joists based on factors like the type of wood, joist size, and load requirements.