Light framing, or light frame construction, is widely used in building and constructing residential houses in Europe and North America. It utilizes a technique wherein pieces of two-inch by four- inch lumber called studs are nailed to create a light frame. Between these studs are attached diagonal braces in order to increase strength and stability.

To the platform frame are attached the exterior and interior walls, as well as the roofing. This results in a highly ideal light frame structure that is at the same time both strong and substantial, but also so light as to be carried by as few as two people.

Firm panels reinforce sections of these light frames, which then form to create walls. These walls are made up of so-called drywalls or sheetrock. These drywalls are gypsum plaster sandwiched by two sheets of heavy paper. These walls are then nailed in place into the light frames.

After construction of the platform frames and nailing the drywalls onto them, next comes the attachment of the ceilings, roof and floors. The ceilings will eventually form the roof’s base. Like the frames, the ceilings are also installed with a reinforcement of diagonal braces. This is the same type of braces used for the walls.

After all these comes the plastering of the walls and ceilings. They are painted, covered with plaster board, or concealed with the use of panels.

Beneath the entire house structure lays the foundation, which is made of solid slab of concrete. Besides serving as the structure of the house, it can also serve as the basement flooring.

Wood can be used as the exterior finishing of the house. For added aesthetics and effect, stone, stucco or brick can be used as well. Exterior finishing is also heavily dependent on the weather conditions of the area, as well as local regulations by homeowners’ associations.

As for the roofs, the most popular design currently being used in construction is the pitched type roofing. This is widely used because it provides good drainage. Simple, attractive and practical roofing designs and materials can be combined with the light framing structure of the house. Due to the development of new drainage systems, it has also been practical in recent times to use flat roofing designs. As with the exterior finishing materials, roofing materials are also highly dependent upon the area’s weather and climate conditions. In addition, factors of fire safety and availability of materials also affect the roofing used. Some local laws prohibit the use of certain roofing materials due to the risk of fires.

Overall, the techniques of light framing in building residential houses have provided the advantage of minimizing costs as well as the variety of attractive designs which can be applied to such houses. In light framing construction, cheap building materials are utilized, and construction is relatively faster and more efficient. In addition, many variations can be applied to the light construction framing style of such houses. These variations are based on the need for more or less rooms and bathrooms, as well as the aesthetic taste of the prospective owner.

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Category: Home Management
Keywords: light framing,exterior finishing,light frames,roofing designs,roofing materials