
08/20/2025
a cutaway illustration demonstrating the construction of a small building or shed. It shows the structural components from the foundation up to the roof, exposing the framing techniques used. The illustration highlights the various parts of the structure with callouts labeling each component.
Key Components and Features:
1. Foundation:
* Foundation Piers: The structure sits on individual concrete foundation piers, which elevate it off the ground.
* Composite Beam: A composite beam (likely made of laminated wood) spans across the foundation piers, providing a base for the floor joists.
2. Floor:
* Floor Joists: These horizontal beams run parallel, supported by the composite beam. They provide the structural support for the floor.
* Solid Wood or Plywood Floor: The flooring material, indicated as solid wood or plywood, is laid on top of the floor joists.
3. Walls:
* Wall Studs: Vertical members that make up the main structure of the walls. They are spaced at regular intervals.
* Bottom Plate: The horizontal piece of lumber at the bottom of the wall frame, connecting the wall studs to the floor structure.
* Double Top Plate: Two layers of horizontal lumber at the top of the wall, providing added strength and a surface for attaching the roof structure. The double top plate overlaps in the corners, providing additional structural rigidity to the corner.
* Headers: The horizontal support above window and door openings.
* Window Lintels and Door Lintels: A double 2x6 lintel over doors and windows.
4. Roof:
* Rafters: Angled structural members that form the shape of the roof. They are spaced 24" on centres, or 24 inches apart from center to center.
* Collar Ties: Horizontal members connecting opposing rafters, adding stability and preventing the roof from spreading. These are placed on every second rafter pair.
* Ridge Board: A horizontal beam at the peak of the roof, providing a connection point for the rafters.
* Plywood or Solid Wood Roof Decking: Material covering the rafters, forming the roof's surface before shingles or other roofing materials are applied.
* Fascia: The trim board along the edge of the roof, providing a finished look and a place to attach gutters.
* Soffit Board: Located under the eaves, this board often has screened vents for ventilation.
* Rafter Detail: Information on the Rafter: The rafter has a 45 degree angle. The length is 64 1/8", the plumb cut is 5 1/2" and the level cut is 1 1/2".
5. Dimensions:
* The overall height of the wall (from bottom plate to the top of the double top plate) is indicated as 96 inches.
* The header length is 168".
* The beam is 120".
Details Highlighted:
* Outside Corner Detail: Emphasizes how the exterior wall sheathing or siding is joined at the corners for a clean and weather-resistant finish.
* Wall Top Corner Detail: Shows the overlapping of the double top plate at the corners to provide additional strength.
* Window Bottom Detail: Indicates a double 2x4 lumber forming the window bottom.
* Window/Door Top Detail: Shows double 2x6 on edge forming the window and door lintels.
Overall Interpretation:
The illustration serves as a visual guide for understanding the basic framing techniques used in building construction. It's likely targeted towards DIY enthusiasts, students of construction, or anyone seeking to understand the structural elements of a building. The cutaway view and labels make the components and their relationships clear, aiding in comprehension.