DIY Network

Raising the Frame Raising the Frame From "Trade School" episode DTRS-113

Figure A

In this segment, Gideon and the rest of the crew arrive at the home site, fit the timbers together and raise the frame. Seen here in a completed home, large wood pegs help join the timbers, adding strength and an aesthetic touch to most joints in the frame (figure A) ....

advertisement

Basic Tools:

Tape measure
Speed square
Combination square
Circular saw
Disc sander
Chainsaw mortiser
Framing chisels
Belt sander
Chainsaw
16" Beam saw
Band Saw
Ratchet straps
Reciprocating saw
Hole Hog
Mallet
Angle irons
Boom lift

• After unloading off the truck, Gideon helps to assemble the labeled timbers into goalposts and roof trusses and drives wood pegs into each unit to join them. Then they strategically stack the trusses on the ground and the goalposts on the pre-existing sub floor of the home site (figure B). The load-bearing goalposts consist of two major vertical timbers, a summer beam connecting them and supporting diagonal knee-braces. Heavy-duty angle irons serve to connect the posts to the sub floor (figure C).

Figure B

Figure C

• The first day is mainly spent raising each goalpost one by one, starting in the back of the house (figure D). With each goalpost weighing around 1,000 lbs, they can certainly present numerous problems. After positioning the first end goalpost with the aid of a boom lift, Gideon fits it over a central support post, which fits under the summer beam. He also pegs knee-braces between the post and summer beam (figure E). Then he secures the first goalpost by drilling lag bolts through the angle irons and into the sub floor. To reduce the risk of the post tipping over, Gideon nails temporary support braces between the first goalpost and the sub floor (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

• Then the crew moves the second goalpost into position (figure G). While standing on a stepladder, Gideon helps to connect the first and second goalposts by spanning several bay beams between them (figure H). Gideon sets these 100 lbs beams into position by hand. The crew continues raising goalposts and connecting them with bay beams.

Figure G

Figure H

• Next, the crew begins lifting and placing the top plates, the long horizontal timbers spanning the length of the frame, along the goalposts (figure I). Fit into pre-cut grooves in the goalposts, the top plates provide the base to connect the roof trusses.

• Before calling it a day, Gideon tightens the raised timbers using multiple ratchet straps (figure J). This provides additional support for the frame until it is completed.

Figure I

Figure J

• The next day, after placing two vertical posts on the top of the back summer beam, the crew raises and pegs the first roof truss onto the top plates (figure K). Then Gideon shimmies up the peak of the truss, ties it off, and attaches temporary bracings between the truss and the top plates (figure L).

  Note: While regulations vary, this type of work typically requires a harness; do not try the at home!

Figure K

Figure L

• After the crew raises the second truss, Gideon shimmies back up and guides a ridge beam into place connecting the peaks of the two trusses (figure M). Then, after placing planks between trusses to walk upon, Gideon attaches knee-braces between the king post of the end truss and the ridge beam to provide more lateral support (figure N).

Figure M

Figure N

Figure O

• The crew continues placing the roof trusses and ridge beams in this manner until the frame is complete (figure O). At this point, the job of the traditional timber framer is done. (Sub-contractors later finish the house.

Related Contact Information:

Tomahawk Timber Frame
Phone: 303-638-0756
Website: www.cottonwood-design.com/tomahawk