ics, are not, for this reason alone, suitable for use in the
building is to be used. A panel that consists of a 2x2-
cold, low humidity, and dryness of the Arctic regions.
inch frame and fiberboard covering is sufficient for some
4-6. Walls. The panels used for the exterior walls
areas. Heavier 2x4 frames are used with one inch
consist of an exterior covering on a light frame. The
decking or plywood where snow loads are expected.
covering may be fiberboard, plywood, or siding. The
Insulated panels are used in both hot and cold climates.
frame may be made of 1x1, lx2, 1 1/2x1 l/2-, or 2x2-, or
4-13. Roof panels are fastened at the top of the
2x3-inch material.
Where insulation is required, a
exterior wall panels and at the ridge. A ridge board is
fiberous filler is installed between the exterior and
placed between the upper end of two roof panels, and
interior coverings.
bolts are used to hold them together, as shown in figure
4-7. Doors and windows are assembled within a
29. The side members (rafters) of the panel frame are
standard size 4x6-or 4x8-foot panel. The panels are
bolted to adjoining panels.
interchangeable so that you can relocate windows, door,
4-14. Some roof panels have offset edges so that they
and solid sections as desired.
fit together with a lap joint (see fig. 1 and pars. 2-9 and
4-8. The wall panels are fastened in place with
2-10 in ch. 1) like shiplap lumber. This joint helps in
double-head scaffold nails or lag screws (bolts). Bolts are
lining up the panels and also helps in preventing leaks.
used to fasten two panels together along the vertical edge,
The joints between the panels are sealed by covering
as shown in figure 29. The fasteners used in this prefab
them with a bitumen adhesive and cloth strip. Since
can be easily removed without damaging the panels.
expansion, contraction, or any other movement of the
4-9. Repairs to wall panels usually consist of replacing
panels will damage the joint seal, you will probably have
lx2 or 1x4 strips over the vertical joints and replacing wall
to renew or replace the seal every year or two. When
coverings. The parts of insulated panels are assembled
extended usage is planned for the building, it is best to
with glue and cannot be disassembled. You can repair a
cover the entire roof with a layer of roll roofing. The
damaged area on a fiberboard covered panel by installing
roofing can be cut at the panel joints when the building
a fiberboard patch. Make the patch large enough so that
is disassembled.
you can fasten at least two edges of it to the framing
4-15. The roof on this panel prefab building is not as
members. Use a waterproof glue to fasten the other two
strong as standard wood construction. Therefore, you
edges. Glue may also be used to fasten small plywood or
must be careful when you check or repair the roof panels.
fiberboard patches if they cannot be fastened to the
Make a temporary walkway by using a 1x12-inch board
frame.
(with cleats) that will extend from the cave to the ridge.
4-10. Sticking doors and windows are a problem in
When you replace joint seals, start work at one end of
this type of building when the panels weaken or begin to
the building and work toward the other to avoid walking
warp. If normal adjustments do not correct the situation,
on or near the repaired area. Don't walk back across the
you may have to strengthen the panel. Replacing the
panels after completing your work. Unnecessary walking
panel covering with new material will give it additional
on the roof will break the joint seals, and you will have
strength. Adding an interior covering on the panel will
to replace them again.
also help to reduce its flexibility and keep it straight.
4-16. Framed Prefabricated Buildings. The framed
4-11. The panel type prefab building does not have
prefabricated wooden building is also known as a precut
corner braces. As the building becomes older, it is
or light frame building. The framing is precut and
weakened, and wind pressures may cause the building to
prepared for assembly before it is delivered to the job
lean or shift slightly and the windows and doors to bind.
site. The studs and rafters are widely spaced, as shown
You can use guy wires at each corner to help prevent
in figure 30. Let's take a look at the construction of this
excessive shifting of the panels. The guy wire should be
building.
attached at the top of the corner panel or near the eave
4-17. Floors. The floor of the framed prefab building
of the corner roof panel. The other end of the wire may
consists of flooring, joists, and girders. A combination
be fastened to a stake, another prefab building, or a solid
subfloor and finish floor is used where a smooth finish or
structure. These guy wires are a part of the original
the additional insulating value is required. Girders extend
assembly when the prefab building is used in an area of
around the perimeter and along the centerline of the
strong prevailing winds.
building to support the joists. The joists are spaced 24
4-12. Roof. Roof panels are built according to the
inches on-center with each length of joist spanning the
climatic conditions that exist where the
distance between the girders. The
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