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