CCMHIC—Canada’s leading source of housing information, canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is committed to housing quality, afford ability and choice for Canadians. For mote than so years CMHC has developed new ways to help Canadians finance home purchases, fastered innovation in housing design and technol~ ‘ogy, and provided social housing programs to help those most in need. CMHC has also played a major role in the development of Canada’s housing industry. We've recently become the industry's export partner, supporting and promoting housing exports in foreign markets. ‘CMHC is Canada’s largest publisher of housing information, in both print and electron~ ic formats. Today, CMHC offers Canada’s most comprehensive selection of publications, videos, software data and analysis. The Canadian housing industry looks to CMHC for reliable land objective housing information on construction techniques, housing design, business skills, new technologies and market trends Canadians have come to rely on CMC for advice and information on buying a home, home renovation, Healthy Housing, design and adaptation and home security. We offer easy access to our information through a 1 800 number, Web site, cross-country regional locations and retail outlets ‘CMHC information: Tel: 1800 668 2642 Fax: 613 748 4069) Web site: www.cmhe-schl.ge.ca Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation supports the Government of Canada policy on access to information for people with disabilities. If you wish to obtain this publication in alternative formats, call 1-800-668-2642.CANADIAN WOOD-FRAME HOUSE CONSTRUCTION CMHC offers a wide range of housing information. Turn to the inside back cover for a listing of related publications. Cette publication est aussi disponible en frangais sous le titre : Construction de maison 4 ossature de bois—Canada LNH 503! ~ CanadThe information contained in this publication represents current research results available to CMHC, and has been reviewed by a wide spectrum of the housing industry. The Corporation, however, assumes nro liability for any damage, injury, or expense that may be incurred or suffered as a result of the use of this publication, Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data Kesik, Ted J. (Theodore Jonathan), 1954- Canadian wood~frame house construction Rev. ed. Issued also in French under title: Construction de ‘maison & ossature de bois ~ Canada, Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0-660-172947 NP de cat. NHI7-3/1997E 1. Wooden-frame houses—Canada—Design and construction. 2, Wooden-frame buildings~Canada— Design and construction 3. House construction— canada. |.Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, I. Title THA8IB.W6KL8 1998 694 C9B-900058-3, © 1997 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. All rights reserved. No portion ofthis book may be reproduced, stored ina retrieval system or transmitted inany form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or ‘otherwise without the prior written permission of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing no portion of this book may be translated from English into any other language without the prior ‘written permission of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. First Combined Imperial/Metic Edition Revised and reprinted 1998 Printed in Canada Produced by CMHCACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Canada Mortgage and Housing Corpo- ration wishes to acknowledge the ‘many individuals and ther organiza tions for contributing to this latest edition of Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction. The following people served as reviewers and performed the impor tant role of ensuring the accuracy and usefulness of the publication for bbullders and educators, and its rele~ vance to Healthy Housing initiatives at cc Rick Glanville, Camosun College, Victoria, BC Louis Kane, Advanced Education and Labour, NBCC, Saint John, NB Michael Nauth, Algonquin College, Nepean, ON Erie Jones, Canadian Wood Council, Ottawa, ON Ross Monsour, Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Ottawa, ON Everett Dunham, CMHC Darrel Smith, CMHC Terry Marshall, CMHC (CMHC also wishes to express its appre ciation to the authors who updated this edition to conform to the 1995 National Building Code of Canada and enhanced it significantly by adding new, special features. Ted Kesik, Ryerson Polytechnic Univer- sity, Toronto, ON ‘Michael Lio, Michael \io and Associ- ates, Toronto, ON ‘CMHC gratefully acknowledges the National Research Council and the Canadian Wood Council for the use of their information included in the {ables ofthis publication.TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments Location and Excavation . 17 ‘Marking the Excavation Area... 17 Preface vsseeeseeeeseed Excavation Size and Depth... 18 How to Use This Book ....2 Healthy Housing insight 20 New Features 3 Placement ofthe House 2 Healthy Housing insights .....3 Related Publications 2 ae eae) Concrete Work ........ 23 Ready-Mix Concrete 3 Examples for Using the sizing feat ae . Habies 5 Placing Concrete 4 Imperial and Metic Dimensions 5 Cuendorere zs Healthy Housing .......6 Related Publications 25 ements of Healthy Hovsing ---§ Footings, Foundations and eee slabs ...... +26 Related Publications Footings 6 wall Footings 26 Planning Ahead — 4Rs of Wood- Cee * frame Construction 9 eee aes a Typical House Construction stepped Footings 8 PLOCESS 6.0 eee eee HO Foundations 29 Stages of Construction " Formwork for Foundations... 29 Plane, Financing and Permits. Castrin-place Foundation Layout of Building ® walls z Excavation and Footings... 12 Control Joints 13 Foundations, Drainage and CConcrete-block Foundation Back ® walls 3 Framing 8 Preserved Wood Foundations. 36 Doors and Windows 2 Planning Ahead — Foundation Plumbing, Heating and Wall Thickness ” Electrical Roughin 8 Planning Ahead ~ sil Anchors 38 txterior finishes 3 Slabs u Insulation, air and Vapour fasement Floor Slabs a aries 8 Slabs-on-ground B Interior Finches 13 Foundation Dampproofing Paint, Cabinets and Fixtures «13 ‘and Waterproofing 4s Landscaping 44 Foundation Drainage 6 Approval, Permits and Backfiling 48 Inspections 4 Planning ahead — Weeping Tiles, Sumps and Sewage Fjectors‘TABLE OF CONTENTS. Foundation Insulation so Wall Framing .. 7B Footings and Foundations for Platform Framing 78 Crawl Spaces 5° Planning Ahead — effective Crawl Space Ventilation and ‘Thermal Resistance 8 Ground Cover 5! planning Ahead — Installing Garage Foundations 31 special tems... a Related Publications 5! palloon framing 8a fealthy Housing Insight «=. 8 rareionsngcanel amyl Materials on the Building : Site eseeeereseses+52 Ceiling and Roof Framing 87 Lumber and other Wood * peassembledoj ses. 9 Products. .....++++++58 site assembly of Pitched Roofs 99 Grade Marks BE Planning Ahead — Roof Lumber Grades 3 Covering toads 9 Engineered Wood Products... $4 Gable-end Framing and structural Composite Lumber. 55 Petia 100 Sheet or Panel products - Healthy Housing Insight. 101 Related Publications 56 patnoots woe Framing the House .....57 Roof Space Ventilation 04 Platform Construction 57 Healthy Housing Insight... 195 Balloon Construction ........58 Size of Vents 106 Healthy Housing Insight ......58 Related Publications rr Floor Framingt eee Gl © seen isa Sill Plates and Anchors Ge a seeae eee ieee fa checking Back 6 Columns and Beams 6 ‘Flashing ... ook Planning Ahead — Ductwork Roof Sheathing and Piping 6 and Coverings ........m5 Beam and joist instalation ....64 "Ra Gpeathing ia Foundation Wall and Joist Installing Roof Sheathing... us Connection e Roof Sheathing Detalls...-. 6 Sill-plate Method ee Healthy Housing Insight 7 Iois-embedded Method .-..67 ey eovernge 18 Healthy Housing insight i Healthy Housing Insight... 119 Floor Joists re sphalt Shingles on Slopes Floor Performance eee ee Subfloor 3B sphalt Shingles on Low Slopes Related Publications 75 read she a sizing Built-up Wood Beams. 76 handspit shakes cK Sizing Floor joists u Finish at Ridge and Hips 125, ivTABLE OF CONTENTS Built-up Roofs 6 Sheet Metal Roofing 8 Concrete and Clay Tile Roofing 8 Related Publications 28 Checking Back 29 Healthy Housing insight... 129 Wall Sheathing and Exterior Finishes ............130 Types and installation of Sheathing 30 Wall sheathing Membrane. 133, Exterior Cladding 33 Planning Ahead — sheathing ‘Membranes and Air Barres «134 ‘Metal and Vinyl Sidings... 134 Healthy Housing Insight .... 35 Hardboard Siding 37 Lumber Siding 37 Plywood Panels ut Hardboard Panels, ut Comer Treatment for Siding 141 Wood shingles and Machine- srooved Shakes ska Stucco Finishes “3 ‘Masonry Veneer us Planning Rhead — Painting and Staining 46 Healthy Housing Insight =. 147 Windows and Doors ... 148 Light, View and Ventilation 148 ‘means of Egress us Window Styles us Window Performance cs ‘ult-pane Windows rs Low-emissivity Coatings. =... 15 Gas Fils 52 Edge Seals 52 frames with Thermal Beaks . 152 Enexgy Rating 152 Airtightness, Water Resistance and Wind Load Resistance . 153 Window Selection 153 Window installation Exterior Doors Related Publications Healthy Housing insight Exterior Trim 154 55 87 158 and Millwork ........159 Eave Projections fave and Gable-end Intersections Window Frames and Sashes 159 162 162 Exterior Door Frames and Doors 163, Healthy Housing insight... 166 Stairs ... . eee 167 Stalr Design Terminology 167 Ratio of Rise-to-run 169, Stairway Design 169 stringers 70 Newels, Handrails and Guards «72 fasement Stairs 3 Exterior Steps and Stoops «173 Framing Details for Plumbing, Heating and Wiring ..... 6... .17h Cutting the Framing Members 74 checking Back "5 Framing details for Plumbing systems "6 Healthy Housing Insight «179 Framing Details for Heating systems 180 Warm-ait and Ventilation systems 181 Hot-water Systems 183 Electric Baseboard Heating systems 183 framing Details for Wiring. 183, Healthy Housing Insight «184 80x Location 185 Switches 186 Related Publications 189 Healthy Housing Insight 189TABLE OF CONTENTS Chimneys and Fireplaces 191 chimneys 191 Fireplaces 193 Healthy Housing insight... 197 Thermal insulation . .. . 198 Types of Insulation 198 Batts 198 Loose Fill 198 Rigid 198 semi-rigid 199 Foamed-in-place 99 ‘Amount of insulation 199 Checking Back 200 Insulation of foundations .... 201 {insulation of Floors 202 Insulation of Walls 208 Insulation of Truss of Rafter~ type Roof-celings 206 Insulation of loist-type Roof- ceilings 207 Related Publications ....... 209 Healthy Housing insight .... 210 Vapour and Air Barriers . 211 Placement 22 Related Publications 2K Healthy Housing Insight... 215 Fire and Sound Control . 216 Smoke Alarms 216 Location and installation... 216 Related Publications 26 Ventilation ..........217 Natural Ventilation 2 Mechanical Ventilation 28 ‘Mechanical Ventilation system Options 28 Checking Back 29 Heat Recovery Ventilators... 219 ‘Mechanical Ventilation System Operation and Maintenance . 220 Healthy Housing Insight zat Related Publications 2a. vi Interior Wall and Ceiling Finishes . .. cee BRB Gypsum Board Finish 23 Other Finishes 226 Related Publications 21 Healthy Housing Insight «227 Floor Coverings ...... 229 Wood stip Flooring 229 Wood Tile Flooring .........230 Underlay for Resilient Flooring 230 Installation of Resilient Floor Covering ae Seamless Resin Constituent Resilient Flooring 232 carpeting 232 Ceramic Tile 232 Healthy Housing Insight . .... 234 Interior Doors, Frames and Trim .. + +235 Installation of Door Hardware . 238 Window Trim installation... 239 Base Mouldings 239 millwork 240 kitchen Cabinets 2a Checking Back 241 Closets 22 Healthy Housing Insight .... 243 Painting cece Bik Types of Painted Finishes «244 Exterior Painting and Staining 245 Interior Painting 245 Healthy Housing insight «247 Eavestroughs and Downspouts ..... 248 ‘checking Back 248 Garages and Carports . . 250TABLE OF CONTENTS Surface Drainage, Driveways and Walkways ....... 252 Surface Drainage 252 Driveways 252 Walkways 253 Healthy Housing Insight .... 254 Protection Against Decay and Termites .. 255 Maintenance .. 257 Related Publications 251 Appendix — Tables... . 259 297 Index . viiPREFACE Since the frst edition of Canada Mort- gage and Housing Corporation's Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction appeared in 1967 this publication has been the primary ‘means by which builders, carpenters and students of housing technology have leamed about wood-frame house construction in Canada. Tis publica tion continues to be the most widely- used reference in the field, in community colleges and in many university architecture programs This edition retains the conve~ nient format of previous editions reflecting the feedback from a broad cross-section of users across Canada Itis hoped that readers ofthis publi «ation will continue to contribute theit much-welcomed suggestions for future improvernents The inclusion of Healthy Housing principles throughout this book repre~ sents a significant shift in awareness regarding the individual, social, envi- ronmental and economic impacts of ‘the housing industry in Canada and around the world. Canadians continue to have good cause to be proud of ‘their wood-frame house construction technolagy. This latest edition is one among many continuing efforts toward the goal of providing choice inaccessible, affordable and sustainable housing in Canada.HOW TO USE THIS BOOK This book presents a concise descrip tion of Canadian wood-jrame house construction, As wel, references toa number of available publications, which can provide a greater depth of information, have been noted. This book should not be considered to be a complete reference on wood-frame house construction. instead, readers should consider it asthe basic frame work for learning about and appro prately applying wood-frame house construction technology and healthy housing principles Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction is based on the require- rents of the 1995 edition of the National Building Code. Ths book is nota substitute or the National Bulld- Ing Code. We strongly recommend that readers refer to the codes and standards pertaining to housing in theirjursdictions fora complete st of requirements The organization of Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction corresponds to the construction Sequence for a typical Canadian house. The chapters are based on ‘major aspects of waod-frame house construction and reflect typical prac tices. Actual practices may be expected to vary across Canada. Users of this publication are urged to consult with local building departments, trades and suppliers when designing and building a house. Ideally, users ofthis book should gain ‘an overview of its contents before exploring any of the topics in depth. Start at the beginning of the book and work forward through the stages of construction when planning and designing the house. However, if only specific information is required, each chapter has been developed as 2 stand-alone reference, Experienced builders and tradespeople will, we hope, continue to find this edition @ convenient job-site guide — now enhanced with helpful new features. The feedback and insights of readers is highly valued at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Your views and suggestions ‘on new or improved content are welcome. While every effort has been ‘made to present accurate informa- ‘tion, please point out any incorrect or incomplete information. Kindly take ‘the time to help improve this publica ‘tion, Forward your correspondence ta Canadian Housing Information Centre canada Morigage and Housing Corporation| ‘700 Montreal Road ‘ottawa, ON KIA oP7HOW TO USE THIS BOOK linking ideal concepts to practic NEW FEATURES ‘matters which may be implemented in ThseltioneCenadian Wood-rame _Constuctn paces Were applic dause Construction incorporates ables references fo nove detalled several new features intended to information ave provide, provide a better understanding of the practical, environmental and techni cal aspects of wood-frame house construction. Since the first edition of this publication, a steady move toward improved energy efficiency and a growing awareness for the need to develop and construct more-sustain- able housing has occurred. ithas been recognized that these ideal concepts ‘must be practically applied in order to realize any real benefits. The main thrust of the new features focus on Healthy Housing Insights are presented throughout this book to enable lsers to consider and practically apply the following elements of healthy housing to woodsframe house construction: > Occupant Health > Energy Efficiency > Resource Efficiency Healthy Housing Insights CMHC is committed to provide the Canadian housing industry with reli- able information on appropriate hous- ing technology that responds to people and the environment. Practical considerations derived from CMHC’s Healthy Housing initiatives have been included in this edition, Healthy Housing insights, conve niently identified throughout this publication, are presented in the format depicted below. > Environmental Responsibility > Affordability Healthy Housing Insights are intended to help users make appropriate choices that will sustain the health of the house occupants, and the envi- ronment. They deal with issues that have not yet found thelr way into build- ing code requirements, but which are recognized as practical options for building more-sustainable housing.HOW To USE THIS BOOK Planning Ahead and lems that need to be solved before Checking Back Notes continuing with building. The Planning Ahead and Checking The format for these notes is back noteshave valuable pointers for depicted below, Further information builders. The Planning ahead notes tell on how they may be used to plan and you about factors that affect later properly construct a dwelling is stages of constuction, The Checking provided. Back notes remind you about prob PLANNING AHEAD Planning Ahead notes are intended to identify Important factors which may affect later stages of construction. Options for dealing with these ‘elated aspects of construction are also presented. Ils recommended that you review all of the Planning Ahead notes ‘during the design stage of the house. Resolving conflicts on paper is much easier than on site, and generally less expensive, > Points like this identify key factors to consider when using Planning Aboad notes. Planning Ahead notes are cross-referenced with Checking Back notes to ensure that critical aspects are appropriately resolved at every stage of ‘construction, ‘Checking Back notes are intended to fag aspects of earlier stages of ‘construction which may affect a present stage of construction. They ‘are conveniently referenced to Planning Ahead notes. In case a Planning Ahead note has been overlooked, Checking Back notes are helpful reminders of the need to resolve potential problems ‘during the early stages of planning and design, prior to construction. > Points like this identify tems to review when Checking Back notes are ‘encountered. Checking Back notes may also be used as a concise checklist when reviewing plans to avoid construction problems.HOW TO USE SHS BOOK Examples for Using the tion technology. For this reason, the Sizing Tables imperial units are provided first in Examples have been provided for this publication, followed by the sizing typical structural components actual Code requirements in metic of the house units. Every reasonable effort has been rmade to provide accurate conversions of metric dimensions to imperial equivalents; however, it remains the esponsibility of designers and pbulders to comply with bullding code requirements in their jurisdictions. Imperial and Metric Dimensions This edition of Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction contains imperial as well as metric units. The National Building Code of canada uses metic units, and these govern when strit interpretations of Code requirements ae required. However, imperial units of measure (feet and inches) dominate ‘most of wood-frame house construc- Examples using the sizing tables found in the Appendix have been developed to assist users in their proper application. They may be found in the sections dealing with the actual framing of the house. By reviewing these examples, readers may correctly apply the tables when sizing structural components of the house, Readers should consult their local building departments to ensure that the sizing of ‘basic structural components has been done properly. ‘When encountering situations not covered by any of the tables, itis advisable to consult a structural designer. Note: Consult your local building department on the units of measure~ ‘ment required for house plans.HEALTHY HOUSING ‘A growing awareness ofthe relation ship between the health of people the environment and the economy has fostered the Healthy Housing concept in Canada. Wood-frame house construction continues to predominate in the Canadian matt and offers many opportunities to explore and incorporate Healthy Hous- ing principles. in fact, wood-frame house constuction continues to repre sent an environmentally responsible choice, Wood isa renewable resource which, if properly managed and utilized, can enhance our quality of life, sustain our natural environment, and contribute tothe economy. Healthy Housing principles are presented throughout this publica- tion inorder to make readers aware of the many options availabe to them at the various stages of house construe tion from siting the building all the vay through to interior finishes and landscaping. Before any of these Principle of Healthy Housing specific topics are discussed, an overview of Healthy Housing principles has been provided, Healthy Housing represents a collaborative effort supported by CMHC which enables researchers, the building industry and interested groups to engage in an ongoing exploration of environmentally and economically sound design and devel- ‘opment techniques. Healthy Housing is founded on the following five fundamental principles ELEMENTS OF HEALTHY HOUSING ‘The principles of Healthy Housing each consist of a number of related elements, Each should be considered at the design stage before beginning hhouse construction, Decisions are easi~ est to reconsider and revise appropri= ately at tis stage. Incorporating these elements during construction is Occupant Health fficeney peed LCE Tf Environmental ResponsiblyHEALTHY HOUSING equally important, and makes the difference between a healthful idea and a healthy house. Occupant Health Indoor Air Quality: the reduction of the level of contaminants built into the building (material selection) and the removal of any contami= nants atthe source, coupled with the dilution of house ar with fresh outside air (ventilation). Water Quality: the selection of asafe supply of potable water, and where this is not possible, appropriate home treatment to remove bacte~ via, chemical contaminants, and Unpleasant tastes or odours light, Sound and Radiation: the provision of adequate natural light throughout the house, the isolation of intemal and external noise sources, and the avoidance of exposure to electromagnetic fields Energy Efficiency Building Thermal Performance: the reduction of building envelope area (compact design), the improvement ofthe building enve~ lope through better insulated and more airtight assemblies, and the installation of high performance windows. Energy for Heating, Cooling and Ventilation: the selection of appro~ priate house energy sources, and the provision of high efficiency equipment having the proper capacity Renewable Energy Technologies: the orientation of the building and the placement of windows to capture solar gains during cold months, and to enhance natural ventila~ tion and cooling of the house during hot months Electrical Consumption and Peak Demand: the use of controls to avoid or minimize electrical power ‘consumption during peak periods, typically mornings and early ‘evenings, and the selection of effi- cient domestic appliances and lights Resource Efficiency Embodied Energy: the selection of renewable, recycled or reused materials where possible, and consideration of the environmen talimpacts associated with manu factured materials ‘Management of Construction Waste: the intelligent use of materials to reduce waste, to enable their euse, and finally to recycle waste mate tials into useful products Water: te installation of water-effi- cient plumbing fixtures and appli- ances indoors, and the careful planning of landscaping and natural drainage to minimize water consumption outdoors Durability and Longevity: the constriction of durable building structure, thermal envelope and finishes Environmental Responsibility Emissions and Combustion By-prod- ‘ucts: the selection of appropriate ‘materials made from environmen= tally responsible manufacturing processes, and the installation of high efficiency, low emission equipment and appliances Wastewater and Sewage: the veduc- tion of wastewater and sewage through water conservation, andHEALTHY HOUSING the provision of an appropriate treatment technique for private septic systems. Community Planning and Site Pan- ning Issues: the design of viable communities which ate properly sited to minimize ecological damage and to take better advan- tage of the sun and the wind Hazardous Materials — Landfill and Disposal: the avoidance of hazardous materials during construction and in the home, combined with a facility for composting and recycling. Affordability Affordability: the availabilty of suit- able housing choice having both an affordable purchase price and long-term operating costs Viability for the Construction indus- try: the reliance on simple but effective technologies which are adaptable across the range of Canadian climates and markets, and exportable abroad, Adapeabitty: the flexibility of design and construction to enable cost- effective renovation and reuse long into the future. Marketability: catering to the real reeds of people and accounting for shifts in demographics and con- sumer perceptions about housing. HEALTHY WOOD- FRAME HOUSE CONSTRUCTION ‘There are many Healthy Housing prac~ tices to be considered when designing and building a home, The preceding ‘outline forms the basis for a number of suggestions, presented within the chapters, to follow as Healthy Housing Insights, Refer to the previous chapter entitled How To Use This Book for 2 {guide on how to consider and incor- porate Healthy Housing alternatives Into your house construction, RELATED PUBLICATIONS ‘Building Materials for the Environ- ‘mentally Hypersensitive Canada Mortgage and Housing CorporationHEALTHY HOUSING Lie ed 4 Rs of Wood Frame Construction Many of the chapters contain Healthy Housing Insights on the appropriate lise of wood to minimize waste and to make the most efficient use of this valuable resource. These are presented according to an approach Which the building industry has adopted as the 4 Rs: > Review conventional procedures and practices; > Reduce the wastes being generated; > Reuse materials; and > Recycle what traditionally has been conventionally seen as waste. Refer to the Healthy Housing Insight on applying the 4 Rs of Wood-Frame Construction in the Framing the House chapter.