Author: AlisherH

In this reading, Ching covers lots of topics. Those topics include Masonry Cavity Walls, Brick Coursing, Stone Lintels, CMU Coursing + Bond Beam, Rigid Foam Insulation, Batt Insulation, Vapor Barrier, Interior Furring, Plaster on Lath, Drywall. Behind each one of these topics, there is one base, and that base is the plan. Look at it like you actually build it. Each layer has its own meaning. First the brick then cavity wall etc. Masonry cavity is constructed of a facing and a backing wythe of either solid or hollow masonry units.

These cavity walls have two advantages and those are cavities enhance the thermal insulation value of the wall and permits the installation of additional thermal insulation material. Which means it can carry two thermal insulations in one cavity wall for better thermal value. The second advantage is that when the air space plays as a barrier against water penetration. If the cavity is kept clear, and if the adequate weep holes and flashing and provided.

There are many ways to lay out bricks with different patterns. Flemish bond, Stack bond, English bond, and Common bond, and there are more. Just to minimize the cutting of the brick and enhance the appearance of bonding patterns.

The major dimensions of masonry walls should be based on the size of the modular units used, also different types of bonding course is a continuous horizontal range of masonry wall.

Beams are rigidly structured members designed to carry and transfer transverse loads across space to supporting elements. The nonconcurrent pattern of faces subjects a beam to bending and deflection, which must be resisted by the internal strength of the material. By the time when the lintel is on the beams, it sends its weight on the beams and transfers to the ground.

When it comes to foam insulation the place consists of a foamed plastic, as polyurethane that is sprayed or injected into a cavity where it adheres to the surrounding surfaces.

In this section, Ching covers the important aspects of “Moisture & Thermal Protection” and even more.

The slope of a roof effects the building during the bad weather conditions, such as rain and snow or etc. The more flat roof top you have the more work needs to be done. For example Ching points out the importance of keeping cautious of waterproof membrane to contain the water while it drains or evaporates. But the higher the pitch of the roof is the more it supports its self by over lapping or interlocking tiles or whatever material you want to use. Its more on an angle, its easier for it to shed the water. Ching also covers the concept of “Flashing”. Flashing is a thin continuous sheet or other impervious material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from an angle or joint. It protects the joints from the water that penetrate it. Its up to you if you want to expose it or conceal it. It has to be a water proof material.

The main concept you should keep in mind is to take an account of the body movement while building a staircase. The whole movement of the steepness and pitch. Exterior and interior stairs have lot’s indifference. You have to keep tracks of the treads and risers. That will get tricky at times. The width and the height should be the same or else it’s dangerous. The exit is the path or passageway leading to an exit should be as direct as possible, be unobstructed by projections such as open doors, and be well lit. The red EXIT sign is a universal sign for an emergency path out.