Construction is a critical process in the development of any built environment, whether it is a home, office or other type of structure. There are many different types of building construction, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will take a look at the most common types of building construction: light-framed, masonry, timber-framed and steel-framed. We will also briefly touch on some less common construction methods.
Overview of Building Construction Types
Building construction is the process of preparing for and constructing a building. It includes planning, design, materials selection, procurement, fabrication, assembly, and maintenance of the finished product.
Different Types of Building Construction
There are four major types of building construction: light-framed, masonry, timber-framed, and steel-framed. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when choosing a construction method for a project.
Light-framed construction is the most common type of construction in North America. It is typically used for residential and commercial buildings that are three stories or less in height. The framing members are made from wood or light-gauge steel and are spaced at regular intervals to support the walls, floors, and ceilings. Light-framed construction is fast and relatively inexpensive compared to other methods, but it is not as strong or durable as masonry or timber-framed construction.
Masonry construction uses bricks, stones, or concrete blocks to create a solid wall that supports the weight of the roof and floors. Masonry is much stronger than light-frame construction and can be used for taller buildings. However, it is more expensive and time-consuming to build than light-frame construction.
Timber-framed construction uses heavy timbers to create a strong frame that supports the weight of the roof and floors. Timber framing is very strong and durable, but it is also expensive and time-consuming to build.
Steel-framed construction uses steel beams and columns to create a strong frame that supports the weight of the roof and floors. Steel framing is very strong and durable like timber framing, but it is less expensive and faster to build.
Light-Framed Building Construction
Light-framed construction is the most common type of construction in North America. It is also sometimes referred to as “wood frame construction” or “stick frame construction.” This type of construction typically uses dimensional lumber (2x4s, 2x6s, etc.), but can also use engineered wood products such as laminated veneer lumber, parallel strand lumber, and laminated strand lumber. The walls are built using vertical studs that are spaced 16″ or 24″ apart and are attached to horizontal top and bottom plates. The studs provide support for the exterior sheathing (usually plywood or oriented strand board), insulation, interior wall finishes, and ceilings.
There are two main types of light-framed construction: platform framing and balloon framing. Platform framing is the most common type of light-framed construction in North America. It is a method of building in which each floor is built on top of the previous one. The walls for each floor are built separately and then lifted into place. Balloon framing is a less common method in which the walls extend from the foundation all the way to the roof plate, with studs running continuously from the bottom to the top plate.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Light-Framed Construction
The main advantage of light-framed construction is that it is relatively fast and easy to build with. This makes it a good choice for smaller projects where time is of the essence. Another advantage is that it uses relatively small amount of materials when compared to other types of construction. This can be an important factor when working with limited budgets or on sites where there is limited space for storing materials during construction. One disadvantage of light-framed construction is that it is not as strong or durable as some other types of construction, such as masonry or timber frame. It is also more susceptible to fire damage than these other types of construction.
Masonry Building Construction
Masonry construction is one of the oldest types of building construction, dating back to ancient times. It is a type of construction that uses bricks, stones, or concrete blocks held together with mortar. Masonry is very durable and has good fire resistance, but it is also very heavy and expensive.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Masonry Construction.
There are many advantages to masonry construction, including its durability, fire resistance, and sound insulation. However, masonry is also very heavy and expensive.
Read more: How to Beat the Rising Cost of Building Materials
Timber-Framed Building Construction
Timber framing is a traditional method of building construction that uses heavy timbers to create a strong frame. This type of construction is often used in the construction of homes, barns, and other structures. Timber framing is a very old technique that has been used for centuries all over the world.
The timber frame is made up of large pieces of wood that are cut to fit together perfectly. These pieces are then joined together using special techniques and tools. The most common way to join timber frame members is with mortise and tenon joints. This type of joint is very strong and helps to keep the timber frame stable.
Once the timber frame has been assembled, it is then covered with either plaster or cladding. This helps to protect the timber frame from the elements and also provides a finished look to the structure.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Timber-Framed Construction
There are many advantages to using timber-framed construction, including:
- Timber frames are extremely strong and stable, making them ideal for use in earthquake-prone areas.
- They can be adapted to any climate, as they can easily be insulated against cold weather or fitted with ventilation systems for hot climates.
- Timber frames are also eco-friendly, as they are made from a renewable resource.
However, there are also some disadvantages to using timber frames, including:
- They require regular maintenance, such as painting or staining, to keep them looking their best and prevent damage from the elements.
- Timber frames can be more expensive than other types of construction methods.
Steel-Framed Building Construction
Steel-framed construction is one of the most commonly used types of building construction, especially in high-rise buildings. It is also known as skeleton steel frame construction or steel frame construction. A steel frame is a skeletal framework that supports the external envelope of a building.
The use of steel in construction began in the late 19th century and gained popularity in the 20th century. The first skyscraper with a steel frame was the Home Insurance Building in Chicago, which was completed in 1884.
In a steel-framed building, the weight of the exterior walls, roof, and floors is supported by a skeletal framework of vertical columns and horizontal beams. The beams and columns are connected with metal fasteners or welds. The exterior walls are usually made of brick, stone, or glass panels attached to the frame.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Steel-Framed Construction
Advantages:
- Steel frames are very strong and can support a lot of weight. They can also span long distances without support from intermediate columns. This makes them ideal for tall buildings such as skyscrapers.
- Steel frames are fireproof and resistant to pests and rot. They do not require treatment with toxic chemicals like wood frames do (e.g., termite control).
- Steel frames can be recycled at the end of their lifespan without losing any strength or quality.
- Steel frames are less likely to settle than other types of framing because they do not shrink or swell like wood does when it gets wet.
- Steel frames can be prefabricated off-site, which saves time and money on construction.
Disadvantages:
- Steel frames are more expensive than wood frames.
- Steel is a conductor of heat and cold, so steel-framed buildings may not be as energy-efficient as other types of buildings.
- The weight of steel framing can make a building’s foundation settle over time.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Build an Industrial Building in Canada?
Conclusion
There are many different types of building construction, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The type of construction you choose will depend on many factors, including the intended use of the building, the climate in which it will be built, and your budget. Whatever type of building construction you choose, make sure you work with a qualified and experienced contractor to get the best results.
About GTA General Contractors Ltd.
GTA General Contractors has been a leading new building construction company in the Toronto/Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and throughout Ontario for more than 32 years, and we are able to design, manage, and build your project from start to finish. GTA General Contractors is a full-service construction and commercial development company that also provides consultancy services, construction management, design/build services, general contracting, project management, and more.
