Course 362: Constructing the Building Shell

The online course covers basic building techniques common to most structures, including methods of laying foundations, framing, covering walls, and roofs.

Lesson 1 - Footings, Foundations, and Forms

Topics:

Laying out building lines; Levels; Batterboards; Grading; Excavating; Footings; Concrete; Foundation walls; Waterproofing concrete

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate how to lay out a right angle without using instruments.
• Explain how to set up batterboards and building lines for an excavation.
• Tell what you can do to assure your own safety when working around an excavation.
• Describe how to erect a form for a concrete footing.
• Show how to mix a small batch of concrete using the "bottomless box."
• Describe how to prevent concrete slabs from cracking.

Lesson 2 - Framing the Structure

Topics:

Common framing method; Mounting the sill; Floor joists; Cantilever framing; Subflooring; Framing walls; Cross bracing; Wall sheathing

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrates how to lay out anchor bolt holes in sills.
• Describe the two methods of framing a cantilever.
• Compare cross bridging and solid bridging between floor joists.
• Explain how to construct and erect an inner stud wall.
• Tell why carpenters prefer to use plywood for sheathing walls.

Lesson 3 - Framing the Roof with a Framing Square

Topics:

Roof designs; Rafter layout; Pitch and slope; Framing square; Estimating, laying out rafters; Setting frame in place; Roof trusses; sheathing

Learning Objectives:

• Point out how the heel, plumb, and seat cuts in a rafter are different.
• Identify the information printed on the face and back of a framing square.
• Explain how to use a framing square to determine the line length of a rafter.
• Describe how to lay out studs for a gable end.
• Tell how to determine the length of hip rafters.

Lesson 4 - Installing Windows and Exterior Doors

Topics:

Types of windows and sashes; Glazing; Heat gain/loss; Window unit and glass installation; Door jamb construction; Hinges; Hanging a door

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how awning-type and hopper-type casement windows differ in operation.
• Name three or four of the common glazings and tell the advantages of each.
• List the critical dimensions for preparing and installing window units.
• Describe how to install a window unit.
• Tell how to mount a fixed glass in a picture window.
• Explain how to install mortise hinges on a door, and hang the door in the jamb.

Lesson 5 - Installing Roofing and Siding

Topics:

Roofing materials; Built-up roofing; Shingles; Flashing; Valleys; Capping a roof; Cornices; Wood, other-than-wood, shingled, and vertical siding

Learning Objectives:

• Explain how a built-up roof is constructed.
• Give some of the safety precautions to follow when working with hot tar.
• Describe how to apply asphalt shingles to a roof.
• Tell how to estimate the amount of roofing required for a building.
• Describe how to use a story pole in the application of wood siding to a building.
• Explain how to install cornerboards for exterior trimming.