Guides

What is a rafter? The sloped roof member from ridge to wall. Learn rafter parts and cuts, types, ties vs ridge beams, how spans are read, and rafter vs truss.

Structural steel is steel made in standard shapes to a published grade like ASTM A992 or A36. See the main shapes, grades, sizes and how it is used today.

How to remove rust from metal by severity: wire brushing, vinegar and acid soaks, power tools and blasting, plus lead paint safety and priming bare steel fast.

Pier and beam foundations explained: how piers, beams and joists carry a house, how they compare with a slab, crawl space vent rules, problems and repairs.

Ceiling joists carry the ceiling and tie the rafters so walls cannot spread. See AWC span tables for 2×4 to 2×10, load cases, spacing and warning signs.

A header is the beam over a door or window opening. Learn the parts of a framed opening, how to read a header span table, and when a wall needs no header.

Steel vs wood framing compared: straightness, rot, termites, fire, thermal bridging, cost and labor. Learn where steel studs make sense and where wood wins.

What structural steel detailing is, what shop and erection drawings show, how connections and OSHA erection rules shape the details, and how detailers work.

Pole barn vs metal building: how post-frame and steel-frame buildings differ in foundations, span, cost drivers, insulation and durability, and which to pick.

What a rim joist is, what it does structurally, rim joist vs band joist vs rim board, common problems, and how to air seal and insulate it the right way.