Wood Frame World Around Us

Celebrate the career of retiring Fort Worth Fire Department Executive Assistant Chief Homer Robertson, who is always leaning forward into future opportunities for the fire service while also preserving Fort Worth’s past through his dedication to the preservation of the city’s history and heritage.
http://ow.ly/OwWX50JOQ1I

When you look at a structure, do ever ask yourself “ why did they do it that way?” Or “why couldn’t it be done this way?” Straight forward legitimate questions, as there are more than one way of doing things.

We school. We Apprentice. We understudy with a Mentor, and hopefully come out on the other end with the knowledge of understanding how to be one with a project, and execute the task of building structures to the finest standards,and the best of your ability,so that the end product stands out, where others have fallen behind.

I’ve always have had a keen interest in balloon frame wood frame ( Type V) for various reasons. Most notably it changed the way we shelter ourselves, and we were now free of complicated joinery, as the skills need to build balloon frame, were far less labor intensive. For the first time, the machine cut nail became the fastener of choice.

But this was uncharted waters. How do we make this new fangled way of building strong enough to live in? It all comes back to geometry, and terminology like the “3 4 5” method of squaring corners, The use of “Triangulation” pulling corners,

No matter which way you cut it, gravity is hell. Natural forces constantly at work trying to work against forward motion.

In the pictures are two simple ways of overcoming “Racking” side to side motion, and “Rotating” twisting of the structure. Remember. The BF structure was a learning curve, and the test was how to keep it from folding in on itself.

Below were two ways BF structures counteracted these forces.

Diagonal corner rack bracing with sheathing boards, or “let in” 2x4 bracing within the wall.

Diagonal subfloor boards that alternate on each floor to stop the forces of rotation.

Two methods of bracing that became antiquated with the advent of today’s plywood.

Thank you all, and stay safe!

Bud

Just another tool in the box. State of New Jersey’s placard for “Photovoltaic Panels” Solar panels can be hidden from street level side, due to parapet walls,building facade,and building signage. Located on A Alpha side,front entrance,or near FDC and Knox Box.

If there’s other states that subscribe to placarding like this,shout out. As always be safe

Bud

Thank you all for a great evening of learning, and sharing knowledge. Looking forward to coming back for part two. Beautiful facility!

When building products can be our friend, not our foe.

For the passed 10 to 15 years or so, building products have evolved tremendously, and have had a great impact on the way we do business, not only on the job site, but the Fire Service as well. To say that all the new products come without controversy, would be a disservice. Most misconceptions come from misinformation, and not understanding the full makeup of the material, and how it reacts to fire.

Let’s talk about “Fiber Cement Siding.” You may all know it as asbestos. This is true, asbestos is a fiber cement based product, but unfortunately, it is a known carcinogen, that will eventually lead to Mesothelioma. Cancer. This a time delayed disease that” taps” you on the shoulder 25 years or more from exposure. Ironically I work and protect the town asbestos got it name sake from. Ambler Pa. and the Keasby and Mattison Co. Global producers of asbestos products.

The fiber cement siding we are talking about today is James Hardie exterior products. James Hardie is a trade name, as there are other manufacturers as well. Best know products are cement based tile backer, and fire resistant paneling.

Ah! The lightbulb just came on! Exposures!

The pictures you see below are of an incident that occurred in my County ( Montgomery Pa.) last week. Fire involved a cedar wood fence that included an enclosed trash can structure, also cedar and framing. Fence was approximately 12 feet to either exposures. Note: I’m not at liberty to discuss the cause as it’s still under investigation, and I was there to document the damage for the homeowner, who is a customer of mine. Units arrived, and had the fire knocked down in short order.

The section of wood fence was consumed along with the trash enclosure, but as you can see, there was minimal damage to either structures due to the fact, both were sided with fiber cement siding. Radiant heat was enough to crack both inner and outer glass panes.

In respect to exposures, distance will alway win out over non combustible siding products, but cement based siding, can give you that edge you might be looking for when setbacks are too close for comfort.

A word of caution: All cement based products contain Silica. Dust that can lead to Silicosis, a sever respiratory condition. This would include brick, block, cement and more. If you have to cut Hardie Panel, DON’T as this produces toxic dust. Best option is to break it. Wet it then break it. Remember: There is NO dust that is good for anyone.

As always be safe! Bud

When building material can be our friend, not are foe.

For the last 10 to 15 years, we have seen a tremendous amount of new innovation in building materials. I first hand, get to work with many of them, and no doubt they have reconfigure our approach in regards to the Fire Service. Unfortunately many products have been getting a bad rap, do in part to misinformation and misunderstanding of that information. Are there materials out there of concern? Absolutely. I would be misleading if I told you otherwise.

Building size up includes a multi faceted list of potential deficiencies in and around a structure, further complicating decision making. No one said it would be easy.

Let’s talk about exposure risk. Distance will always be our friend in regards to the spread of fire due to radiant heat, one of the leading causes of multiple involved structures that can lead to all out conflagrations. Exterior finishes, and what type of construction are you dealing with under the NFPA.

This case in particular,involves fiber cement siding. You might recognize it as asbestos, and it’s true, asbestos “is” a fiber cement base product, but unfortunately, it is a known carcinogen, that can lead to Mesothelioma. Cancer. By coincidence, I work and protect the very town where asbestos was invented, processed, and distributed on a global scale. Ambler Pa. Company was Keasby and Mattison.

Today’s fiber cement siding products we know as “ James Hardie “ exterior products, or “Hardie Panel” This is one of three most popular materials that make up horizontal siding. Wood or wood based, vinyl, and fiber cement. Fiber cement board is also used for tile backer and heat resisting shield.

Ahhhh! The light bulb just came on!

The pictures below were from an incident that occurred last week in my county ( Montgomery Pa.) and one of the homeowners is a customer of mine. The reason for all the pictures. I cannot elaborate about the cause, as it’s still under investigation. As you notice, this was a well involved cedar fence, with a trash can enclosure with doors that closed, and also made of standard framing and cedar.

Taking note to both exposures approximately 10 feet either side of the fence. Radiant heat was hot enough to crack the thermal pane window, but overall exterior was minimal at best. Why? Fiber cement siding. Unlike wood or vinyl, fiber cement based siding will always give you that protective edge when it comes to exposures.

One word of caution: Any fiber cement based products contain Silica. Not in the same category as asbestos, but it is known health risk know as Silicosis, that can lead to sever respiratory issues later in life. If you have to cut it, DON’T. Wet it befor you cut, or simple break it.

There is NO dust out there that is beneficial to any of us.

As always, stay safe! Bud

UPDATE: ST. LOUIS FIREFIGHTER KILLED, OTHER HURT IN FIRE/COLLAPSE-Video | Firefighter Close Calls | Firefighter Close Calls is the home of the Secret List. The worlds most visited website focused exclusively on firefighter survival A St. Louis (MO) Firefighter was killed and another injured in the Line of Duty after the roof and top story of a dwelling collapsed during a fire in north St. Louis. Firefighters turned out before noon to Cote Brilliante Avenue and arrived with a working fire. Firefighters had knocked the fire…

Hermon Fire purchases potentially life-saving training prop Entering a burning building is never easy, but a new tool at the Hermon Fire Department will help firefighters better prepare to get in and out safely.

3 Fla. FFs hit by cast-iron bathtub after floor collapsed in house fire Despite the size and weight of the tub, there were no reported injuries, officials with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said

Chimney chases and what you should know.

The current prop I am working on will be headed North to the Pine Tree State of Maine . Few years back I had the pleasure of traveling to ME to do my program for the Auburn Fire Department, and the State Fire Academy in Brunswick ME. During my time after class, I did some sightseeing of some great New England architecture. Some huge Type 4 shoe mills which stretched 2 city blocks, and 7+ stories tall.

But most prominent were balloon framed SFD’s and multiple unit housing, 3 to 4 stories. Before I construct a prop, I do my research on where it’s going to fit the timeline and construction. I’m an East Coast guy where we engage in 300 year old structures, with many now being repurposed for occupancy.

I just returned from Indy teaching at the Indiana State Fire Instructors Symposium hosted be Chief John Shafer, and the Avon FD.Talking to the students, the oldest structure around was about 1860, so dwelling on load bearing stone structures circa. 1750 was still important, but not too relevant to the region.

If you’ve been in the business long enough, you were taught the inherent dangers balloon frame structures pose. Besides continuous exterior load bearing stud walls , knee walls, many void spaces that fire can travel rapidity and unchecked. One of them is the chimney chase.

Located within the structure close to center, a masonary chimney, primarily brick, will travel from the basement (cellar East Coast guys!) and extend passed the ridge line. When the chimney passes thru the living space, it is concealed with stud frame wall , wood lathe and plaster.

In most, of not all BF frame house I have worked on or fought fires in, didn’t have any fire stopping around the chimney, nor were the floor joists headed off to keep fire from spreading into the void of the chase. In some cases, the void can be as large as 3” around the chimney.

To compound problems. You now have a 90 degree staircase wrapping around the chase. This could easily turn into a recipe for disaster, as fire can travel the chase and into the stair case. As in my prop, many times there is storage space under the steps and landing challenging any VES.

In closing, it is paramount you know your building construction in your local . What types do you have under the NFPA? Working for many decades in the trade, and in turnouts, a balloon frame structure, and mansard, roof will always make me second guess, and you should too. Never get complacent.

As always, be safe and God Bless!

Bud

Great day teaching at the Indiana State Fire Instructors Symposium, Washington Township, Avon FD

Know you local. Sometimes it’s a quick glimpse.

Driving thru our downtown business district, I came across a building being renovated . A building like many others I must have looked at hundreds of times over many decades. Your typical type 3 brick and joist, built around 1930 with once mercantile first floor, apartments above, better know in the Fire Service as a “Tax Payer.”

What caught my eye was the void space above the second floor ceiling. Of course the first thing to come to mind is your typical “Cock Loft.” I would have never have known this, if it wasn’t for the renovation of the A Alpha wall and facade.

After a few days I returned to get a second look. Much to my amazement, this was not a c**k loft at all, but rather a “Rain Roof.” Sitting on B Bravo parapet, and D Delta parapet with about a 2/12 pitch to it.

This is a good example that all rain roof are not of a gable design. They can be a simple mono pitch flat to shed water to one end, and a reminder that rain roofs are not just for correcting leak issues below, but can also be purely for esthetics to change the appearance of the building. If this were a true c**k loft, you would be able to pull the second floor plaster ceiling, exposing the void space. Since it is a rain roof, the only thing your would see, is the underside of the original roof decking.

As far as tactics,rain roofs are a logistical nightmare, and a challenge to even the best command structure. Once fire breaks thru the existing roof, and into the void of the rain roof, it won’t be long before fire overwhelms, and over runs any tactical approach top side.

In closing, always keep your “high beams” on as I say in class, looking for the unexpected. Above all please be safe out there! Bud

After a two year wait, you can be the first to experience INTERSCHUTZ USA! Register now to reserve your spot: https://firedept.link/IUSA_ReserveYourSpot

While on vacation in Southern NJ, I noticed (In Avalon NJ. ) this being framed on a corner lot. But first let me familiarize you with mostly all the coastal barrier Islands in New Jersey. For the past 30 years +/- real estate has exploded. Small one story 3 Br SFD’s that sold for less than 200K, are now either torn down, or renovated, and selling for over 1.3 million dollars. The “Shore” as we call it, is unattainable to most.

First : Pictures I’m showing are troubling for many reasons. It is being built in a coastal environment, with salt air, condensation containing salt and sand, and subject to windy conditions from on shore winds,sever thunderstorms, and the active hurricane season, which BTW we will be feeling the remnants of hurricane Ida starting tomorrow with 30 to 40 mph winds and 4” of rain.

Second: It appears the the job site has come to an abrupt stop. Please note the rapid weathering of the lumber, including rust stains, crooked frame work, delaminating engineered products, and more. Reason for all this is due in part of loss of financing. Or even just substandard work. What ever it may be, the building in this stage of framing,is taking a beating that at some point, will have to be addressed.

Third: And most important of all. The roof has yet to be closed in with sheathing, and shingled. It has gone thru numerous “wettings” or a condition we call “wicking”of the lumber. The floor system is TJI I beam joists. Subfloor I could not see from the curb.

Fourth: There was a post floating around of a 2 story framed twin townhouse being pushed over by a backhoe, because the careless Contractor did not install enough temporary bracing, or any sheathing for that matter, and the building began to lean, to the point of no return, and had to be demolished.

Fifth and final: There is not one square inch of sheathing on this building to keep it from wracking, reminding once again where it’s being built, and the environment it’s being built in. Plus not even close with diagonal bracing for a 3 story wood frame structure.

As an Instructor, and I can speak for many other Instructors, these are the things that get unnoticed, and once there sided and inclosed, they hide a multitude of sins. Work will commence once again on this property, I’m sure of that. Different strokes for different folks, as on the Jersey shore, these are known as a “side by side” twin home, or the older “over under” might think we were talking about shot guns! Average cost per side? About 1.9 million. Maybe higher with current lumber prices!

As always stay safe, and keep a sharp eye!

Bud

Termites: And the hidden danger they pose.

Something we seldom think of as a company officer when it comes to size up. Your head is filled with so many split second decisions based on naturing conditions. Apparatus placement .Water supply. Manpower, and a multitude of other tasks that have yet to be implemented. But what about the structure? Is it sound? Can you perform fire suppression,VES in a controlled manner? The answer is very difficult when it comes to an insect deteriorated structure.

About the bug:

Termites have evolved over millions of years, and have claimed the top prize of being the most successful insect group on Earth. Luck us! Termites, much like ants, live in "Colonies" with workers and soldiers paying homage to the Queen. Queen termites have been known to live as long as 50 years. They were once referred to as" White Ants" which they are not. Termites love to feed on dead plant life, and the most troubling ,cellulose. Better referred to as wood.

Where do they live?

Termites can be found on every continent on Earth, with the exception of the Poles. In the USA, termites can be found almost anywhere, but are more prevalent in the South, mid Atlantic, and the Northeast. When it comes to structural damage, older stone / masonry foundations are more susceptible. Reason is that floor joist rest directly on a load bearing stone wall, which comes in contact with Mother Earth. Brick or block, untreated wood plates came in contact with the masonry, which in turn attracts the termite. To prevent termite from migrating into the structures 'termite shield" usually tin or copper, was bent with a"turndown" and placed under the wood plate to detour the termite back down to the ground.

So what do I look for?

Of course do a good size up if the structure looks suspect ,or has been neglected, But even so, the termite has no judgement on age of the structure. It will devour a 100 year old home, well as a 10 year old home. And the most unpredictable part of their "demolition" is that they work from the inside out. A 2x10 floor joist 60 years old may look sound, till you probe it with a sharp object. Indicators are termite trails on wood trim around doors ,windows, porches, just about anywhere. Advise. Sound like you never have sounded before! If your pulling up termite damaged subfloor, good chance their in the joists.

In closing:

Look for the indicators I mentioned. Some of your locals may have"pockets" of colonies, and some others don't . That's the unpredictable side of the termite. Please note the picture of the truss cord eaten away. Like I said, they have no concept of time!

As always, be safe out there ! Bud.

Putting the wraps on Sergeants Bluff Iowa FD’s full house visual aide. Next on deck, Fort Worth FD TX. Multiple props.

Let me build a one of a kind, scale accurate training prop for your Department or Training Academy.

The Collyer Brothers — Down the Rabbit Hole Twitter: https://twitter.com/FredInTheKnudPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/fredrikknudsen

The Yankee gutter system : What you should know.

Yankee gutters ,or "Pole Gutters"as sometime their referred to, have been around since the late 18th century, early 19th. They became an internal part of the roof framing, but more importantly the cornice overhang. So what's the concern?

The construction of the Yankee gutter is complexing, in that it cannot compromise the roof framing members, but be strong enough to direct water over long lengths, to outlet tubes, and eventually to downspout leaders. Most all gutters were fabricated out of sheet copper, with soldered joints, and overlaps. Yankee gutters were costly to maintains when they began to leak, homeowners usually resorted to tar pitch repair, and caulks. Winter months were the most damaging with ice damming ,freezing and thawing, and splitting the copper, resulting in leaks that cause considerable wood rot and failure of the gutter.

Building construction, and size up is everything! When we raise a ground ladder, where are we resting it against? Wall? Window sill? But more importantly, the edge of the roof. You first "Stepping off" point. Most critical for sounding for stability. In the case of the Yankee, it's accident waiting to happen. Most cornices of that time period project 24" beyond the face of the structure. With decades of neglect, and the light way the Yankee is built, the danger of cornice collapse is a concern. Many years back, two New England firefighter were injured,when the cornice of a porch
failed as both were standing directly over the Yankee gutter ,and hidden rotted wood below.

In retrospect, always use a roof ladder over a suspicious Yankee cornice. It will span enough to get you to solid footing. Remember: What I see in my local, you may never see in yours, and just the opposite.

As always, be safe out there ! Bud

The truss joist plenum floor. What you should know .

When the parallel cord truss joist came about in the very late 60’s, it came on strong in the 70’s as a new way to span greater distances without interruption of bearing walls. But as we all know, it comes with allot of controversy over the decades, and it’s failure to hold up under fire. But it also provided a new way to design HVAC systems.

First let’s understand how a forced air HVAC system works. Forced air systems work on the principle of “balance”. The system needs a balance of incoming air, to fulfill the supply air, return air is referred to as “make up air.” The picture, although not the greatest, is a plenum void between first floor ceiling, and second floor subfloor.

If you live in a home that is stick frame built, i.e. nominal floor joists, you may notice sheet metal covering between two joist. This is your return air bay. Boxing in the joist goes back to the 50’s. With the advent of the truss joist, this presented a problem with all the open webbing. Or did it?

By design, the truss joist introduced a new way of moving make up air. The Plenum. A plenum is simply a large cavity between two inclosed areas, in our case, the subfloor top cord, and drywall ceiling below , bottom cord. Bingo! Not so fast! So now the area between floors is one giant void space, and back in the day, none of it was sealed off in sections by passive firewalls.

Anytime an air return was needed, HVAC Contractors simply cut a hole in the floor for a return register. Now the bad part. Fire in the plenum can be extremely dangerous, as it can travel unchecked through out the cavity. With the HVAC system in operation, it is now pulling smoke and heat through the void, enhancing the danger of truss collapse.

How do we know it’s a plenum? Can be difficult to recognize without investigating,but it’s most important to shut down the HVAC ASAP! Fortunately this type of return air policy is in most cases a thing of the passed ( Thank God!) But you will see it in commercial applications as in computer room floors, or suspended ceiling plenums .

As always, be safe out there ! Bud

Would like to thank Deputy Chief Andrew Milliken,Stafford County Fire Rescue, for placing an order for a full house visual aide. Looking forward to working with all involved!

Please join us in the unveiling of our new SCFRD Patch. We hope you enjoy the new design.

A must read, and a must have for every level in the Fire Service.

Francis D.K.Chang was a required read when I was getting my AS in Fire Science. That was 1977! It is "thee" illustrated book out there on all phases of building construction. Volume 6 is already out. Amazon or Ebay .

Modern day stucco: What the hell is going on?

Depending on what part of this great country of ours you are from, you may or may not have notice, and on going problem with exterior stucco finish. And it's a major concern in the Fire Service. For about the last 20 years or so, give or take a few years, major structural issues regarding stucco finishes have reared their ugly head. All do in part on many levels of not practicing common knowledge of the installation, coupled with poor craftsmanship and impossible deadlines posed by builders.

So what is stucco ?

Stucco finishes have been around for many centuries, and still contain the three basic ingredients. Sand. Lime, and cement. Different types of sand were used to achieve different finishes, like bar sand, concrete sand, white sand etc. In the 18th century, we started to see the use of stucco over wood lathe, as an exterior finish. Basic application was a brown coat over lathe, and hard gauge plaster finish. It wasn't uncommon to use kiln fired sea shells as finish plaster.

Our dilemma.

With innovations in materials, OSB (Oriented Strand Board) soft wood sheathing was the sheathing of choice with large tract developers. Little did we know the issues that would develop.
OSB is susceptible to moisture, IF it is not properly protected from the elements. Other than that, it makes for a good sheathing. The issue today is improper installing of v***r barriers ,window and door flashings, proper drainage points called "Weeps and Screeds" and just flat out lousy craftsmanships. So what does this mean to the Firefighter? Plenty. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing. The building has been severely compromised, even before it's involved in fire. Much like termite infestation, it's hidden from the First Responders eyes.

So what can we do?

Be proactive. Stop and look for telltale signs of impending trouble. Large bulges, or blisters on the walls. Black stain bleeding down from around windows and doors. Pieces of finish coat stucco on the ground. Large cracks forming under fire condition. And above all, Widows. One of our most important means of egress when it come to VES. Window opening have been so severely compromised by rot, they have literally fallen out of and opening by just simple handling the sashes. Do that 360. It's more important than ever ! Be safe out there! Bud.