Activity 2.1.

1 Wood Frame Systems

Introduction
Most people do not consider what is behind the painted walls or exterior surface in
most buildings. Homes are often constructed with a wood frame, especially if the
area has an abundant supply of wood. Much of the United States has an abundant
supply, so wood frame buildings are common. Different regions, however, dictate
other differences, such as whether the outside facing walls are made of 2x4 or 2x6
studs to allow for different amounts of insulation. Wood frame construction has
existed for many years. If you visit a construction site to observe the skeleton of
such a structure, you should be able to make sense of the placement of the different
support pieces.

Equipment

Internet and/or reference texts

Procedure
In this activity you will use available resources to identify the primary parts of a
traditional wood frame structure and then describe the purpose of each.
1. Use letters or numbers to identify at least 15 components in the image below.
Then list the purpose of each component.
2. Upon completion, discover and include any components that should be added to
your table.
Label

Components Purpose

Componen
t
Floor joists

Wall studs

Vertical wood planks to support the walls

Sill plates

Horizontal planks used to support the wall studs

Floor
sheahting

A layer of wood to cover and create a platform on the floor joists

The bottom foundation for the building

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CEA Lesson 2.1 Activity 2.1.1 Wood Frame Systems Page 1

Double top
plate

Top plate used to connect and support wall studs

Studs in place to support the header

Double
studs at
openings
Header

Insulation

To keep in heat and keep out the cold

Rafters

Rafters are an alternate to roof trusses. Combined with the ridge

board provides support to exterior walls

10

Roof
sheathing

Used to enclose the structure, provide lateral support and to

support other roofing layers

11

Wall
sheathing

Used to enclose the structure, resist lateral loads (wind,

earthquakes) and support the structure

12

Underlayment

Temporary protection layer on roof before building completion

13

Asphalt
shingles

Shingles layered on one another to allow for precipitation to flow

off the roof and not seep into the building

14

Vapor
barrier

Barrier to keep out water vapor from inside the building

15

Siding

Provides protection against weather, covers underlying layers

Transfers loads from doors and windows to double studs

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Copyright 2010
CEA Lesson 2.1 Activity 2.1.1 Wood Frame Systems Page 2

8
5

10
12
1

13

15
6
14

Conclusion

11
3

1. List, describe, and explain the purpose of two components of a residential

building that you are familiar with, such as your home.
Insulation and floor sheathing: Insulation is to keep our apartment by creating a layer
where the heat cannot so easily pass through making a greenhouse effect where the
heat is retained inside the given space. Floor sheathing is what we walk on that also
separates us from the roof of the apartment underneath us. This is so it is manageable
to live in, otherwise walking on floor joists would be difficult.
2. Which part of wood frame construction do you think will change the most in the
near future? Explain the change and why you believe it will occur soon.
Insulation due to the fact that replacing the insulation in buildings right now is
difficult, annoying, and gross since it is basically just foam around the wall studs.
In the future maybe something easily replaceable and cleaner that is also just as
good or better at retaining heat will come along.
Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Copyright 2010
CEA Lesson 2.1 Activity 2.1.1 Wood Frame Systems Page 3