Before we start: No, reading this won’t be the solution to your endless questions and won’t make you a qualified tradesperson. It may save you from the obvious mistakes, however!
Renovating, or building, your home can be a rewarding and exciting project, but it also comes with some challenges and risks. From planning to execution, there are numerous steps involved, and it’s crucial to pay attention to every detail to ensure your project is successful. One of the most important aspects of any project is ensuring that the structural integrity of your home is not compromised by your changes. Unfortunately, many homeowners make some common structural errors and mistakes that can lead to serious problems, costly repairs in the future, or even safety hazards.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most common structural errors and mistakes that people make when renovating their homes. Please keep in mind that this post is not exhaustive and doesn’t cover every issue in its fullest detail. There are things omitted and that’s on purpose. Perhaps it would be for the best to treat this as a “101” style guide… Here we go!
Ignoring Building Codes and Regulations
Let’s start with the basics: the single most common mistake people make when renovating their homes is ignoring building codes and regulations. In Ontario, this is the Ontario Building Code. The code is in place to ensure that buildings are structurally sound and safe for occupancy (among other excellent reasons!).
Ignoring the code can lead to serious safety hazards, and you may even face fines or legal action. If you are completing your project in accordance with municipal requirements, you likely have a building permit – ignoring or not meeting the code’s clauses and stipulations will lead to headaches brought on by failed inspections. Therefore, before starting any renovation project, make sure you’re familiar with the building codes and regulations in your area and adhere to them.
For those of in Ontario, accessing the Ontario Building Code is easy, even if you don’t have a full print copy. Here at SSEL, we use the following website as a quick reference. This website is well organized, relatively complete, and makes it easy to verify information.
https://www.buildingcode.online/
Misusing LVL Products
LVL stands for laminated veneer lumber, which is a type of engineered wood product that is commonly used for beams, headers, and joists. LVL is made of thin layers of wood veneers that are glued together under high pressure and heat. There are many benefits to this type of product (read our other blog post for more information), so you may wish to use it in your next project!
Something to consider, however, is that while LVL is stronger and more stable than regular lumber, it also has some limitations. One of them is that you should never drill holes into LVL, unless they are specifically allowed by the manufacturer’s instructions. Drilling holes into LVL can weaken the product and reduce its load-bearing capacity, which can cause sagging, cracking, or even collapse. If you need to run wires or pipes through LVL, you should consult a professional engineer or contractor to find the best solution. At the very least, head to the manufacturer’s website and read through their use guidelines.
Likewise, cutting or notching these types of products is also subject to stringent permissions. Unlike traditional timber, such as the Spruce-Pine-Fir that you can pick up at Home Depot or Lowes, LVL shouldn’t be bird-mouthed or notched without careful and deliberate consideration.
There are a number of manufacturers of LVL in Canada and the United States. The largest and most well-known are shown below. Head to their websites to find the instructions and installation literature!
- Weyerhaeuser (https://www.weyerhaeuser.com/woodproducts/engineered-lumber)
- West Fraser (https://www.westfraser.com/products)
- Tolko Building Products (https://tolko.com/tolko-products)
- Doman Building Materials (https://domanbm.com/products)
Removing or Altering Blocking Within Load Bearing Walls
Load bearing walls are walls that support the weight of the roof, floors, or other structural elements above them. They are usually located along the perimeter of the house or at strategic points inside the house. Load bearing walls are designed to transfer the load to the foundation and should not be altered without proper planning and approval. One of the common mistakes that homeowners make when renovating their home is removing or altering the blocking within their bearing walls.
To be very clear – blocking is a piece of wood that is installed between the studs of a wall to provide lateral support and prevent twisting or buckling. They’re usually fairly small (12” to 16”) so they may not seem like a big deal. BUT! Removing blocking from load bearing walls can compromise the stability and strength of the wall and cause it to fail under stress, among other concerns. If you want to remove blocking from a load bearing wall, you should consult a professional engineer or contractor to ensure that the wall is adequately reinforced.
If you’ve ever doubted how important these little pieces of wood are, consider this – removing or altering the installed blocking from load-bearing walls can compromise the structural integrity of the wall and lead to a range of problems, including:
- Sagging or bowing walls: Load-bearing walls without proper support can start to sag or bow over time, which can cause cracks to develop in the drywall or plaster. In extreme cases, the wall may even collapse.
- Uneven floors: A load-bearing wall that is not properly supported can cause the floor above to become uneven or sloped, which can be both unsightly and potentially dangerous.
- Damage to other structural elements: Removing blocking from load-bearing walls can put additional stress on other structural elements, such as beams or columns, leading to cracks, shifting, or other types of damage.
- Code violations: Removing blocking from load-bearing walls may violate building codes and regulations, which could result in fines or other penalties.
Cutting or Notching Joists
In a topic that is somewhat related to the previous item pertaining to engineered wood products, we now discuss joists. Joists are horizontal beams that support the floor or ceiling above them. They are usually spaced evenly along the length of the house and run perpendicular to the load bearing walls. Joists are essential for distributing the load evenly and preventing sagging or bouncing.
Cutting or notching joists is a common mistake that homeowners make when renovating their home, especially when they want to install recessed lighting, ductwork, or plumbing. Cutting or notching joists can weaken them and reduce their load-bearing capacity, which can cause sagging, cracking, or even collapse. If you need to cut or notch joists, you should consult a professional engineer or contractor to ensure that the joists are properly supported and reinforced.
Ignoring the Importance of Proper Ventilation
Ignoring the importance of proper ventilation within a timber framed home can lead to a range of potential dangers and problems. Here are just some of the main risks associated with poor ventilation:
- Moisture buildup: Without proper ventilation, moisture can become trapped within the home, leading to condensation and dampness. This can cause mold and mildew to develop, which can lead to health problems for occupants and damage to the structure of the home.
- Structural damage: Moisture buildup within the home can also cause damage to the structural elements of the building, including the timber framing. This can lead to rot, warping, and other types of damage that can compromise the integrity of the building.
- Increased fire risk: Poor ventilation can also increase the risk of fire within the home, as hot and humid conditions can cause materials to become more flammable. This is particularly true in areas where electrical wiring or other heat sources are present.
- Health problems: Poor ventilation can also lead to a range of health problems for occupants of the home. This can include respiratory issues, allergies, and other types of health problems related to exposure to mold and other airborne pollutants.
Underestimating the Importance of Proper Insulation
Underestimating the importance of proper insulation in a home can lead to a range of potential risks and problems. If you live in Ontario (like we do) you’re lucky to have a building code that sets the bar fairly high when it comes to this matter. Our recommendation is to stick to the Ontario Building Code’s requirements for home insulation (outlined in SB-12), or better yet, consult the recommendations outlined by Energy Star.
Being cold in your own home is not the only issue that comes from lack of insulation or the use of improper insulation. Consider the following risks:
- Energy loss: Insulation helps to keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer by preventing heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the home. Without proper insulation, the home may lose heat in the winter and gain heat in the summer, leading to higher energy bills and a less comfortable living environment.
- Moisture problems: Inadequate insulation can also lead to moisture problems within the home. Without proper insulation, moisture can build up within the walls, ceilings, and floors, leading to mold and mildew growth and potentially causing damage to the home’s structure – such as wood rot, rust, and other types of damage.
- Health risks: Poor insulation can also lead to health risks for the home’s occupants. This is particularly true in cases where moisture buildup has led to mold and mildew growth, which can cause respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues.
- Reduced home value: A home with inadequate insulation may be less attractive to potential buyers, as it may be less energy-efficient and more prone to moisture problems and other issues.
- Reduced comfort: Beyond low temperatures during our frigid Canadian winters, poor insulation can also make the home less comfortable to live in, with uneven temperatures, drafts, and other issues affecting the indoor climate.
Not Accounting for (or Expecting) Structural Movement
Structural movement can occur in any part of a home, but there are several areas where movement is more common or more significant. Here are a few examples:
- Foundation: The foundation of a home is subject to movement due to settling of the soil, changes in moisture levels, and other factors. This can result in cracks or shifts in the foundation, which can impact the stability of the entire structure.
- Walls: The walls of a home can also experience movement, particularly if they are load-bearing. This can occur due to settling of the foundation or changes in temperature and humidity. Cracks or bulges in the walls can be a sign of undesirable movement and should be reviewed promptly.
- Roof: The roof of a home can experience movement due to changes in temperature and wind loads. This can cause the roof to shift or sag, which can impact the overall stability of the structure.
- Flooring: Flooring materials can also be subject to movement, particularly if they are installed over an uneven or poorly prepared subfloor. This can cause the flooring to buckle or warp over time.
- Windows and doors: Changes in temperature and humidity can cause windows and doors to expand and contract, which can impact their performance and lead to gaps or leaks.
Overall, it’s important to be aware of the potential for structural movement in any part of a home and to take steps to prevent or address it as needed. So, how do you account for it? Well, in different ways. It depends on what part or area of the house is in question. Here are several examples of how to account for structural movement when building (or renovating) a house:
- Use a flexible building material: One way to account for structural movement is to use a flexible building material, such as wood or steel framing, which can bend and flex with the natural movement of the building.
- Allow for expansion and contraction: Building materials, such as concrete and masonry, can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity. To account for this, expansion joints can be installed to allow for movement without causing damage to the structure.
- Properly install and secure building materials: It’s important to ensure that all building materials are installed and secured properly to prevent shifting or movement over time. This includes properly securing the foundation, framing, and roofing materials.
- Use appropriate fasteners: Choosing the appropriate fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and brackets, can help ensure that the building materials are properly anchored and secure.
- Consider the site conditions: The location of the building can impact the structural movement, so it’s important to consider the site conditions, such as soil type, slope, and seismic activity, when designing and building the structure.
- Allow for settling: All buildings will experience some settling over time, so it’s important to allow for this by providing a sufficient foundation and properly preparing the soil before construction.
Overall, accounting for structural movement is an important consideration when building a house to ensure that the structure remains stable and safe over time. It’s important to consult with a professional engineer or building inspector to ensure that the structure is designed and built to meet all necessary safety and building standards.
Using the Wrong Type of Screws or Nails
Screws and nails are two of the most common types of fasteners used in construction and woodworking projects. Each type of fastener has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one for your project can help ensure a successful outcome.
When it comes to framing a house, both nails and screws can be used, but nails are generally the preferred option for a few reasons:
- Cost: Nails are typically less expensive than screws, which can add up quickly when framing an entire house.
- Speed: Nails can be driven more quickly than screws, which can help speed up the framing process.
- Strength: When installed correctly, nails can provide adequate strength and support for framing materials, such as studs and joists.
However, screws can be used in certain situations where additional strength is needed, such as in seismic or high-wind areas. Additionally, screws can be useful for attaching items to the framing, such as cabinets or other fixtures. In a few situations, such as when using special hangers or fastening products, one product may be specified as a requirement. Pay special attention to the instructions!
Ultimately, the decision to use nails or screws for framing will depend on a range of factors, including local building codes, the specific requirements of the project, and personal preference. With that said, there are other fasteners available, and they too have their purposes. Here are some of the most common types of screws and nails and when each one should be used (without going over common framing nails):
- Wood screws: Wood screws are designed for use in woodworking projects and come in a variety of lengths and diameters. They typically have a threaded shaft and a pointed tip and are often used to join two pieces of wood together. Wood screws can be used in a wide range of applications, from building furniture to framing a house.
- Drywall screws: Drywall screws are designed specifically for use in drywall installation and are often used to attach drywall to wood or metal studs. They have a flat, bugle-shaped head that sits flush with the surface of the drywall and are available in a variety of lengths and gauges.
- Deck screws: Deck screws are designed for use in outdoor applications, such as building decks or fences. They are typically made from a corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, and often have a special coating to help protect against rust and weathering. Deck screws may have a square or star-shaped drive, which helps to prevent the driver from slipping during installation.
- Roofing nails: Roofing nails are used to attach roofing materials, such as shingles or tiles, to the roof decking. They are typically made from a galvanized material to help prevent rust and corrosion and are available in a range of lengths and gauges.
- Finish nails: Finish nails are designed for use in finishing work, such as installing trim or molding. They have a small head that can be easily concealed with wood filler or paint and are often used in areas where appearance is important.
- Brad nails: Brad nails are similar to finish nails but are smaller in diameter and have a smaller head. They are often used in delicate woodworking projects, such as attaching trim or decorative elements.
- Masonry nails: Masonry nails are used to attach materials to concrete or masonry surfaces. They typically have a hardened steel shaft and a blunt tip and are often used in applications such as attaching furring strips to concrete walls.
When choosing a screw or nail for your project, it is important to consider the type of material you will be fastening, the weight and load-bearing capacity required, and any environmental factors, such as moisture or temperature. Using the wrong type of fastener can lead to a weak or unstable connection, which can compromise the safety and durability of your project.