Frame House

Definition

A frame house is a type of residential building constructed with a wooden frame over which is laid siding or veneer. This method involves creating a skeletal framework primarily out of lumber, which acts as the main support structure for the roof, walls, and floors. The wooden frame is then covered with various exterior finishes, which might include materials such as wood siding, vinyl, fiber cement, brick veneer, or stucco, providing aesthetic value and protection from the elements.

Key Examples

Traditional Wooden Frame House: Often found in rural or suburban settings, these homes are built with a basic wooden skeleton and then clad in wood siding. They commonly feature a gable roof and basic architectural details.
Modern Frame House with Brick Veneer: In urban areas, frame houses might be covered with a brick veneer to combine traditional wooden frames with the durability and luxury appearance of brick. This blend offers both high structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Eco-Friendly Frame House: Made using sustainable lumber with an emphasis on energy efficiency, these houses may be clad with eco-friendly materials such as recycled wood, fiber cement, or natural stone veneers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the benefits of a frame house?

Frame houses are generally easier and quicker to construct compared to masonry buildings. They are also more flexible in design and cost-effective in terms of materials and labor.

2. What are common materials used in siding or veneer for frame houses?

Materials commonly used include wood, vinyl, brick veneer, fiber cement, and stucco. Each material varies in terms of cost, maintenance, and aesthetic benefits.

3. How durable are frame houses compared to other types of construction?

With proper materials and maintenance, frame houses can be very durable. However, they may be more susceptible to issues like termite damage and wood rot if not properly cared for.

4. What are the typical maintenance needs for a frame house?

Maintenance includes regular inspections for structural integrity, treatment for termites, repainting or re-staining the siding, and ensuring moisture does not penetrate the frame, which can lead to mold or rot.

5. Can frame houses withstand extreme weather conditions?

Modern frame houses, when built to current building standards and codes, can withstand a variety of weather conditions, including strong winds and earthquakes, especially when designed with these considerations in mind.

Siding: The protective material attached to the exterior side of a house or other building. It serves as the first line of defense against the elements.
Veneer: A thin layer of material, such as brick or stone, adhered to the exterior of a frame house to provide a durable, attractive finish.
Timber Framing: An ancient method of building that uses heavy, squared-off and carefully fitted and joined timbers to form a structural frame.

Online Resources

References

Smith, E. (2020). Modern Timber Frame Construction. Wiley.
Thompson, J. (2018). Home Builder’s Guide to Siding and Exterior Finishes, McGraw-Hill.
Johnson, M. (2019). The Complete Guide to Frame House Building, T.A. Williams & Co.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

Timber Frame Construction: All About Post-and-Beam Building by Jack A. Sobon & Roger Schroeder
The Wood-Framed House: Techniques and Adventures in Building by Mark Ramuz
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael Dirr

Real Estate Basics: Frame House Fundamentals Quiz

### What is a frame house made from? - [ ] Steel beams - [ ] Concrete blocks - [x] Wooden frame - [ ] Aluminum framing > **Explanation:** A frame house is primarily constructed with a wooden frame that forms the main structural support for the building. ### What is typically placed over the wooden frame in a frame house? - [ ] Synthetic rubber - [x] Siding or Veneer - [ ] Solid gold - [ ] Glass paneling > **Explanation:** Siding or veneer materials, such as wood, vinyl, or brick, are typically placed over the wooden frame to provide aesthetic appeal and added durability. ### Which of the following is a common benefit of frame houses? - [x] Easier and quicker to construct - [ ] Requires no maintenance - [ ] Always includes a basement - [ ] Requires exotic materials > **Explanation:** Frame houses are generally easier and quicker to construct compared to masonry buildings, offering flexibility in design and cost-effectiveness. ### What must be considered for maintaining a frame house? - [x] Regular inspections and treatments - [ ] No need for any maintenance - [ ] Frequent replacement of wood - [ ] Only cosmetic upkeep > **Explanation:** Maintenance for a frame house includes regular inspections for structural integrity, treatment for termites, repainting or re-staining the siding, and ensuring moisture control. ### In which scenarios are frame houses especially advantageous? - [x] When quick construction is needed - [ ] In high-rise building construction - [ ] When total lack of maintenance is required - [ ] For properties on bare rock > **Explanation:** Frame houses are beneficial when quick completion of construction is needed, and they offer flexibility in design and cost-effectiveness relative to other methods. ### What modern material might be used in place of traditional wood siding in a frame house? - [ ] Bamboo - [ ] Plaster - [x] Fiber Cement - [ ] Lucite > **Explanation:** Modern materials such as fiber cement can be used as an alternative to traditional wood siding, offering durability and minimal maintenance. ### Why are frame houses cost-effective? - [ ] They utilize energy from the sun - [ ] They can double as commercial properties - [x] They use readily available and inexpensive materials - [ ] They require no heating or cooling > **Explanation:** Frame houses are cost-effective because they typically use readily available and inexpensive wood materials, making them affordable to build and maintain. ### What increases the durability of a frame house? - [ ] Open windows at all times - [ ] Rain and snow exposure - [x] Proper maintenance and high-quality exterior materials - [ ] Carpeted exterior walls > **Explanation:** Proper maintenance and the use of high-quality exterior materials like brick veneer or fiber cement siding increase the durability of a frame house. ### Which type of frame house is likely to feature eco-friendly elements? - [ ] Palatial frame mansions - [ ] Frame houses with asphalt siding - [ ] Frame houses with steel frames - [x] Frame houses using sustainable lumber and green technologies > **Explanation:** Frame houses using sustainable lumber and eco-friendly siding materials, such as recycled wood or fiber cement, are considered eco-friendly. ### How can frame houses be adapted for extreme weather conditions? - [x] Built to current building codes and designed with weather considerations - [ ] By adding extra lightbulbs - [ ] By leaving windows open - [ ] By using untreated wood > **Explanation:** Modern frame houses, when built to current building standards and codes, and designed with adverse weather considerations in mind, can withstand a variety of extreme weather conditions.