How long can framing be exposed to the elements?

[Don1357]

I'm planing on doing most of the framing. I work a full time job so I figure it will take me four times as long as I'm thinking it will... I'm thinking that the framing getting wet will not hurt anything? It will be on a cement slab on 2' of cinderblock. I would avoid putting any plywood and vapor barrier until I'm ready to skin it. The plan is for that to happen by the end of the year but absolutely worst case scenario: if it spills over into next year it should be ok?

 

[ddurrett896]

I'm planing on doing most of the framing. I work a full time job so I figure it will take me four times as long as I'm thinking it will... I'm thinking that the framing getting wet will not hurt anything? It will be on a cement slab on 2' of cinderblock. I would avoid putting any plywood and vapor barrier until I'm ready to skin it. The plan is for that to happen by the end of the year but absolutely worst case scenario: if it spills over into next year it should be ok?

Use Zip panels if you’re worried about it being exposed

 

[ForceFed70]

Framing alone - Months without issue. Sheeting (especially OSB) won't last long unprotected tho. Typically you can buy a few months for the sheeting by using building wrap on the walls and well stapled tar paper on the roof.

 

[rattle_snake]

depends on location. Buddy of mine here in AZ took about a year to put a roof and stucco on. All was ok, I guess.... passed inspection.

 

[OneOfEm]

On my building, on Feb 25 last year, I had the roof finished except for two pieces of ridge cap but no metal siding on the girts. Then I had an accident that prevented me from doing anything on the build until this Spring.

The framing lumber has turned silver, but there haven't been any issues beyond the color.

Just to be safe, I sprayed everything that has been exposed with Timbor insecticide and fungicide. One of my concerns was carpenter bees. I haven't seen any holes, but they could be there. We have lots of them.

 

[matt_i]

If you dont put any sheathing on it make sure that you have diagonal or "X" bracing. Flat metal straps, nailed 2x4s, etc, the building doesn't have much shear resistance without the panels.

Personally I don't like the rust stains that accumulate from the "bright common" nails weathering and so I sourced ring shank hot dipped galvanized (sometimes -HDG suffix) framing and sheathing nails from Maze.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

With 2 helpers, I framed a 24 x 50 in 4 days. Took about 6 more days with 1 helper to get the building water resistant (tar paper on exterior walls and roof). Have you considered taking a week or two vacation to tackle the job?

 

[fsae0607]

I always wondered this. They just built some apartments and condos near my house and would drive by it everyday going to and from work. With the winter rains we had, I wondered how much moisture was trapped in the framing, insulation and walls. They resumed work in between rain days. I wonder if mold will form since now they're all done.

 

[ford33]

I would focus on enclosing or finishing it as soon as possible. Nothing like an unfinished building to sour your mood and make the wife complain to you.

 

[Don1357]

With 2 helpers, I framed a 24 x 50 in 4 days. Took about 6 more days with 1 helper to get the building water resistant (tar paper on exterior walls and roof). Have you considered taking a week or two vacation to tackle the job?

My time off this year is already asked for. I'm taking a week off this summer to take some time off with a visiting buddy. I also have a winter vacation scheduled to visit family, my folks are not getting any younger. What I'll probably do is have somebody build the roof.

Re: How long can framing be exposed to the elements?
I always wondered this. They just built some apartments and condos near my house and would drive by it everyday going to and from work. With the winter rains we had, I wondered how much moisture was trapped in the framing, insulation and walls. They resumed work in between rain days. I wonder if mold will form since now they're all done.

I think the only real concern is warping, otherwise humidity will achieve balance with the interior of the house regardless of how wet it gets. Speaking of how wet it gets you'll be surprised as how little humidity it actually absorbs from getting soaked from time to time.

 

[fsae0607]

I think the only real concern is warping, otherwise humidity will achieve balance with the interior of the house regardless of how wet it gets. Speaking of how wet it gets you'll be surprised as how little humidity it actually absorbs from getting soaked from time to time.

Cool to know, thanks!

We had some good downpours, and I always thought of those buildings.

 

[PoorOwner]

I wouldn't wait too long. The builders will close it up as soon they found the moisture level has return to low enough.

Have you ever leave a piece of wood or plywood outside, it gets mildew all over quickly, and it repeatedly wet and dry cycles cause it to warp and crack.

 

[nadogail]

As a youth, living in Anchorage, I recall buildings that were uncompleted and exposed with no apparent damage from the elements.

How much does an unpainted fence suffer from the cold and rain?

Your winter freeze should eliminate any termites, if there are any in the valley.

I graduated from Anchorage High School, it was the only high school, in 1958.

 

[ddawg16]

It took me about 12 months to get my 2-story addition dried in. But I protected the wood as much as possible.

I don't think contractors care....they aren't going to live in it.

I personally don't want it wet. wood expands when wet....which can cause problems on things being plumb. It's easy to see later when you see big gaps.

I would get some big tarps and cover stuff as it's done. You will not keep everything dry....but at least it won't get soaked.

I think I went through about $300 in plastic trying to keep the water out of our addition. We were still living in our house during construction.

 

[fsae0607]

As a youth, living in Anchorage, I recall buildings that were uncompleted and exposed with no apparent damage from the elements.

How much does an unpainted fence suffer from the cold and rain?

Your winter freeze should eliminate any termites, if there are any in the valley.

I graduated from Anchorage High School, it was the only high school, in 1958.

The coldest it gets in the Valley is a few days in the upper 30's in wintertime. I don't think there is a big termite problem here.

 

[brewchief]

If the price isn't to much higher consider advantech osb instead of regular stuff, it's much more weather resistant, zip panels may be the same stuff as well.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[xyster101]

Depends on the weather. In CA some parts you go months without rain and that is your enemy. It is really only the enemy on engineered lumber. 2 by material will be ok for a long time in rain.
Take your time framing. Put lots of 2x4 diagonals on the inside for strength. Then do the rafters. Put Zip panels on the rafters and seal with their tape. That will keep most of the moisture out. Zip is good for 180 days I think so once the Zip is on, then I would think the clock is ticking. Then do the outside walls, followed by the shingles. Then you can really take your time as the water will not get inside the building and any water that has will be able to dry out since the interior is not finished.

 

[matt_i]

Also wanted to add I was supremely impressed with the Grace Tri-Flex synthetic underlayment plus standard orange cap nails. Only downside is that its slippery when wet but I think there are some competitive brands which address traction. I figured I'd have some leaks here and there but it lasted several months until I completed the roof and never a leak. The orange cap nails are the weak link here, the el cheapo plastic cap starts weathering almost immediately. but if one could source a "better" quality cap nail it would last quite awhile imo. The ice + water shield however is not built for that kind of exposure, I think its 30 days max exposed and it starts fading from the UV very fast.

If you get that far to sheet and underlay the roof its going to be definitely better but some care is needed to have the start of the roof weight overhead without the sidewalls shear-braced with sheathing also. Those can be protected with a housewrap for basic water protection.

 

[Samh]

I hope for awhile, because my build has seen nothing but rain for the past 4 months

 

[Farmall450]

A guy down the road took 3 years on his stick built barn hybrid thing.

 

[lakeroadster]

I see warped and twisted framing in your future.

FWIW....

We bought a home in Ohio in the 1990's that the drywall in the hallway was bowed, you could see where every stud was.

One of the neighbors had lived in his home when the home we bought was built. He said the said that the construction process took a long time and before the roof was sheathed the framing lumber saw a few weeks of heavy rain followed by hot humid weather.

Focus on getting the Load bearing walls in place, the trusses in place, and the sheathing on and covered.

Non load bearing walls can be built later.