A Mortise is a cavity carved into a beam that will receive a Tenon. The Tenon is the reduced end of a beam that inserts into the mortise. A wooden peg is then driven through both assembled members to lock them in place.

Bents are like slices of bread that make up a loaf. Their major function is to transfer the roof’s load evenly throughout the frame to the foundation.

Bents are primarily composed of post, tie beams, and trusses (rafters). To stiffen them and keep bents from racking braces, collar ties, and struts are added.

Finally, to connect each bent of a frame together, connecting girts, top plates and ridge beams are used. See illustration

Trusses are the triangle forms that transfer the weight from the roof to the rest of the framework or bents. Depending on the span that they cover or the homeowner’s preference, trusses can be designed several ways.

Are like a well made sandwich comprised of an Oriented Strand Board (OSB) exterior shell, a foam insulated core, and a gyp-rock face, all glued together by an adhesive sealant. Another form of panel called a structural panel, which is made up of two OSB sides adding extra strength to areas where it might be needed.

The advantages of using these insulated panels over conventional methods of exterior wall framing are as follows. Panels save time and unnecessary expenses because the panels come prefabricated and ready for installation. They are energy efficient, lowering your heating and cooling cost over 30%. Structural panels also give added strength to the over all frame. They are able to resist loads caused by wind, snow and seismic activities. Furthermore, all electrical wiring can be passed through channels that are prefabricated in the foam. Feel free to visit www.plastifab.com for more information on structural insulated panels.