Cross tie construction 5

[swan123]

I have the idea to use cross ties for my home construction. Any knowledge of strucural methods to be used and tips will be appreciated. I am thinking that a mesh and cement parge would work for the exterior and EPS and board paneling for the interior w/ electrical chase for circuits. This would be an inexpensive material to use and yet offer strong structure and insulation properties. Any concerns or thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[msquared48]

Pre-manufactured trusses are cheaper than collar ties, unless you just want the look.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[Ron]

Are you considering new or recycled cross ties? Recycled cross ties often have large areas of deterioration, particularly in the center where you don't see them.

They are extremely flammable and give off noxious gases when burned. They are usually treated with carcinogenic materials for preservative treatment.

You might want to re-think that idea.

 

[Stillerz]

If you are referring to rail road ties, I wouldn't dream of it.
Amongst other aformentioned problems, your house will stink like creosote forever.
As far as inexpensive, think again. The only people that I could see that would have any way of constructing a reasonable home from rail road ties would be those you see in the movie "Deliverance".

 

[MiketheEngineer]

Don't even or ever think about usng RR ties in home construction. Might even be illegal in some areas!!

 

[swan123]

Thank you for your very insightful replies to my concerns. But, let me ask; even if I apply a cement veneer on the exterior and poly w/ eps sheets, then paneling on the interior, do you believe it would cover and prevent the fumes and resist fire? If not I will re-think this idea. Thanks again for your reasonable judgment and insight.

 

[swan123]

Oh Stillerz, LOL, How right you are. But I am a rustic kind of guy. My other consideration is to use CMU's with possible the textured face.

Thanks.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

NO - it won't keep out the fumes.

DON'T USE THESE!!! Unless you want a screaming headache, liver damage and eventual early death...

 

[SlideRuleEra]

Here is some recent EPA documentation (November 2008) to help convince you to abandon the cross tie idea. It reads, in part:

Creosote is a wood preservative used for commercial purposes only; it has no registered residential uses.

http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/chemicals/creosote_main.htm

http://www.SlideRuleEra.net

http://www.VacuumTubeEra.net

 

[cntw1953]

1k saving in material, 100k worth of headaches. Use it in the yard, good luck.

 

[ornerynorsk]

Ditto, ties are not a good idea. Handle a few bare handed or better yet cut into one with a power saw, and consider the aroma - the aroma that will NEVER go away. Be careful about using them in a garden as well, never with rootcrops. Find a local sawmill that will saw what you need from local stock and have it properly dried. You can buy untreated ties directly from the mills, depending on your area.

 

[swan123]

Very good then, at least I have sought out counsel before going on with this thought. Ornery, your suggestion was my next consideration if all else failed.I would like to use this type of construction because of the insulation properties and considering that with building the main structure you would also be building the exterior and interior at the same time, just to be finished and or painted. I like the feel and look of cabin type homes. And I have been coming up with some pretty interesting methods of construction that would be considered unconventional by main stream ideas. Hence, the crazy one to build out of RR ties. Kind of funny looking back - just glad I didn't do it. LOL.

SlideRuleEra, Thank you, you have a cool website also, I checked it out. I will visit your site and hopefully learn to use the slide rule my Dad gave me. You know, I think it is amazing that we put men on the moon and brought them home safely only with the calculations of of a slide rule? Pretty interesting stuff. I have to wonder if, even with the technology we have today, wecould do it again.

 

[Ron]

swan123...you mentioned a "mesh and cement parge" for the exterior. I assume you mean portland cement plaster (stucco). Keep in mind that stucco or any cement parging is not waterproof, so you will need to waterproof the exterior wall prior to placing such. Use two layers of No. 15 asphalt saturated felt or one layer of "house wrap" followed by one layer of No. 15 felt. Pay close attention to window flashings and make sure that all waterproofing materials, including window flashing, are placed in waterboard fashion.

 

[Stillerz]

....I can hear "Duelling Banjos" in the far off distance when I read this post.
DO NOT USE THE RR TIES!!!!
THEY WILL KILL YOU!!!!