What
type of building material should be used?
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How a building is put together depends on factors such as budget, personal preference, and size. There are many many choices to be made when building a new facility. Should we go with carpet or tile? Brick or block? and so forth. There are also other factors to consider after choosing a material. For example, does the exterior materials need to be painted every two years? This page can help you choose some of these options, and answer some of those questions, but the architect that you choose will be better able to assist you. Below is a list of areas where different materials are available:
1.
The Building
2. Exterior Wall Finishes
3. Interior Wall Finishes
4. Floor Finishes
5. Ceiling Finishes
6. Baptisteries
7. Sanctuary Seating
8. Other
Options
THE BUILDING
What the building is going to be made of is the first question to be asked. The building material determines several other factors such as size and cost. The type of material for building is best decided after establishing a size of roof spans, which will dictate the most economical system to be used. A decision would depend upon the size and location of your building. Smaller span buildings may be less expensive in wood. Larger span buildings should be metal if you are looking for cost savings. Metal buildings would be stronger against snow and wind. This decision is best answered on an individual basis and calls for a conclusion of which building system is better. Some the factors that affect this decision are:
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Size and required clear spans
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Final intended use of the facility (Based on the master plan)
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Need for expanding the building in the future
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Desired appearance (Both interior and exterior)
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Overall required building height for functionality for sports activity and balcony clearance
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Local building codes
An
architect can best help your church decide on what type of building
system to choose.
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EXTERIOR WALL FINISHES
Aluminum Siding is both durable and virtually maintenance free. This siding can be installed over most existing sidings and rigid foam insulation. Aluminum siding can easily be scratched and dented, but can be repaired. The siding paint can become oxidized and fade over time, but it can be repainted.
Brick Finish can come in different colors, shape and textures. It can be used for interior and exterior walls, fireplaces, and around ovens/cook ranges.
Concrete Block is made from a mixture of sand, gravel, pebbles, stones and cement. This mixture is mixed with water and pressed into a form where it solidifies into a block. These blocks are very economical to use because they can be painted, have a long duration time and are excellent for exterior and interior walls. Concrete block is best used in a gymnasium, fellowship hall and hallways. The block is not recommended for a sanctuary or office space. Although the block is fairly inexpensive to buy, the labor for installation adds considerably to the overall price. Concrete block comes in different finishes and can be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. You can also use what is called a split face block, that has a textured look. Disadvantages of concrete block is it is cold and poor for acoustics. An acoustical block is made that has perforations to muffle sound.
EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) is a thin synthetic system with a finish, like stucco. EIFS is applied to insulation board that is applied to sheathing or siding mounted to wall studs. This product is inexpensive, durable and has a wide range of colors. It is used on many buildings in the United States. Correct installation is a must, because if it is not installed properly then mold could grow in between the wall and the EIFS.
Lap siding can be wood or vinyl. Each piece is tapered with a notch on it. The siding is hung starting at the bottom and each layer will overlap the piece below. Lap siding is a common siding, easy to install, inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing. The only disadvantage is wood siding is high maintenance. It will need to be painted every 5-10 years, as it could split and/or warp.
Painted and stained siding usually uses a class A board so the knots do not show, but the grain of the board will. Wood can be stained or painted. Stained wood is more expensive, requires more maintenance and has a shorter duration time. The grain of painted wood will not be as visible as stained wood. Painted wood does not have to be painted as often as stained wood. Stained and painted siding is used mainly in seacoast areas.
Stone Finish can come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Natural granite, marble, river rock, limestone, stream stone, ledge stone, fieldstone and quarried stones are only a few type of rocks that can purchased. Stones can be used on the exterior and interior of a building, fireplace mantles, countertops, floors and walls. Stones are expensive but durable. Since stones are porous, interior stones, such as countertops, need to be resealed once a year and cleaned periodically.
Vinyl Siding in today's market, is more prevalent than aluminum siding. Vinyl is durable, flexible and virtually maintenance free. This siding can be installed over most existing sidings and rigid foam insulation. The texture of the siding can look like wood grain, smooth, or masonry. In colder climates, vinyl can become brittle and crack. The siding will not dent, but can be scratched. The scratches will not be as visible as if on aluminum siding. It can be painted and have individual panels replaced. With the increased popularity of vinyl siding, has come the increased number and quality of colors available.
INTERIOR WALL FINISHES
Ceramic Tile can be used as a wall or floor finish and comes in many different colors, sizes, patterns and designs. Because the tile's surface is ideal for cleaning, it is placed in bathrooms, kitchens and entry areas. Also, the International Building Code requires a hard surface on the wall around toilet fixtures in bathrooms. The back of the ceramic tiles are grooved for better adhesion with the grout. The tile is spaced with spacers and filled with grout between each tile. Disadvantages of ceramic tile is it is expensive, can crack, and grout can become dirty. Used as flooring, flat, smooth, tile can become slippery. Slip resistant tile which has a textured finish is available and recommended. Overall, ceramic tile is durable and decorative.
Concrete block is made from a mixture of sand, gravel, pebbles, stones and cement. This mixture is mixed with water and pressed into a form where it solidifies into a block. These blocks are very economical to use because they can be painted, have a long duration time and are excellent for exterior and interior walls. Concrete block is best used in a gymnasium, fellowship hall and hallways. A glazed blocked finish can be used in corridors to dress the space. The block is not recommended for a sanctuary or office space. Although the block is fairly inexpensive to buy, the labor for installation adds considerably to the overall price. Concrete block comes in different finishes and can be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Disadvantages of concrete block is it is cold and poor for acoustics. An acoustical block is made that has perforations in to muffle sound.
Decorative Brick can be used around an oven/range or fireplace that can add a special look. Bricks can also be used for walls and it can be painted. The bricks can be small, decorative and weigh less than a regular brick. Some are only a half-inch thick and weigh 12 ounces.
Drywall referred to as gypsum board is gypsum plaster rolled and pressed in between two sheets of paper. Drywall is durable and easier to install than plaster. It is susceptible to water, moisture damage and dents. The sheets can be installed to the studs or over masonry surfaces. Joint compound and wallboard tape are used to cover up screw heads and seams between the panels to make the panels finish with no joints. For bathroom areas, where the wall may get wet or absorb excessive moisture, use a "green" drywall.
Plaster a mixture of lime or gypsum, sand, and water, sometimes mixed with fiber, hardens to a smooth solid. This mixture is applied to the metal furring to form solid walls and ceilings. A product called cement plaster is still the recommended product which is to be used in a shower. Cracks can develop on the walls and these cracks are difficult to repair. Overtime, plaster has been replaced by drywall, which has become the most common wall surface in the United States.
Wallpaper is used to decorate a wall/room. Wallpaper can have a picture, pattern, texture, or design on it. The paper can be a fabric with a vinyl backing. Wallpaper boarders can be used to accent the wallpaper and is generally six to eight inches in width. Wallpaper and boarders both come in rolls.
FLOOR FINISHES
Carpet is the predominant flooring that is used in a church. Carpet comes in different grades. A standard grade is used for mainly classroom area. The heavier grades are used in the sanctuary, corridors and office areas. When the carpet is installed, there is no padding and it is glued it to the concrete slab. If good commercial carpet is used, it should not have to be replaced for 8-10years or more, depending on the wear.
Vinyl tile can be used in bathrooms, fellowship halls and gymnasiums. Vinyl tile is easy to clean and inexpensive compared to carpet or ceramic tile. Usually comes in 12 inch squares in many colors, patterns and is directly glued to the floor slab.
Ceramic tile is used mainly in bathrooms. Ceramic tile is usually applied in a thin set manner, which means it is glued to the floor and grout is used to fill in between the tiles. Mud set is an older way of laying tiles, where the tiles are mounted to a recessed setting bed mounted above the floor slab however this method is much more expensive and not used as much as thin set.
Resinous flooring is a synthetic sealer that is applied to concrete to give it a smooth or textured finish. The sealer comes in several colors. This flooring is often used in place of ceramic and vinyl tile because it is less costly and of its lasting durability. The only disadvantage is it will have to be applied on-site. Resinous flooring is used mainly in bathrooms.
Sealed concrete is the bare concrete floor that has been sealed with a protective coating. This type of flooring is mainly found in custodial and mechanical rooms.
Sheet goods - are a rolled vinyl that is glued to the sub-floor and used in kitchens and areas that need to be cleaned. The advantage is that there are less joints and seams.
Laminate flooring is a vinyl strip that looks like real wood. It is durable and easy to clean. Laminate is used as a substitute for real wood floors at less cost.
Synthetic flooring is like rubber and is used mainly in gymnasiums and fellowship halls. This flooring is seamless and can withstand heavy foot traffic. The synthetic flooring is easy to clean and less expensive than other floorings.
Terrazzo is a poured combination of stone and fillers that dates to the Roman times. It is still the longest lasting material you can buy and is the most expensive. It is a durable and long lasting flooring that needs to be buffed. Many times, this flooring is found in schools or large public spaces.Wood flooring is predominantly used in gymnasiums, but can be used in fellowship halls. Wood flooring requires that the floor be ventilated, causing the installation to be more involved and expensive.
CEILING FINISHES
Acoustical ceiling panels can be installed in sanctuaries, offices and classrooms. Bathrooms and kitchens need to have separate type of tile that has a vinyl face so they can be scrubbed. A suspended ceiling grid is installed, usually 2'x4' or 2'x2', and the panels can be slipped into the grids. The 2'x4' ceiling panels can sag over time. The panels can be white and textured. Light fixtures of different types can be installed in the grid.
Gypsum board is applied with a suspension system. Ceiling transitions are accomplished by using bulkheads which are made of metal studs faced with gypsum board. The gypsum board can have a painted or textured finish.
Open ceilings are used and are usually painted a dark color. These ceilings are usually found in gymnasiums, fellowship halls, sanctuaries, etc. The disadvantage is less sound control.
Wood ceilings can be used in fellowship halls and sanctuary. A tongue and groove system can be used to create a decorative look. The wood can be natural stained wood, laminated beams or veneer. This ceiling is aesthetically pleasing, but expensive.BAPTISTERY
Baptisteries are fiberglass tubs, similar to a swimming pool. The tubs usually have lights, drains and stairways. The stairways can be a double set of stairs, entering the tub from both sides, or a single stairway, entering from only one side. The baptisteries come in many different sizes. A water supply, drains and a secure structure to support the tub are needed if a baptistery is to be installed. The tubs can have a glass panel in the front and a have railing. Overall, a baptistery requires minimal cleaning and is a low maintenance item.
SANCTUARY SEATING
Pews are long bench seats, wood look or made from natural wood, anchored to the floor. These seats must be laid out to the blue print instructions. Pews can have padding on the seats and/or backs of the seats.
Theater seats are anchored to the floor and the seat will swing up when it is not occupied. Tablet arms can be added to the chairs for a hard surface to write on. These arms swing over and up for easy entering and exiting of the chair. All chairs can be numbered.
Non-fixed seats can be used on a flat floor. These seats are ideal for storage and rearranging the sanctuary seating.
***All above seating can have a holder for hymnals, bibles and communion cups added to the back of the seat. ***
Gymnasium can have folding bleachers, plastic or wood, maneuvered by manual or electrical power.
Many
other options are available.
A church building can be made of countless types of material.
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