Every job at ICG is crucial to the process of successfully and efficiently producing the final product of our scope of work. The role of a Framer is hands-on, boots on the ground, in the field, building and assembling the actual structure. Framers receive and manage material deliveries of wall panels, trusses, sheathing, loose lumber, and other hardware and other items they will need. Once they have the materials and plans then they get to work on building the structure. This could either be a single-family home or multifamily home, depending on the job site. They start with securing the walls to the slab. Most walls and trusses are panelized and fabricated in ICG’s manufacturing plant and then transported to the site. Each panel and truss is labeled in the plant to correspond with the panel and truss layout plans respectively. Once onsite the components are then assembled per the plan specifications. While the walls are being secured, the framing crew is checking that the walls are plumb, in the correct location, and free of defects. There are times in which the slab isn’t perfect, or there is a situation where the framer will need to make changes to the delivered items on site. A comprehensive understanding of how to read plans and experience of how to field-frame and field-repair for necessary modifications are skills that will be put into action daily in this role.
The Recruitment Department
A Day in the Life of a Framer
Building the Future
Safety in the Field
Once the walls are in place, then the framing crew moves to the trusses. Part of the process of preparing for either a floor system or roof truss set involves the installation of the Safety Pole system to protect the whole crew from fall hazards. A crane is on-site to assist in the placement of the Safety Pole, and subsequently, the floor system, second-story walls, and roof trusses. Again, each truss was labeled when assembled at the plant, using these denotations in combination with truss layout plans and individualized truss engineering documents the framing crew knows where to place each truss. After the trusses are secured, then the crew moves on to the roof sheathing. They cut the sheathing to fit installing the required sheathing clips and fasteners as required and secure them to the trusses. For two-story homes, additional skills and knowledge come into play such as stair framing and installation of guardrails at windows, openings, and leading edges. The framing crew will frame in porches, attic access, and many more details that are crafted on-site. It is the job of the framer to physically build each structure to the plan’s specifications.
