What
type of building material should be used?
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:
-
Size and required clear spans
-
Final intended use of the facility (Based on the master
plan)
-
Need for expanding the building in the future
-
Desired appearance (Both interior and exterior)
-
Overall required building height for functionality for sports activity
and balcony clearance
-
Local building codes
An
architect can best help your church decide on what type of building
system to choose. A presentation has also been put together to help
you better understand the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
You may view the presentation online, or download it for viewing at
a latter time.
Go
to the top of the page
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.
Out of the Reeds
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.
Go
to the top of the page
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.
Go
to the top of the page
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.
Go
to the top of the page
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.
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.
Go
to the top of the page
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.
Go
to the top of the page
SANCTUARY
SEATING
All
seating needs to meet state and local codes.
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.
Go
to the top of the page
OTHER
OPTIONS
Many
other options are available.
A church building can be made of countless types of material.
