Architecture/Portico Arch

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Expert: - 7/20/2009


Question
My contractor told me that he intends to use "plastic" for creating/framing the internal arch ceiling for the portico for the entrance to the house (the rest of the portico is built from wood). Is this the way its done or is this a method to save on construction costs and time?
Thank you.

Answer
Dan - thanks for your question!

There are several types of "flexible framing" products made of both jointed steel sections and flexible plastic.

What your contractor is doing is entirely appropriate and common (assuming he knows what he's doing and is using a quality product).  It will save time and result in a more uniform and consistent curve in the arch.

The trick is proper support of the flexible materials; unlike cutting the curves in wood framing, the flexible products are not self-supporting.

Hope this helps,

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.blogspot.com
www.rtastudio.com

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Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

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