While other manufacturers use two 2 x 6′s nailed together for the all important base structure or floor skids of their buildings, we at Lark use only solid 4 x 6′s that are precision trimmed, tapered, and dadoed for our floor skids. When we require skids that are longer than our available timbers, we mortise the splice and make the connection using six 4″ galvanized lag bolts. This assures the uncompromising strength and durability of our buildings.
All of our floor joists are connected to the skids by being nailed and lag bolted at each dado to assure that the base of our buildings have superior wind uplift protection. On the skid ends, we not only double lag bolt our headers at a 45 degree angle to the skids, we also hurricane clip them for additional holding power.
One of the most outstanding features of our Lark floor system is theway we connect our 23/32 treated plywood to our floor cross members.We don’t use nails that can back out and weaken the floor. We use only plated deck screws that give the floor more strength and rigidity than nails. When we place this 23/32 panel on 16” centers we are able to give you a floor loading of 125 P.S.F. The reason we use this floor loading is to insure that the super structure of the building is adequately supported and that the integrity and stability of the Unit is not compromised.
The wall structure on all of our wood frame buildings is constructed using #1 Southern Yellow Pine lumber. The reason we use Southern Yellow Pine is that it is much stronger and has a higher strength yield than spruce or most other species of lumber. Our walls are assembled with 2 x 4’s placed 24” on centers standard. However, if you desire you can upgrade to 16” on centers. All models with the exception of our vaulted wall buildings come standard with a double 2 x 4 Top Plate on all walls, connected with bolts. Our Top and Bottom Plates are reinforced diagonally by heavy gauge T-Wall bracing that provides superior shear wall protection. Each wall stud is connected to the double Top Plate and Bottom Plate with engineered hurricane clips, four clips on 2 x 4 on the side walls and 2 clips each stud on the end walls.
The walls are connected to the floor structure with 4″ lag bolts placed every 16 inches. This system of bolts give the structure superior up lift protection not provided by nails or straps that are nailed. From the hurricane clip connections on our roof rafters to the hurricane clip connection on all of our 2 x 4′s, you have a continuous uninterrupted positive connection from the roof to the floor. There are no weak points in this system to compromise strength.
Another unique feature of our end gable wood frame buildings is the use of steel hat channel lathing to hold the fasteners used to secure the roof. While wood lathing is good, it is not as stable as steel, creating the possibility of fasteners backing out over a period of years causing leaks or damage. This is far less likely to occur with fastener connections made into steel. When we do put roofing fasteners into wood, we use only stainless steel fasteners, especially designed and engineered for use in wood.
Delivered more than 50 design projects, including remodeling.
Steel has the highest strength to weight ratio of any building material;
Steel is not vulnerable to termites or any type of organism;
Steel does not burn or add fuel to the spread of fire;
Steel has less probability of damage in high winds, stronger connections (screwed vs. nailed);
Steel is dimensionally stable; it does not expand or contract with moisture content.
Steel produces less scrap and waste (2% for steel vs. 20% for wood);
Steel is environmentally friendly — 100% recyclable, saving landfill space.
The Lark Accu-Steel frame building is the biggest advancement in portable building design and construction in the last 40 years. We manufacture the Accu-Steel using one of the most precise and advanced rollforming systems available. The strength, quality, and durability of this steel frame system are truly awesome. The Accu-Steel is manufactured using a totally new concept of rollforming and assembly. A system and method of steel stud construction that is unprecedented.
For years, steel stud construction has utilized a system of U-channels for the top and bottom plates and C-channels for the studs. When using this system, the U-channels and studs have to be measured and marked for center placement. This system lends itself to mistakes in measuring and stud placement. Using this archaic method of fabrication and assembly compromises the accuracy and quality of the finished product.
We manufactured the Accu-Steel building using a state of the art computerized rollformer and software system. This system utilizes C-channels for all structural components, the top and bottom plates as well as the wall studs. This amazing system measures and notches the C-channel for precise stud location. It dimples and punches the C-channels and studs for perfect fastener location and alignment. The building structure created by this rollforming system looks like it was made by a metal working craftsman. Everything on this building system fits and finishes like you expect.
The frame of the Accu-Steel is rollformed from heavy duty 18 gauge G-90 galvanized material that not only give you superior strength and durability, but also provides needed rust protection.
If you are interested in a portable building, you owe it to yourself to critically evaluate this new high tech building system. See why we are sure you will agree that strength, quality, and value like this does not come along every day.