My Conclusion
By using the Scientific Method, I have adequately followed all of the steps in order to answer my inquired question. I first had the question, formed a hypothesis of what materials would and should be used. I then did research and collected data on building materials. I could then analyze my information and conclude and fully answer my inquired question. Without following the scientific method, I could not have created this conclusion.
My Answers
By analyzing the various forms of building materials, I finally evaluated what materials would create the ideal 24x24 garage. I made sure it was very sustainable as well as cost-effective. It is sturdy and well built. I chose the materials to incorporate a long life-span as well as materials that are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. By combining my coursework along with my project and it's research, I was able to construct the perfect garage. Here are the following materials I used:
Foundation: concrete footings with a slab poured on top for cleanliness as well as a sturdy structure for the walls and roof.
Walls and Framing: I chose to use wood framing with the walls up on cement blocks. This keeps the wood away from the moisture along with other harmful agents on the ground. Then for the sill plate, the bottom board on the walls, I chose to use a marine treated 2x6. Marine treatment is a treatment used on wood associated with any form of water. Then I used pressure treated lumber for the studs and top plate. I also used this type of wood for the trusses. It is not exposed to moisture. It is rot and warp-resistant. Drywall is relatively cheap, so I decided to add some to the interior walls so it would look nice. It hides the studs and if I ever decide to finish it, it would be very easy to mud it off. Electricity is already installed in the outlets. By code, there must be an outlet every three feet. I would hire an electrician for this since I am not certified to deal with it.
A picture of the ideal garage. Notice the metal roof and the exterior wall skeleton. It does not have the vinyl siding, but it shows the process of construction. Thanks to J. Lynch Autocad services LLC 1/2/18
A crosscut of the ideal garage notice the fan truss (also called the double fan). Thanks to J. Lynch Autocad services LLC 1/2/18
Siding: For this garage, I chose to use vinyl siding. It is cheap and lasts a very long time. It is physically appealing and will serve its purpose of keeping the water off and out.
Insulation: For this garage as well as many other detached garages, there is no insulation because it's main priority is to keep the water and other element's of mother nature out.
Roofing Materials: For this roof, I chose to use the new corrugated metal roof. It is cheap to install as well as cost-effective in the long run. Before the roof needs to be re-done, I would have already replaced shingles, if I used them, twice. In addition to this metal roof, I would also install an underlayment beneath the corrugated roofing panels to repel all moisture. This is traditionally done with metal roofs regardless.
​
Heating: Since this garage has no insulation, it is pointless to try and heat it. Its main purpose is to keep the water and elements out. The cold will not affect the vehicles or other components that would be stored.
Venting: For venting, I would place soffits on the overhang. This would still allow air to flow in and out, and keep out the elements. There would be no stagnant air and no smells. It is cheap, easy, and cost-effective. With the circulation of fresh air, nothing would obtain a foul stench. On the peak of the roof, there would also be a ridge cap, which comes with all roofs. This is to let the air trapped between the peak of the roof escape. It is essentially a cap to let the last little bit of air circulate to prevent rotting.
My Conclusion
Without the help of my coursework, I would not have been able to tie chemistry into the building materials, and not have been able to identify the better sustainability and the processes the building materials go through. I could not have answered my question without my research either. Both of these forms of learning contributed to the knowledge I gained. One was equally as important as the other. This garage is equally balanced in cost-effectiveness as well as sustainability. I would say, that this garage would be around as long as I live and it will serve its purpose for me. It is an investment that will protect my possessions. That is all I needed and I didn't do anything fancy because I didn't need to. I decided to be practical and basic instead of invest in something I don't need. As a result, I reject my hypothesis, because the cost doesn't always contribute to quality. We can see this in foundations as well as roofing and walls. Now I can conclude that cost doesn't always equal quality in the construction industry. Thanks to this project, I realized that this is definitely the field I want to go into. I want to do manual labor as well as express my talents. I am very good at woodworking and carpentry. I even built a boat! This project solidified my career choice as well as my interest in this field. For future projects, another area to explore/ an area for improvement would be to discuss the chemistry behind the electricity in the building. This is one area, that I didn't regard until the last week of the project. I am happy with the way this product came out. I learned a great deal of information, between the chemistry course itself as well as my discoveries in the projects.