Metal and Wood Composite Framing Members for Residential and Light Commercial Construction (DIV E)

Metal and wood composites are used to create framing members (studs and tracks, joists and bands, rafters, headers and the like.) for lightweight construction. Metal is utilized for its high strength, resistance to rot insects, cost stability, and potentially lower cost through recycling. Metal that can be used includes roll formed steel approximately 18-22 gauge. Wood is used primarily for its lower thermal conductivity and availability. The metal components form the primary structure while wood either solid or other engineered wood, provides some structure and a thermal break. The invention connects J-shaped or triangular shaped metal forms to wood sections. The metal flange ends can have carious J, C, L, right triangular, T and straight line cross-sectional shapes. The wood is fastened to the metal by machine pressing of the metal to wood. Alternatively the fastening includes nails, staples, screws, and the like, and also by adhesive glue. The outward faces of the metal members are pre-formed with four longitudinal ridges such that the contact surface area to applied sheathings is reduced by about 90%