The article discusses the importance of increasing the thickness of exterior walls during an interior remodel, similar to how masonry walls are ready for drywall installation. It highlights the benefits of using thicker walls for insulation and energy efficiency, as well as the need for space for wiring and plumbing.
Newer construction typically uses 2-by-6 wood for exterior wall studs, while older homes may have 2-by-4 studs instead. This creates a thicker wall, providing extra insulation and making the home more energy-efficient. The article also discusses the use of 2-by 6-inch studs in creating a thicker wall, which can improve energy efficiency, soundproofing, and provide space for wiring and plumbing.
The article provides reliable methods for framing and insulating a house for comfort, energy savings, and durability. It also discusses the ideal thickness for exterior walls and expert tips for insulating them. Building and raising exterior walls is not difficult and takes a short amount of time with the right tools and knowledge.
If the wall already has exterior foam, it can be made greener by making the foam thicker. However, foam-sheathed walls may need to dry only to the interior. Upgrading and adding insulation should be considered for improving thermal efficiency, but it is important to note that no form of wall insulation is inherently necessary.
In addition to building and rising exterior walls, there are several methods for improving thermal efficiency, such as placing 2x10s in front of studs, sandwiching the 2×10 and existing stud between two pieces of ply or 1×6. Additionally, adding bulkier wall treatments like wooden or stone panelling, creating aluminum framing, and adding gypsum or wood panels can also enhance insulation.
In conclusion, increasing the thickness of exterior walls during an interior remodel can significantly improve energy efficiency, comfort, and durability.
📹 Thickness of Walls | Masonry
Learn about the thickness of wall in masonry with this video This curriculum on masonry is intended to generate a practical …
Should exterior walls be 2×4 or 2×6?
2×6 vs. 2×4 wall framing is generally suitable for small garages and sheds, as it is code compliant when bearing wall heights do not exceed 10 ft. Medeek Design typically specifies 2 x 4 studs @ 16″ o. c. spacing for small sheds and garages with building widths less than 16 feet. Larger structures are called out with 2 x 6 exterior studs @ 16″ o. c. unless otherwise specified. This type of framing is considered “conventional light framing” and is in prescriptive compliance with the building code.
Using 2 x 6 framing can increase the structural strength of the building significantly, with a significant difference in compressive strength, resistance to buckling, and lateral deflection. Additionally, 2 x 6 walls provide more space for insulation, resulting in less heat loss and smaller cooling and heating costs. Walls are also less drafty, improving the overall comfort level of the living space. Additionally, more space is available for utilities within framing, resulting in thicker walls with better soundproofing and less outside noise.
When should I use a 2×6 instead of a 2×4?
2×6 vs. 2×4 wall framing is generally suitable for small garages and sheds, as it is code compliant when bearing wall heights do not exceed 10 ft. Medeek Design typically specifies 2 x 4 studs @ 16″ o. c. spacing for small sheds and garages with building widths less than 16 feet. Larger structures are called out with 2 x 6 exterior studs @ 16″ o. c. unless otherwise specified. This type of framing is considered “conventional light framing” and is in prescriptive compliance with the building code.
Using 2 x 6 framing can increase the structural strength of the building significantly, with a significant difference in compressive strength, resistance to buckling, and lateral deflection. Additionally, 2 x 6 walls provide more space for insulation, resulting in less heat loss and smaller cooling and heating costs. Walls are also less drafty, improving the overall comfort level of the living space. Additionally, more space is available for utilities within framing, resulting in thicker walls with better soundproofing and less outside noise.
What is best for exterior sheathing?
Plywood is a popular material for external structural sheathing, consisting of multiple thin layers of wood laid in opposite directions. This creates a more stable and structurally sound sheath for the exterior. Plywood is easy to install, placing it vertically flush with the building’s edge and using 2-inch nails 6 inches apart on the edges and 12 inches apart on the center. It is more dimensionally stable than OSB and does not require spacing between sheets.
To ensure proper installation, start the next row at least 3 stud bays off from the first and mark door and window openings with tick marks. For best installation practices, use house wrap over the plywood before installing the siding.
Is 2×6 framing stronger than 2×4?
Clients often upgrade from 2×4 to 2×6 framing due to its strength and structural soundness. 2×6 walls are more structurally sound but rarely needed, especially when working with a premium custom home builder. 2×6 construction allows for more wall insulation, which can enhance home efficiency and reduce cooling and heating bills. However, this depends on the climate, as additional insulation should be added to the attic and roof.
2×6 framing is generally considered an upgrade in the custom home building process, as it sets framing studs at 24 inches on-center. This upgrade can result in additional costs for wall studs, top and bottom plates, insulation, and window and door extension jambs. In summary, 2×4 framing is a standard choice for custom homes, but 2×6 framing offers additional benefits and costs.
How thick should an exterior wall be?
The thickness of exterior residential walls using ICFs depends on factors like the building’s design and location. Standard ICF walls require six inches of concrete, while areas susceptible to high winds require at least 8 inches. Engineering tables review these factors to determine the concrete core size and rebar layout. ICF reinforced concrete walls are superior to wood framed walls as shear walls.
Is 7/16 OSB good for exterior walls?
The construction of exterior walls should be designed to provide minimum resistance to wind pressures and debris impact, using 7/16-in.-thick OSB wood structural panels attached to wood wall framing. Gable end walls must have structural wall sheathing, such as 3/8-in. plywood or OSB or equivalent, and must be braced. Wood frame exterior walls must be fully sheathed, including areas above or below wall openings, with minimum 7/16-in. Gable end walls must be tied to the structure, with connections made at the top and bottom of the gable end wall.
Hurricane clips or framing anchors are required on all rafter-to-wall connections. Upper- and lower-story wall sheathing must be nailed to the common rim board, and intermittent bracing is not allowed on outer walls. Wall sheathing must be nailed to 8d ring shank or 10d nails on 4 inches on center along the edges and 6 inches on center in the field. Structural wood sheathing should be extended to lap the sill plate and nailed to the sill plate using a 4-inch on-center nail pattern along the edges.
What determines wall thickness?
The thickness of a wall is typically determined by the standard width of framing, which establishes a natural limit on the average wall width within a residential structure. However, the exterior thickness is dependent upon the siding material, which in turn affects the overall appearance of the home.
How much thickness does drywall add?
The thickness of drywall varies considerably, with typical measurements ranging from 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch. However, building codes specify particular thicknesses for specific applications. The most common applications of drywall include the provision of insulation, the implementation of fire protection measures, and the provision of insulation.
How to turn 2×4 into 2×6?
To install 2″ furring strips on 2×4 walls, cut them to a 2″ width and nail them onto the existing 2x4s to create a fastening surface for drywall or wallfinishing product. Use 16d coated sinker nails and a few 20d coated sinkers on each piece. If there is a 2″ pocket after applying the 2×2 strips, fill it with 2″ rigid foam instead of fiberglass batts and use silicone caulk to seal up any cracks. If needed, add nails if needed.
The standard way drywall is installed horizontally when studs are 16″ center-to-center, but this method may leave a near2-foot gap on the edge of two sheets, leading to unstable walls. To maximize the R-Value, fill the pocket with 2″ rigid foam and use silicone caulk to seal up any cracks.
Do thicker walls insulate better?
Thick walls provide insulation, making it easier to maintain a comfortable temperature in winter and cool in summer. They also help soundproof your home against noisy neighbors. However, thick walls may not always be the best light solution. If you have a combination of thick walls and small windows, your home may be darkened, making it a bad choice. Therefore, it’s essential to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of building thick walls.
How to increase the thickness of a wall?
The use of furring can facilitate the thickening of exterior walls during the process of interior remodeling, in a manner analogous to the preparation of masonry walls for the subsequent installation of drywall. It is recommended that an interior wall should be a minimum of 4 inches in thickness.
📹 Benefits of Outrageously Thick Walls, and Why Thin Walls Should Go Out Of Fashion
Andrew Michler, principle of Hyperlocal Workshop and author of ‘Hyperlocalization of Architecture: Contemporary Sustainable …
a much easier and superior result could be achieved using CLT panels with wood fiber insulation on the outside . the mass of the CLT gives two benefits, a bit of heat storage and minimizing temp swings and better control of humidity via the hygroscopic effect of mass timber . The cost would probably be similar considering the decrease in labor . as you know CLT can be put up in a very short period of time compared to on site stud wall construction .
Just to also add the most common disadvantage: a lot more reinforcement is required to maintain the same level of earthquake-resistance that a thinner wall achieves easier. Even for wood-frame that can mean adding a lot of extra beams and columns – the Japanese are pretty good in this earthquake-proof structural design and they seem to opt for thin walls.
I’m concerned about the quantity of material used here, and let’s think about the embodied Carbon in the structure. Has there been an analysis after operational carbon is reduced to zero? It seems like, if walls are to be thick, maybe the structural methods need to be rethought? Box beam construction using light (thin?) materials?