Advanced wall framing

T e c h n o l o g y F a c t S h e e t

ADVANCED WALL FRAMING
Build efficiently, use less material, and save energy!
ADVANCED FRAMING Advanced framing refers to a variety of framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in the construction of a wood-framed house. These techniques include • Designing homes on 2-foot modules to make the best use of commonsheet good sizes and reduce waste and labor. Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on-center. Spacing floor joists and roof rafters up to 24 inches on-center. • Using two-stud corner framing and inexpensive drywall clips or scrap lumber for drywall backing instead of studs. Eliminating headers in non-load-bearing walls. Using in-line framing in which floor, wall, and roof framing members are verticallyin line with one another and loads are transferred directly downward. Using single lumber headers and top plates when appropriate. BENEFITS FROM ADVANCED FRAMING Both builders and home owners can benefit from advanced framing. Advanced framing techniques create a structurally sound home that has lower material and labor costs than a conventionally framed house. Additional construction costsavings result from the generation of less waste that needs to be disposed of, which also helps the environment. Advanced framing improves energy efficiency by replacing lumber with insulation material. The whole-wall R-value is improved by reducing thermal bridging through the framing and maximizing the wall area that is insulated. Advanced framing techniques can be implemented individually or as acomplete package, depending on the builder. Fully implementing advanced framing techniques can result in materials cost savings of about $500 or $1000 (for a 1,200- and 2,400-square-foot house, respectively), labor cost savings of between 3 and 5 percent, and annual heating and cooling cost savings of up to 5 percent.

Buildings for the 21st Century
Buildings that are more energy efficient,comfortable, and affordable…that’s the goal of DOE’s Office of Building Technology, State and Community Programs (BTS). To accelerate the development and wide application of energy efficiency measures, BTS: • Conducts R&D on technologies and concepts for energy efficiency, working closely with the building industry and with manufacturers of materials, equipment, and appliances • Promotes energy/moneysaving opportunities to both builders and buyers of homes and commercial buildings • Works with state and local regulatory groups to improve building codes, appliance standards, and guidelines for efficient energy use • Provides support and grants to states and communities for deployment of energyefficient technologies and practices

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Advanced framing techniques, sometimes calledOptimum Value Engineering (OVE), have been researched extensively and proven effective. However, some techniques may not be allowed under certain circumstances (i.e., high wind or seismic potential) or in some localities. Be certain to consult local building officials early in the design phase to verify or obtain acceptance of these techniques.

OFFICE OF BUILDING TECHNOLOGY, STATE ANDCOMMUNITY PROGRAMS ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

ADVANCED FRAMING TECHNIQUES Stud Spacing - In many cases, it is acceptable by code to increase stud spacing from 16 inches to 24 inches on-center. The 1995 International Code Council’s One- and Two-Family Dwell-

ing Code allows studs up to 10 feet long to be spaced up to 24 inches on-center. In walls supportingonly a roof and ceiling, 2x4 studs can be spaced up to 24 inches on-center, except for Utility grade (No. 3) studs. For walls supporting one floor, such as non-bearing gable endwalls on the first floor of a 2-story house, 2x4s can be spaced up to 24 inches on-center when Utility grade studs are not used. Studs in walls supporting a floor and roof above can be 2x6 spaced up to 24 inches oncenter...