5 proven ways to optimize framing

As builders look for ways to cut costs while meeting ever-more-stringent energy codes, many are turning to advanced framing methods. Also known as “optimum value engineering (OVE),” advanced framing techniques optimize material usage to cut down on waste, eliminate redundancies, reduce labor, and increase a home’s energy efficiency, while maintaining structural integrity.

APA-The Engineered Wood Association recently published a 24-page Advanced Framing Construction Guide that provides an overview of some of the techniques, including those that can be used toward Energy Star certification. To help builders make the transition to new building methods, advanced framing can be implemented in stages.
Here is a look at 5 advanced framing techniques that builders can adopt one at a time as they ease into new, more efficient building methods.

Each of these concepts focuses on increasing cavity insulation and reducing thermal bridging, thereby providing overall higher whole-wall R-values. Furthermore, by reducing waste and making better use of framing materials, these sustainable techniques achieve points in green building programs such as the National Green Building Standard (ICC-700) and LEED for Homes.

1. Corners

Insulated corners eliminate the isolated cavity found in conventional three- or four-stud corners, making it easier to install insulation and providing for more cavity insulation space.

Advanced framing wall corners can include insulated three-stud corners, sometimes referred to as “California corners” (Figure 1), or two-stud corner junctions with ladder blocking, drywall clips, or an alternative means of supporting interior or exterior finish (Figure 2).

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2