Advanced Framing Techniques and Optimum Value Engineering are the abbreviations in the title. They are very relevant topics when it comes to homes built with improved energy performance. The greatest part of the equation is it comes with lower material and labor costs. How you might ask? The answer is through the use of intelligent design, engineered wood products, and optimum use of those products. One of the most effective methods of saving materials the the process of “in line framing” which is the process of maintaining “load paths” via alignment of structural members spacing. If the roof system is using trusses spaced 24″ o/c, it makes perfect sense to line the studs in the wall below it at the same spacing, even if it requires 2×6 studs in lieu of 2×4 studs to do it. Matter of fact, a better insulation R value can be maintained in that switch anyway. Then, if there is a floor below it, the same spacing needs to be maintained to continue the load path while simultaneously reducing the amount of lumber used. The great ecological part of the use of engineered wood is they make use of modern forestries’ smaller, fast growing trees and scrap lumber to churn out super products like LSL (laminated strand lumber), PSL (parallel strand lumber), and LVL (laminated strand lumber). These beams and headers are notorious for being stable and uniformed by comparison to their conventional counterparts. In combination with “in line framing”, “right sized headers” many times eliminates the use of a double top plate due to no vertical load being applied, amounting to even more lumber savings. Wall construction utilizing “California” corners and ladder framing at “T” intersections add to the mix of energy conservation by creating insulation “damming” pockets and crevaces. All the principles discussed in this post make Component Construction not only the preferred framing solution of the future, but the energy concious correct answer of the present.
