Green Homes Special Series: Part Eighteen: Advanced House Framing Techniques

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With the increased emphasis on saving the environment and costs, there is Advanced framing for exterior and interior walls is based on 24 inches on center. (c) Ferrier Custom Homes photo renewed interest in some construction techniques proven effective years ago. Advanced Framing Basics Advanced framing is the name given to techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in a residential construction project and to improve a home's energy efficiency. Also known as Optimum Value Engineering, advanced framing includes such practices as building corners with two studs instead of three, which allows more insulation to be included. The ideas have been known about for years. A Natural Resources Defense Council handbook from 1998, excerpts from which are online, includes advanced framing among the ways to reduce waste of resources. NRDC Senior Sustainable Building Specialist Kevin Mo says the techniques can be used as a package or separately depending on specific needs. The main An interior wall built with stud at 24 inches on center—one component of advanced framing. (c) Ferrier Custom Homes photo objective is to use less lumber without compromising structural integrity so that more insulation can be put on the enclosure. “The techniques are not rocket science but do take time for builders to adopt,” says Mo. He suggests several reasons why the techniques were not rapidly adopted in the past: The homebuilding industry is very segmented and usually slower in transitioning to new techniques than other industries. Builders tend to rely on proven, familiar techniques. Some techniques were not covered by some local building codes. Builders didn't want to fight for code approval unless they were very motivated to do so. The techniques may incur higher upfront costs, such as labor costs for framing contractors to alter their standard practices. Some builders, contractors and code officials have negative perceptions of the techniques. Insulated headers, shown here, are another component of advanced framing. (c) Ferrier Custom Homes photo “Now, more local building codes approve the techniques, and more contractors have gone through the learning curve,” says Mo. “Builders are more familiar with the techniques and willing to apply the advanced framing techniques for energy efficiency.” Proven in the Field Advanced framing is one of many green methods Ferrier Builders & Ferrier Custom Homes of Fort Worth, Texas, employs in both new homes and remodeling projects. “We have always specialized in extremely energy-efficient homes, with the first one back in 1982,” says Don Ferrier, CEO. The company emphasized air sealing as well as reducing, reusing and recycling long before the idea of “green builder” became popular.

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