Exterior Walls Advice: 2x4 or 2x6
owaller
15 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (16)
liptonjl
15 years agoche1sea
15 years agoRelated Discussions
2x6 versus 2x4framing?
Comments (12)"Our floor plan shows 2x4 framing, if we wanted to switch to 2x6's would we need to have the plan redrawn or would the builder be able to install windows/doors without too much adjustment? Thanks!" What stage are you at? If you don't have your zoning and building permits yet, you should ask them what they require. They are the ones that can tell you what is required. If you already have your permits and they were approved for 2x4 walls, then upgrading to 2x6 walls should be allowable but you'll need to find out from your local code authority if you need to do anything different with them to document this structual change and if you need to change your drawings. We can only guess. They are the ones that can tell you what you can and can't do. This may or may not help you but I'll share it anyway. We are in the planning stages of our build. We are considering and pricing different options. One has to do with insulation and exterior walls. If we use 2x6 walls, we'll use fiberglass insulation. If we use 2x4 walls we'll use expanding foam (like Icynene) insulation. I have only compared the lumber and drywalls costs so far and this is the part that might help you. With my local lumber and drywall prices, 2x4 exterior walls are 21% less expensive than 2x6 walls both on 16" centers. Windows are made for 2x4 walls. When you use them in 2x6 walls, you need to add jamb extensions to your window order. I believe that the prices vary depending on window specifics and have not priced it yet to add to the overall cost difference. But with that said, I would expect even more savings with 2x4 walls due to this difference in costs. If you are already under contract with a builder, expect a heavty change order fee to upgrade from 2x4 walls to 2x6 walls. I hope my babbling helped someone....See MoreInsulation in 2x4 walls
Comments (6)That brings the wall down to a nominal R22.5--not counting the drywall, siding and air film on either side. Sounds fine to me! Especially if you're heating with natural gas, the price of which has been plummeting with the expansion of fracking--from C$6.16mcf in 2007 to C$2.315 a couple of days ago. Before settling on window choices, you might want to consult this Natural Resources Canada site rating Canadian windows according to Energy Star criteria. At the least, stick to windows rated for your climate zone. (I am psychic. And your profile is public.) ***** BTW, this Torontonian many years ago spent a couple of summers in Saskatchewan--from remote Hudson Bay and Carrot River in the north, to beautiful Saskatoon, to Prince Albert, the city of jails and tough guys, to Regina....See More2x6 walls question
Comments (7)Energy rater...I know...seems silly. I really am concerned about the other things too. But those things I feel pretty confident about...I think. I really do have a reason for asking such a silly question. We have found a plan that's pretty reasonable. I've had a Kohler Tea for Two tub picked out for years. It's 6 ft. In this plan (see pic) the tub almost looks wedged in as it is. The space is 6' 8 1/2". My brain is thinking that if this space shrinks by 4 " the tub I want will not fit. The plan has 2x4 walls and we want 2x6 walls. So trying to figure out if we should have our local architect change this along with any other changes we are making. Does losing those few inches here and there affect things like this or trim and doors not fitting right in tight places where every inch might count? JDS..so, if the GC has the basement contractor pour all walls 4" bigger the plan or blueprint doesn't need to be changed. Am I getting this right? ichabod...thank you. Love your phrasing..walls "coming in"...See More2x4 vs 2x6 exterior studs with spray foam insulation. Better Option?
Comments (49)Michigan occupies building climate zones 5 - 7. Zone 5 is the warmest zone that can still comply with the R20 cavity-only requirement. It looks like Ontario has adopted similar IRC mandatory exterior insulative sheathing. We use the performance compliance path on every home, one of the many advantages to including a third party energy rater. Most raters are not keen on getting too far away from code prescriptions. For some of the prescriptions, like blower door minimums, it's cost-effective to exceed code. Most high performance builders are exceeding code with exterior insulation as code encourages risky wall strategies, hence the recommended minimum table I first posted about. Even leaky, all natural homes can have poor indoor air quality. Outdoor air ventilation is now required by current IRC codes and a smart idea for any inhabited enclosed space. It's a life-safety requirement and long overdue measure for modern homes....See Moreemilynewhome
15 years agoowaller
15 years agotxgal06
15 years agomarthaelena
15 years agomarthaelena
15 years agojessica07
15 years agomikeyvon
15 years agosniffdog
15 years agocs6000
15 years agoflgargoyle
15 years agocs6000
15 years agoworthy
15 years agomightyanvil
15 years ago
Related Stories
DECORATING GUIDES10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever
If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNDreaming of a Spa Tub at Home? Read This Pro Advice First
Before you float away on visions of jets and bubbles and the steamiest water around, consider these very real spa tub issues
Full StoryREMODELING GUIDESContractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design
Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road
Full StoryHEALTHY HOMEHow to Childproof Your Home: Expert Advice
Safety strategies, Part 1: Get the lowdown from the pros on which areas of the home need locks, lids, gates and more
Full StoryFARM YOUR YARDAdvice on Canyon Farming From L.A.'s Vegetable Whisperer
See how a screened garden house and raised beds help an edible garden in a Los Angeles canyon thrive
Full StoryLIFEEdit Your Photo Collection and Display It Best — a Designer's Advice
Learn why formal shots may make better album fodder, unexpected display spaces are sometimes spot-on and much more
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNSmart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice
Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home
Full StoryKITCHEN STORAGEKnife Shopping and Storage: Advice From a Kitchen Pro
Get your kitchen holiday ready by choosing the right knives and storing them safely and efficiently
Full StoryTHE ART OF ARCHITECTURESound Advice for Designing a Home Music Studio
How to unleash your inner guitar hero without antagonizing the neighbors
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESDecorating Advice to Steal From Your Suit
Create a look of confidence that’s tailor made to fit your style by following these 7 key tips
Full Story
txgal06