BASC Search | Building America Solution Center

Installing ladder blocking at interior-exterior wall intersections rather than three solid studs in the exterior wall as the supporting surface allows room for insulation in the exterior wall.

Right- This concrete block home in the hot-humid climate is insulated on the interior with rigid EPS foam; all framing uses mold- and termite-resistant borate-treated lumber.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Right - New flashing has been installed to complete the air and water control layers at the window openings of this wall retrofit that includes insulating the wall cavities with spray foam

Right – A gap separates the two wall layers in this double-stud wall assembly allowing room for insulation to stop thermal bridging between the inner and outer wall

The 2x4 wall studs are staggered along the 2x6 sill plate providing space to weave insulation around each stud to stop thermal bridging through the wall.

Ladder blocking where interior and exterior walls intersect uses less wood and provides more room for insulation than stacking studs in the exterior wall to nail the interior wall to.

Advanced framing details include open headers and reduced framing around windows and two-stud corners to allow more room for insulation in the wall cavities while reducing lumber costs.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/01/2011 - 12:00

Brick veneer framed wall supported by a concrete slab-on-grade foundation with a turn-down footing insulated on its top surface, showing anchorage of the wall to the foundation for seismic resistance

Publication Date

Tue, 08/24/2021 - 12:00

This home’s double-wall structure consists of two 2x4 walls set two inches apart, then sheathed on the exterior and netted on the interior to create a 9.5-inch wall cavity that is filled with blown fiberglass insulation.

The main trunk line of the ducts runs within an insulated duct chase installed in a notch designed into the roof trusses that runs the length of the home to provide supply air directly to most of the home’s ceiling registers.

This Kalamazoo Habitat for Humanity affiliate installs one layer of foam exterior of the studs and a second layer in between the staggered studs which are set only 2 inches apart to simplify the installation of additional fiberglass batt insulation.

The energy-saving double wall construction uses two side-by-side stud walls, providing an extra-thick wall cavity that can be filled with more than twice as much insulation as a 2x6 wall.

A floor cavity between the first and second floor can provide a conditioned space for HVAC ducts if the rim joists are insulated and air sealed, if sufficient space is available, and if open-web floor joists are used

Publication Date

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 12:00

Right – This home is framed with double walls – two 2x4 walls set next to each other then sheathed with OSB on the exterior and netted on the interior face to create an extra-deep wall cavity that can be filled with blown-in insulation.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Specially designed roof trusses come with a two-foot by two-foot notch cut next to the center post providing space to install an insulated duct chase inside the home’s conditioned space but above the normal ceiling height.

Right – This hot-humid climate home is constructed with concrete block that is insulated on the inside with rigid foam; the framing is borate-treated lumber; the roof design is a high-wind-resistant hip roof with only one small gable over the entry.

Publication Date

Thu, 09/30/2021 - 12:00

Advanced framing techniques including 2x6 walls spaced at 24 inches on center and ladder blocking at wall intersections allow more space for insulation in the wall cavities while open-web floor joists provide space between floors for ducting.

Publication Date

Mon, 01/01/2018 - 12:00

This Habitat for Humanity builder ordered roof trusses with a 2-foot by 2-foot notch next to the center post then lined the cutout with rigid foam to form an insulated central duct chase to bring the heating and cooling ducts within the conditioned space.

Each floor of this two-story modular home is constructed in a factory, including the 2x6, 24-inch on-center walls, R-21 fiberglass batt cavity insulation, and rigid exterior foam, housewrap, windows, and trim, then connected on site.

The highly efficient double wall system consists of two sets of stud walls set side by side to create a 12-inch-thick double-stud wall cavity that is filled with a continuous blanket of R-44 dense-packed cellulose insulation.

The exterior walls are double walls consisting of two 2x4 stud walls set 3 inches apart to form a 10-inch-thick wall cavity that is filled with blown-in fiberglass to provide a continuous R-40 blanket of insulation around the home.

Double Wall Framing - Code Compliance Brief

Double stud wall wood framing is not specifically addressed in the International Residential Code (IRC) or International Energy Conservation Code (IECC); it is neither encouraged nor discouraged. Recommendations of where the vapor retarder and air barrier should be placed, based on research and testing are further defined in this Code Compliance Brief.

Double-Wall Architectural Feature

Guide describing air barrier installation, insulation installation, and air-sealing for double walls (half or full walls included in a home design as an architectural feature that provides a more dimensional appearance).

Vinyl Siding with Integrated Rigid Foam for Existing Walls

Guide describing the design and installation considerations for recladding of above grade walls using insulated vinyl siding.

ICF bricks are stacked to form hollow walls that are reinforced with steel rebar before the concrete is poured in

Publication Date

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 12:00

Advanced Framing vs Traditional Framing

Publication Date

December, 2012

Author(s)

Risinger

Organization(s)

Build with Matt Risinger

Video describing traditional 2x4 16 inch on center framing versus advanced framing with 2x6 stud walls at 24 inch on center, insulated corners and headers, wall stud-ceiling joist alignment, etc. providing a strong wall with more room for insulation.

Install Top Plates or Blocking at the Top of Walls Adjoining Unconditioned Spaces

Guide describing how to correctly air-seal a wall with missing top plates or open wall cavities.

Technology Solutions Case Study: Stand-Off Furring in Deep Energy Retrofits

Author(s)

IBACOS

Organization(s)

IBACOS

Publication Date

May, 2014

Case study describing a stand-off furring strategy that minimizes the physical connections to each existing wall stud, uses spray foam to encapsulate existing siding materials (including lead paint), and creates a vented rain screen assembly to promote drying.

Analysis of Joint Masonry Moisture Content Monitoring

Author(s)

Ueno Kohta

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

October, 2015

Report on adding insulation to load-bearing mass masonry buildings.

Builders Challenge High Performance Builder Spotlight: David Weekley Homes, Houston, Texas

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

December, 2009

Case study describing new home construction in the hot-humid climate, optimizing thermal enclosure, HVAC, water heating and lighting measures.

Air Sealing Duct and Flue Shafts

Guide describing how to air-seal duct and flue shafts.

A pumper is used to place the concrete into the foam form walls

Publication Date

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00

ICF forms are filled with the use of a concrete pumper truck

Publication Date

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00

The ICF consists of foam forms that are held in place with plastic or metal spacers and reinforced with metal rebar

Publication Date

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 12:00

Corner installed plywood or OSB as shear bracing

DWG

PDF

2-stud corner with 1x4 backer

DWG

PDF

Mastic Home Exteriors Installation Guide

Author(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Organization(s)

Ply Gem Siding Group

Publication Date

April, 2015

Siding installation guide for Ply Gem Siding Group products.

Equivalency of SIP Walls to Light Frame Wood Construction Subjected to Seismic Loading

Author(s)

Structural Insulate Panel Association

Organization(s)

SIPA

Publication Date

January, 2021

Article in the SIPA Technical Bulletin (No. 11) comparing the earthquake resistance of light-frame wood shear wall construction to residential construction with structural insulated panels (SIPS).

Advanced Framing: Minimum Wall Studs

Guide describing how to frame a wall with minimal wall studs to prevent heat losses and gains through walls.

Interior intersecting wall with 1x6

DWG

PDF

2-stud corner with drywall clips

DWG

PDF

Mini truss header - section

DWG

PDF

Outset header with head plate

DWG

PDF

Interior intersecting wall with drywall clips

DWG

PDF

Interior intersecting wall with ladder blocking

DWG

PDF

Advanced Framing: Minimal Framing at Doors and Windows

Guide describing how to minimize framing around doors and windows to reduce heat losses and gains through structural framing.

Conventional T-post framing detail

Ladder framing detail, plan view

Raised ceiling duct chase installation technique

Interior wall post support detail plan view

Right – Open-cell spray foam fills the cavity in this these double-stud walls

Right – This home’s exterior walls are double walls for increased R value.

Publication Date

Mon, 09/30/2019 - 12:00

Two-stud corner using drywall clips; detail shows nail placement for exterior trim

Wrong - Double top plate seam is poorly caulked.

Publication Date

Mon, 04/03/2017 - 12:00

Advanced framing showing open headers

Publication Date

Thu, 02/16/2012 - 12:00

Interior wall attached with top plate metal connector, drywall clips support drywall, plan view

Framing is built around the window before exterior rigid foam is installed on the exterior walls around the window.

The advance-framed 2x6 24-inch on-center walls are covered with netting then filled with R-23 blown fiberglass.

The double walls form a 12-inch cavity that was sheathed with a coated OSB then coated with 3 inches of closed-cell spray foam; they will be filled with 9 inches of blown fiberglass.

The basement walls’ interior framing is set in 3 inches from the concrete to allow space for closed-cell foam that is sprayed directly on the concrete, then blown cellulose is added to fill the wall cavity.

Connector plate and drywall clips

Publication Date

Mon, 02/01/2010 - 12:00

After spraying the 2x6 wall cavities with 2 inches (R-13) of closed-cell spray foam, the walls are covered with netting and an additional 3.5 inches of fiberglass (R-13) is blown in.

Publication Date

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 12:00

Wall Assembly | Madrona Passive House

Publication Date

December, 2014

Video describing the wall assembly of a passive house.

Interior wall attached with top plate metal connector, drywall clips support drywall, side view

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00

The exterior walls of this home consist of two wall cavities: a 2x6 wall with plywood sheathing plus 8-inch I-joists sheathed with engineered wood; both cavities are dense-packed with cellulose for R-60 total.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Insight Homes: Deep Creek, Seaford, Delaware

Author(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Organization(s)

PNNL

Publication Date

April, 2012

Case study describing a home builder that has refined its home designs to achieve HERS scores of 49 to 56 on 40 to 70 homes per year.

These factory-built walls consist of 9.5-inch I-studs sheathed with coated OSB, faced with OSB, and dense-packed with cellulose; a second interior surface of drywall is added to provide a 1.5-inch cavity for electrical wiring.

Are the Walls Closing In?

Author(s)

Kochkin

Organization(s)

Home Innovation Research Labs

Webinar describing research on moisture performance in high-R walls.

Structural headers are not needed on nonbearing walls

Publication Date

Tue, 03/01/2011 - 12:00

The OSB roof decking product comes with an adhered radiant foil barrier which helps to prevent heat transfer in or out of the vented attic, while R-13 unfaced fiberglass fills the advanced-framed 2x6 walls.

A Thermally Broken Steel Connection

Author(s)

West Chris

Organization(s)

Journal of Light Construction,

JLC

Publication Date

April, 2017

Article describing methods for thermally isolating a garage in a Passive House-certified multifamily building.

Attach the interior 2x4 wall to the exterior wall top plate with a flat metal connector plate

Publication Date

Tue, 06/26/2012 - 12:00

Utilities are commonly recessed into cutouts in the foam after concrete has been poured

Publication Date

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 12:00

Drywall was removed and the existing 2x4 walls were filled with 3.5 inches of dense-packed cellulose. Outside, the ½-inch plywood was topped with house wrap, 1.5 inches closed-cell rigid foam, 1x3 furring strips, and fiber cement siding.

Loyal Heights Home Addition Video #002: Framing Details

Publication Date

August, 2013

Video of a contractor explaining details of properly framing a home in Seattle, WA using proper Hammer & Hand practices.

Ducts in Interstitial Floor Framing

Guide for designing and installing interior ducts in an interstitial floor cavity in new and existing homes.

This kneewall has no top plate and the resulting gap provides a wide-open pathway for air and vapor to travel between the living space and the attic

Cantilevers, Technical Bulletin F2

Author(s)

Advanced Energy

Organization(s)

Advanced Energy

Publication Date

March, 2002

Information sheet containing images and descriptions of cantilevers.

All About Larsen Trusses

Author(s)

Holladay Martin

Organization(s)

Green Building Advisor

Publication Date

July, 2011

Website article interviewing the inventor of the Larsen truss, a history of its use, and a discussion of its advantages and disadvantages.

High Performance Building Details - Advanced Framing II

Author(s)

Steven Winter Associates,

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings

Organization(s)

CARB,

SWA

Publication Date

July, 2010

Brochure describing advanced framing techniques.

Right – Verify SIP headers are installed

Publication Date

Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:00

Ladder framing detail side view

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2002 - 12:00

Interior wall post support detail side view

Publication Date

Tue, 01/01/2002 - 12:00

Building Materials Property Table, Info-500

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

April, 2015

Document presenting some of the key technical properties of many of the most common building materials.

Measure Guideline: Deep Energy Enclosure Retrofit for Double-Stud Walls

Author(s)

Loomis Honorata,

Pettit Betsy

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC

Publication Date

June, 2015

Report on two approaches to retrofitting existing double-stud walls.

Right - Blocking has been installed between the ceiling joists and air sealed in place with canned spray foam to stop air flow beneath the attic knee wall.

Publication Date

Fri, 01/01/2010 - 12:00

BSC Information - Common Advanced Framing Details for All Climates, Sheet 201

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

May, 2009

Brochure explaining the essential basis for advanced framing and some of the more common advanced framing details.

Cold Climate Building Techniques and Concepts: Cathedral Roofs

Publication Date

January, 2014

Author(s)

Cold Climate Housing Research Center

Organization(s)

CCHRC

Video describing roof and attic construction for cold climates, including cathedral roof design and insulation strategies, from Cold Climate Housing Research Center.

Frame wall and install blocking

Publication Date

Mon, 09/01/2014 - 12:00

ETW: Wall - Double Stud with Spray Foam Wall Construction

Author(s)

Building Science Corporation

Organization(s)

BSC

Publication Date

November, 2014

Information sheet briefly summarizing double stud with spray foam wall construction including the advantages and disadvantages of this construction strategy.

Advanced Wall Framing

Author(s)

U.S. Department of Energy,

Home Innovation Research Labs,

Southface Energy Institute

Organization(s)

HIRL,

SEI,

DOE

Publication Date

October, 2000

Fact sheet describing advanced framing techniques that reduce the amount of lumber used in constructing wood-framed houses while providing more space for wall insulation.

Building America Webinar: High-Performance Enclosure Strategies, Part I: Unvented Roof Systems and Innovative Advanced Framing Strategies

Author(s)

Lstiburek,

Kochkin

Organization(s)

Building Science Corporation,

BSC,

Home Innovation Research Labs

Webinar describing high-performance enclosure strategies for unvented roof systems and wall assemblies.

Wrong – The gable end wall failed because the rigid foam sheathing was not backed up by plywood or OSB.

Publication Date

Wed, 12/01/2010 - 12:00

When condensation forms on the interior side of wall sheathing and is not able to dry out, it can lead to mold growth and rotting of wall sheathing and framing

Publication Date

Wed, 07/01/2020 - 12:00

Window Sash Retrofit

Guide describing how to modify an existing window sash for high-efficient windows.

Characterization of Framing Factors for Wood-Framed Low-Rise Residential Buildings

Author(s)

Carpenter Stephen C,

Schumacher Christopher

Organization(s)

American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers,

ASHRAE

Publication Date

January, 2003

Case study characterizing the framing factors for the exterior walls, ceilings, and floors of 180 wood-framed low-rise residential buildings across the United States.

Extended Plate and Beam Wall System: Concept Investigation and Initial Evaluation

Author(s)

Wiehagen Joseph,

Kochkin Vladimir

Organization(s)

Partnership for Home Innovation,

PHI,

Home Innovation Research Labs,

HIRL

Publication Date

August, 2015

Report on high-R wall design called extended plate and beam that uses foam sheathing insulation with wall framing.

Ducts in Dropped Ceilings

Guide describing method for installing ducts in a duct chase above a dropped ceiling.

Two-stud corners with drywall clips use the least wood and give the best thermal performance

Reference

Building America Best Practices Series - 40% Whole-House Energy Savings in the Cold and Very Cold Climates, Volume 12

Author(s)

Baechler Michael C,

Gilbride Theresa L,

Hefty Marye G,

Cole Pam C,

Love Pat M

Organization(s)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory,

PNNL,

Oak Ridge National Laboratory,

ORNL,

U.S. Department of Energy,

DOE

Guide describing measures that builders in the cold and very cold climates can take to build homes that have whole-house energy savings of 40% over the Building America benchmark with no added overall costs for consumers.

Publication Date

Tue, 02/01/2011 - 12:00