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Advanced Framing

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Advanced framing refers to a variety of framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated in the construction of a wood-framed house. Advanced framing techniques create a structurally sound home that has lower material and labor costs than a conventionally framed house.

Advanced framing improves energy efficiency by replacing lumber with insulation material. The whole-wall R-value is improved by reducing thermal bridging through the framing and maximizing the wall area that is insulated.

Advanced framing techniques include:

• Designing homes on 2-foot modules to make the best use of common sheet good

sizes and reduce waste and labor.

• Spacing wall studs up to 24 inches on-center.

• Spacing floor joists and roof rafters up to 24 inches on-center.

• Using two-stud corner framing and inexpensive drywall clips or scrap lumber for

drywall backing instead of studs.

• Eliminating headers in non-load-bearing walls.

• Using in-line framing in which floor, wall, and roof framing members are vertically

in line with one another and loads are transferred directly downward.

• Using single lumber headers and top plates when appropriate.

Advanced framing techniques, sometimes called Optimum Value Engineering (OVE), have been researched extensively and proven effective. However, some techniques may not be allowed under certain circumstances (i.e., high wind or seismic potential) or in some localities. Be certain to consult local building officials early in the design phase to verify or obtain acceptance of these techniques.

In using advanced framing for wood stud wall construction, everything lines up so that double top plates are not necessary, and there are no headers in non-load bearing walls. Window openings are clean, without jack studs and cripples, and exterior corners have two studs.

In advanced framing, construction to a 24" module saves cutting and waste on sheet materials. It cuts framing lumber by eliminating closely spaced members to make up a small added dimension. It also makes the best use of 24" on center framing, and allows the use of a single top plate. Wider stud spacing reduces heat loss by reducing the amount of through -the-wall- wood and increasing the amount of insulation in the wall. ©2011 Building Science

Documents

Advanced Wall Framing Explained (813 kb)