Advanced Framing

With the current high cost of lumber, I thought I would talk about advanced framing which saves $$$ on lumber costs and allows for more insulation which makes homes more comfortable.

Of course you will want to have a conversation with your engineer about exactly how and where you can implement advanced framing in your homes due to seismic requirements but here are a few components to consider if you haven't already.

1. Studs at 24" on center with joists or rafters stacked directly on top

2. 2 stud corners - allow insulation to get all the way to the corner

3. Insulated headers - ditch that 6x6 and go with a 4x6 with foam insulation

4. Raised heel trusses - allow more insulation along the perimeter of the home

5. Ladder blocking at interior wall intersections

Here's a link to read about these options in more detail: https://basc.pnnl.gov/building-components/wall-structure

Alternatively, consider ICF or SIPS as the wall system as they are coming into cost parity with traditional framing.

Why Choose Induction Cooking

Did you know that induction cooking offers many benefits over gas? Yes, gas has been the preferred cooking fuel but like with heat pump space and water heating, induction is rapidly being seen as the premium option for the following reasons.

1. Control - set precise temperatures with faster response time

2. Safety - surface is cool to touch after cooking, no gas leak potential

3. Healthy - no CO and no NO2

4. Clean - easy to clean and lower carbon footprint especially with on-site solar

5. Cost - no needed gas infrastructure run to home

Zero Energy Homes - HVAC & DHW

Check out this video to learn about selecting efficient water heating and space heating and cooling systems for your zero energy home.

Zero Energy Homes - Windows

Check out this video to learn about best practices for window selection for zero energy homes!

Zero Energy Homes - Air Sealing

Check out this video to learn more about air sealing best practices for zero energy homes and tips for lowering your blower door number!

Zero Energy Homes - Blower Door Test

“If you’re not testing, you’re just guessing!”

Watch this video to learn more about what blower door testing is and why it is important to achieve zero energy homes.

Zero Energy Homes - Roofs

Here are 5 features of zero energy homes roofs.

1. Air sealed joints and penetrations through the ceiling

2. R-49+ insulation for a flat attic

3. R-38+ insulation for a vaulted attic

4. Exterior insulation aka outsulation for a vaulted attic to reduce thermal bridging through the rafters

5. Durable roofing such as metal or composition shingles

Zero Energy Homes - Walls

First of all, if you don’t want to read about advanced wall systems and their benefits, watch the video!

Second, here is a written overview of what we discussed in the video.

1. Current code minimum in Oregon is 2x6 wall framing with R-21 insulation

2. Zero energy homes require higher R-value walls that are well air sealed

3. Some states are starting to require 1” R-5 exterior insulation known as a thermal break shear wall

4. There are cost effective sheathing materials that integrate insulation and the weather resistive barrier (WRB) into one product that require less labor to install

5. Advanced wall systems include exterior insulation, double stud walls and ICF (insulating concrete forms).

6. Advanced framing includes 2 stud corners, stacked framing at 24” o.c., insulated headers, ladder blocking, raised heel trusses, and plumbing and electrical runs in interior walls.

Contact us to figure out which of these solutions is best for your project!

Zero Energy Homes - Foundations

Here are 3 features of zero energy foundations.

1. Insulation under slabs - R-15 minimum for radiant slabs, R-10 minimum for unheated slabs

2. Air sealed joints and penetrations in framed floor

3. R-38 minimum insulation in framed floor

Zero Energy Homes - ICF Construction

Here are 3 reasons ICF construction contributes to zero energy homes.

1. Airtight walls minimize drafts and vapor flow

2. Expanded polystyrene insulation creates a thermal break that minimizes heat loss during the winter and heat gain during the summer

3. Concrete core is a thermal mass that stores energy