Advanced Framing- It requires know how, and supervision.

bondcampbell@mac.com — Thu, 22 May 2008 21:02:00 GMT

Advanced framing is a technique that demonstrates the fact that less, truly is more. Less wood in the wall means more insulation. Less wood in the wall means a higher R-Value. Less wood means a tighter building envelope. Less wood in the wall means a more efficient use of the resource. Less wood in the wall means less waste.

My understanding and appreciation of advanced framing has afforded me the ability to offset the the cost of the premium spray foam insulation I use in the construction of my homes. I estimate that I eliminate up to 30% of the wood framing materials used in the construction of the homes I build, when compared to the amount of material needed to frame an equivalently sized home conventionally. On the larger homes I build rough lumber packages can exceed 100K dollars. In those cases the 30% savings can offset the cost of the entire insulation package. We are talking about substantial savings when done correctly.

Those who don't understand what Im talking about are probably thinking: If it requires less material, therefore saving time, material, and resources, surely everyone would adopt the techniques. The answer is simply- NOPE! The majority of the homes being constructed today do not employ advanced framing techniques. WHY?

Reasons why are listed below.

1. Most builders have not dedicated the time to understand the benifits- its business as usual.

2. Most framers have never been instructed on advanced framing techniques- the general philosophy is- If two studs are good, then four studs are better.

3. High efficiency advanced framing techniques are dependent on high efficiency design- which requires a diversion from current design standards and a good understanding of the entire process.

4. Advanced framing techniques require better detailed plans with accurate, detailed and engineered drawings included in the home designs- this step is too time consuming and daunting for those who don't understand it.

5. When the details do find there way into the building plans, the framing subcontractor has to respect and appreciate the details- and so do the parties in charge of supervising the subcontractors.

There are plenty of other reasons why something as simple as advanced framing is not more commonly practiced, but these are the highlights.

If you would like to here and or see some of the innovative ways I am addressing this issue please come and see me at one of my homes, were I can show you first hand.

Advanced Framing- How important is it?

Advanced Framing- It requires know how, and supervision.