Advanced Framing

Advanced framing is a key component of green building and value engineering.

There are a variety of advanced framing techniques designed to reduce the amount of lumber used and waste generated throughout the construction of a wood-framed house.

These 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, be certain to consult local building officials early in the design phase to verify or obtain acceptance of these techniques.

Both builders and home owners can benefit from advanced framing.

Advanced framing techniques create a structurally sound home that has lower material and labor costs than a conventionally framed house. The benefits go beyond just framing and lumber – less materials are required throughout the building process – which is better for your budget and the environment.

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 can be implemented individually or as a complete package, depending on the builder.

According to the Department of Energy, fully implementing advanced framing techniques can result in materials cost savings of about $500 or $1000 (for a 1,200- and 2,400-square-foot house, respectively), labor cost savings of between 3 and 5 percent, and annual heating and cooling cost savings of up to 5 percent.

Now that’s real savings.