Page 22 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

THE HOMEOWNER’S HANDBOOK EIGHTH EDITION

Structure03

Think in terms of systems, not just sticks and bricks.

Wood framing, concrete Dimensional Lumber

blocks and SIPs each have

pros and cons. Make sure

you understand your options

before you start building.

HILE WOOD FRAMING is the most common
and familiar type of home structure, you
have other options, including insulating
concrete forms (ICFs), structural insulated
panels (SIPs) and lightweight concrete
Wblocks. Of course, if you’re adventurous,
many other systems have been around for decades, including
log homes, straw bale, cordwood and even Earthships. Not every
method of construction may be right for your geography, but Virtues Caveats
most technologies can be modified to accommodate your taste ■ ■ Renewable (if forest is well ■ ■ May create unwanted
and your region. For the purposes of this primer, however, let’s managed) thermal bridging
stick to the structural systems your builder is most likely to know ■ ■ Familiar to contractors ■ ■ Requires skilled labor
and understand. ■ ■ Excellent durability

WOOD FRAMING
Old and New Insulating Concrete Forms
Wood, by its very nature, is a green product. If forests are managed
properly, trees grow back. How do you know if forests are being
treated with respect? Look for lumber that is certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council (www.fsc.org) or the Sustainable Forestry Virtues
Initiative (www.sfiprogram.org). Typically, energy-efficient ■ ■ Very little air
builders prefer 2” x 6” lumber for vertical studs in wall cavities, infiltration
because the wider space allows for more insulation. ■ ■ Lightweight forms
Another more recent wood framing technology is called assemble easily
■ ■ Thermal mass of
engineered wood products (EWP). Products such as studs and concrete slows
joists are created in a factory with special water-resistant glues temperature swings
and fibers from leftover mill lumber or fast-growing tree species. Caveats
They are pressed and glued into lightweight floor joists, rafters or ■ ■ Exposed foam may
other structural pieces. The green advantages? First, engineered need protection
■ ■ Some brands
products use more of the tree—there’s virtually no waste. Second, require additional
they tend to be more stable and straight than dimensional lumber. furring strips to
The downside? Certain products need to be stored carefully and attach drywall
installed exactly as intended, or they can lose their structural and siding
integrity.

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