What is Thermal Bridging?

1. What is Thermal Bridging? • A reduction of the effectiveness of insulation to reduce conductive heat flow through the building envelope otherwise know as “heat loss” • Concrete, steel reduce the thermal effectiveness of insulation by up to 50% • Wood reduces the thermal effectiveness of insulation by 15 to 20% • Windows may reduce the effectiveness by 30% • Heat loss means inefficient energy use • How do we fix this problem? - Reduced Thermal Bridging

2. How do we reduce Thermal Bridging? • Better application of thermal insulation • More insulation • Installed properly – Grade 1 • Reduce the areas where it can be bridged • How? • Advanced Framing or OVE

3. OPTIMUM VALUE ENGINEERING TYPICALLY CALLED “OVE” “OVE” IS A SERIES OF CHOICES, NOT A METHOD OF WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION ADVANCED FRAMING USES THE “OVE” CONCEPT

4. OPTIMUM Best or most favorablecondition / best result VALUE Relative worth, merit, or usefulness / equivalent return ENGINEERING Art and science of practical application WHAT IS THE OVE CONCEPT?

5. Improve current project quality Eliminate unnecessary costs Reduce initial cost Reduce life cycle costs Solve existing problems WHY USE OVE?

6. 2x4 vs 2x6 Framing 16” vs 19.2” vs 24” Framing centers Trusses vs Stick framed roof Solid sawn floor vs Engineered floor system OSB vs Plywood vs Insulating Sheathing OVE EXAMPLES YOU ARE USING

7. The Optimum use of wood framing Provides the most Value per unit cost The most practical Engineered application of a wood frame WHAT IS ADVANCED FRAMING?

8. Align framing Members To provide material efficiency

9. Stack Framing Concept

11. Wall Framing Elevation

12. Single Top Plate Connections

13. Inset Rim Joist

15. Insulated Header Options

17. Trussed Header

18. Exterior Corner Framing Options

19. Interior Partition Framing Options

20. Stretch Code RequirementsNew Thermal Enclosure Checklist (THE) will be a requirement for Stretch Code in 2011- From Energy Star 3, which includes new section 4 belowhttp://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/bldrs_lenders_raters/downloads/InspectionChecklists.pdf 4. Reduced Thermal Bridging: • 4.1 Raised-heel truss or equivalent framing / insulation method used in the attic 8 • 4.2 HVAC and other attic platforms installed to allow for full-depth insulation below • 4.3 Reduced thermal bridging at walls using one of the following options: • 4.3.1 Continuous rigid insulation sheathing, insulated siding, or combination of the two; • > R-3 in Climate Zones 1-4, > R-5 in Climate Zones 5-8 9,10, OR; • 4.3.2 Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), OR; • 4.3.3 Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs), OR; • 4.3.4 Double-wall framing11, OR • 4.3.5 Advanced framing, including all of the items below: • 4.3.5a All corners insulated > R-6 to edge12, AND; • 4.3.5b All headers above windows & doors insulated13, AND; • 4.3.5c Framing limited at all windows & doors14, AND; • 4.3.5d All interior / exterior wall intersections insulated15, AND; • 4.3.5e Minimum stud spacing of 16" for 2 x 4 framing and 24" for 2 x 6 framing unless construction documents specify other spacing is structurally required16

21. Cost Implications of Advanced Framing • Architecture • Studs, Plates, Headers • Sheathing • Mechanical Fasteners • Training • Frame Labor • Drywall labor • Insulation NET RESULT • Not more if done at start • Significant savings – 25% • More - 5/8” vs. 1/2” • More –Plates, clips, hangers • More – retrain framing crew • Should be less • A little more • A little more, but this is the end goal • Eventually 10-20% savings

22. THANK YOU