I am a member of the Builder's Association of Greater Boston (BAGB), Green Building Council. Our council presented a "Stretch Code Bootcamp" on Nov. 30 at the Boston Design Center to help over 100 participants get up to speed on the new Massachusetts Stretch Energy Code. Architect Steven Baczek and I gave the presentation on Advanced Framing. This was one of six presentations in the boot camp.
In this presentation we discussed how a builder utilizing advanced framing techniques can reduce the degree to which framing structure of a building can create areas of thermal bridging. The goal of advanced framing is to minimize wherever possible the total amount of the framing structure by using techniques such as two stud corners, two foot on center framing, roof trusses, and eliminating unecessary studs, jacks and headers.
This can help building become more energy efficient while using less materials.
Specifically the requirements for the new stretch code are as follows from the Energy Star Website:
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
See this link for more information on the Massachusetts Stretch Code:
