What is the R-value difference with 2×6 walls?
Jeff writes from Hermitage, Tennessee: “I have just read with interest the question concerning 2×6 exterior framing vs. 2×4. We are in the design phase with our architect and I am getting conflicting opinions. I had planned to use 2×6 on 16″ centers, covered with half-inch ply, then a house wrap and finally with 1 inch foam and then brick. Living in middle Tennessee, we do have prolonged hot summers and I am wondering if it would be more cost efficient to only go with the 2×4 with the foam instead of the 2×6, all other factors being equal. Also, will the addition of the plywood sheathing cause more thermal bridging, or will the rigid foam negate that. I am concerned about structural integrity. Our house will be a two story with an open plan. This will be our ‘last’ house.” With the 2×4 walls the most R-value you can achieve within the wall cavity with high density fiberglass insulation is R-15. With a 2×6 wall you can achieve R-21 using high density fiberglass insulation within the wal
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