FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Can framers increase a home’s energy efficacy?

user-7871427 | Posted in General Discussion on March 4, 2022 10:13am

Hello Fine Homebuilding world.

I am co-owner and operator of a small company that specializes in framing homes. When I bid jobs, I often include nails, and glue as part of my costs. In my area the G.C. or lumber yard figures out building materials.

What can I do to this standard lumber package to make a common home more energy efficient? 

What products could I add to the standard framing practice?

What small, cost-effective changes could I recommend to the G.C. or homeowner?

My crew is small and inspired by Passive Home designs. We are seeking to add some steps in our framing process to get a better, more energy efficient product.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. fsmyles | Mar 04, 2022 10:57am | #1

    You often include nails and glue in your pricing? How do you handle those costs when you don't include them? Are they handled differently than other framing materials?

    Since you're focusing on nails and glue - look into insulating nails (aka IF, insulating fasteners. You will also need to invest in a new nail gun) and energy efficient glues and adhesives (aka - ISA glues, Insulating Structural Adhesives. Each brand has its own dispenser and battery). Both are more expensive but once you start using them you'll never look back, and the customer will love you after they get their first heating bill.

    F

  2. user-7871427 | Mar 04, 2022 02:04pm | #2

    I am not focusing on nails or glue. I was just mentioning how I already buy some products and am looking to buy more. Specifically, something that does not have a huge added cost or huge added labor.
    To frame a house, nails and glues usually only cost hundreds of dollars on bids that make 10s of thousands. Kind of a drop of water in the ocean. I choose to cover that cost for two reasons.
    1) never having to run to the lumber yard to get more fasteners. 2) I am one of the only people in my region that nails the OSB to the studs. Almost everyone else uses staples. And I use the foam glue and everyone else uses the standard subfloor glue.

    Thanks for the input. I will look into the products that you have mentioned.

    Does anyone add steps to sealing the mud sill, or around windows? Added blocking?

  3. finefinish | Mar 05, 2022 08:11am | #3

    Hey there, Simplest answer to your question about how framers can improve energy efficiency is "less wood = more insulation". Avoid lots of unnecessary wood, in the form of large headers in non-load bearing openings, doubled rough sills at windows for example. Frame walls, roofs 24" on center if possible and add foam to multi ply headers for thermal breaks. These are simple things framers can do as part of their work, but of course, the following trades need to be on the same page.

    1. user-7871427 | Mar 07, 2022 08:04am | #5

      Agreed that less wood is a great approach to allow more room for insulation. I often leave out studs and cripples if another framing member is within 5 inches or so.

      I also ladder block the corners using scraps. I am considering using left over 3/4 from the sub floors and make a cali corner with that?

      I am going to start pushing for 24" OC studs, but people are scared of change I guess.

  4. GrnBldr | Mar 05, 2022 11:32am | #4

    I am builder who specializes in air-tight construction. We do all of our own framing. Every house we have framed has tested at 0.6 ACH50 or better pre-insulation.

    The single best thing you can do is air seal as you frame. You can get to places that others can't later in the process. We go through a couple cases of accoustical sealant on every house.

    Get a battery powered caulk gun and lay continuous beads of sealant at all critical junctions. This combined with Zip sheathing will get your customers more bang for their buck than anything else.

    Also adjust your framing techniques to avoid areas that are difficult to insulate. Use corners and wall ties that do not create voids. Shift floor joists from a straight standard layout to avoid rim areas that are hard to reach. These things don't cost any extra, just require a little more thought in your process and will become habit quickly.

    1. user-7871427 | Mar 07, 2022 09:03am | #6

      I have watched videos and am very interested in adding acoustical sealant to our building practice. I understand that it functions great as an air sealant because it never hardens.

      Would you suggest a bead on both sides of mud sill? edges of OSB? around Windows?

      I want to start suggesting Zip to the clients as well. I have used it once and loved it.

      What types of corners and wall ties would you recommend?

      1. GrnBldr | Mar 07, 2022 05:42pm | #7

        We build two stud corners and then use scraps of sheathing to make the backer. For wall ties, we build the interior adjoining wall, stand it, then fasten a 7" wide rip of sheathing to the end stud, and then slide it into place. Put a couple of flat 2x4 blocks between the studs on the outer wall to stiffen things up. If the interior wall lands on an exterior wall stud, we will rip 1/2" off of that stud when we are building the exterior wall.

        When assembling our mud sills we put a bead of sealant on the wood, then staple some sill seal over it, and then put another bead of sealant on the foundation. The sill seal still acts us a capillary break, but then all layers are sealed. Sealant also goes on the outside face of the mudsill when before you sheath it. Last place you need the sealant is along the top plate of your wall where the zip sheathing hits it. Tape covers all the other areas.

        There are lots of fancy tapes and gaskets, but this method is inexpensive and easy. And it works!

        1. user-7871427 | Mar 07, 2022 09:54pm | #8

          Thank you for the reply.

          Ripping a half inch off of the exterior stud to receive the adjoining wall is a super cool trick!

          I really like the idea of using ply for backing.

  5. florida | Mar 08, 2022 05:04pm | #9

    You can use plate sealer, foam blind corners, and do all kinds of stuff the builder isn't likely to pay for. My experience has been that no one wants to pay for any extras unless they ask for them.

    1. user-7871427 | Mar 09, 2022 09:02am | #12

      I am looking for low-cost extra steps that I will not pass onto the G.C. / Homeowner.

      I have put foam into corners before, at no added cost.

  6. DIYrightGuy | Mar 08, 2022 08:20pm | #10

    Search the site for "Advanced Framing" for a wealth of info:

    https://www.finehomebuilding.com/?s=advanced+framing

    1. user-7871427 | Mar 09, 2022 08:18am | #11

      I am quite familiar with the concepts of advanced framing AKA Value Optimized Engineering. Thanks for providing the link.
      Using less wood is really a no brainer, once you know where to do it. For us framers, it usually means less cuts and carrying less wood. At the same time allowing more room for insulation.
      With my post I wanted to expand on those ideas as well as create a discussion.
      We are doing pretty good so far.

  7. User avater
    amitbajpayee | Mar 10, 2022 01:35am | #13

    "Well talking about your existing framing process, you can add extra energy-efficient fittings. Also while using home appliances you make sure they are energy efficient and do not consume more power than the requirement.

    Along with this if you are ready to go for an alternative option then you can generate your own energy from renewable energy sources.

    By using a solar rooftop system you can easily generate your own energy for your home.

    To more about this you can check here: https://agnisolar.com/products/solar-rooftop-system/"

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fast, Accurate Wall Framing

A rear addition provides a small-scale example of how to frame efficiently.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data