5 BETTER FRAMING Options!

1. 2x4 w/ Cardboard sheathing and batt fiberglass R-13 insulation
Price Per SqFt: $1.62
Effective R-value of opaque assembly = 10.526
Pros: Inexpensive
Cons: Hard to install correctly because it is not very durable. Easy for other trades to damage. Thermal breaks because insulation isn’t continuous. Fiberglass batts are hard to install effectively.

2. 2x4 w/ osb, standard house wrap, and batt fiberglass R-13 insulation
Price Per SqFt: $2.18 (+35% from last assembly)
Effective R-value of opaque assembly = 11.11
Pros: Inexpensive. Most builders are experienced with this technique. Can tape the seams for improved air sealing.
Cons: Air barrier and WRB are seperate. Thermal breaks because insulation isn’t continuous. Easier to damage than WRB that is already bonded to the sheathing. Fiberglass batts are hard to install effectively.

3. 2x4 w/ zip and batt Rockwool R-15 insulation
Price Per SqFt: $2.63 (+21% from last assembly)
Effective R-value of opaque assembly = 11.905
Pros: WRB and air barrier is one unit and easy to install. Most builders should have no problem as it is the same as OSB/Plywood sheathing. Rockwool is fire resistant, hydrophobic, and easier to install effectively.
Cons: More expensive than OSB and house wrap.

4. 2x4 w/ zip R-3 and batt Rockwool R-15 insulation
Price Per SqFt: $2.95 (+12% from last assembly)
Effective R-value of opaque assembly = 14.7
Pros: Continuous exterior insulation = less chance of condensation on back side of sheathing. Standard 2x4 construction all builders are familiar with.
Cons: More expensive than standard OSB and house wrap. Nailing sheathing with insulation is new to some builders.

5. 2x6 w/ plywood, Aluma Flash peel-and-stick, and batt rockwool R-23 insulation
Price Per SqFt: $4.17 (+41% from last assembly)
Effective R-value of opaque assembly = 16.949
Pros: 2x6 should be easy for all builders to work with. Increased cavity depth = more insulation. Peel-and-stick WRB are easy to install, fairly durable, and not reliant on mechanical fasteners.
Cons: More expensive. No continuous exterior insulation = Thermal breaks in assembly.

Different Types of Wall Assemblies
(Low to High performing framing assemblies)
R-value, pros, cons, price breakdown

* Prices only reflect lumber, insulation, WRB, and Sheathing of assemblies from my local lumber yard. Does not include hardware, fasteners, tapes, flashings, labor, etc. Used a 8’ x 8’ wall assembly to calculate.
* As you upgrade your wall assembly materials and methods, it is just as important to upgrade any other parts of the assembly that affect the performance such as windows and doors. This is just a look at the framing, sheathing, and WRB assemblies relating to R-values


Huge thanks to our Show sponsors Polywall, Huber, Dorken Delta, Prosoco, & Viewrail for helping to make these videos possible! These are all trusted companies that Matt has worked with for years and trusts their products in the homes he builds. We would highly encourage you to check out their websites for more info.

[rossmillard]

Someone once said to me, "The building codes represent the worst house you are legally allowed to build." I always share that with my clients who are then told by potential builder that all their houses are built to code. Builders need to show their clients how their houses exceed building codes and the competition.

[peterkroeker]

What I've come to realize is that this man has taught me more than all other builders I have ever worked with

[richdelgzz]

Wish you had a list of “approved builders” throughout the country. With your audience continuously growing and other builders updating their build science it’s possible. You’d be the Mike Holmes of YouTube!

[jackielinde]

THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING THAT HUBER HAS SPONSORED YOU IN THE PAST! I don't know why it's such a big deal for YouTubers to take the time to fully disclose their relationships when talking about products. It's quick, easy, and lets the consumers who are going to spend their money on and live with these products know any possible conflicts of interest. And an honest declaration makes you look that much better.

[supremelawfirm]

Matt, I was an owner-builder for about 3 years, but not much construction outside of that. I really LOVE the way you present these technical details with clear and articulate descriptions, no words wasted. You obviously know your subject, and you communicate important essentials verbally and graphically in a most excellent way. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK -- YOU ARE HELPING LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO NEED TO KNOW THIS STUFF!

[kdrguru]

As an architect I thank you for educating the public to think about quality. Focus on envelope performance more than the finishes. This is an excellent video.

[slowsmooth]

I hit the thumbs up as soon as the video starts everytime. Remodeling a 1946 bungalow. Better results with Matt guiding DIY. Lower cost as well. Quiet Comfort. If I have to explain you don't understand. Thanks Matt.

[DanielZajic]

Fantastic video, Matt! This is the type of content that will push the industry, and also increase awareness of good building practices in the general public. Both are needed.

[johans]

Great video! One of your best. In the UK we extend the insulation about 9 inches down from the top of the slab to provide some slab edge insulation/aid with cavity wall drainage.

[TroyRibao]

Now this is EXACTLY the kind of info I have been waiting for. Super detailed w/ some pricing info to get a decent comparison between the different assemblies and materials. Thank you! Looking forward to the next 5 assemblies. If they aren't included I'd love to see the same type of video on other wall assemblies such as double stud walls and larsen trusses.

[JS-pozp]

I'm an aspiring builder-- built one house but a novice. Love your channel, you really break things down in a simple way that anyone can understand-- only a person who knows the subject in and out can do that. Learning so much. Please keep posting!!!

[BlackOTR]

Because of your videos I have become addicted to watching how builders build New homes in my area. And most of the time I am disappointed 🤦🏾‍♂️. Great video 👍🏾

[RockyRayndawg]

Thank you. I renovated my house (in Canada) to much better than building code, but with surpsingly little cost impact. Spending. 30% more here in Canada will pay for itself in less than 2 years, and we have very low prices for natural gas and electricity. Keep up the good work. I renovated based on your air sealing recommendations and saved myself 65% + in gas bills. Absolutely insane! 👍👍

[markpalmer]

Excellent, straightforward video. Lou Varni’s illustrations help immensely. Really looking forward to the next set of options.

[miltonzinn]

Thanks Matt for the awesome videos. My wife and I were planning on building our next home and the information you’ve provided has really given me some tools to go to the design table with. Hope all is well in your life and enjoy Austin.

[TroyRibao]

Double thanks for having all the details spelled out in the video description!

[kevinbarry]

Nine dollars for a sheet of that cardboard crap? Somebody is making a killing

[Inoil]

I'm saying it again! the best intro Ever! Great smile and enthusiasm! Huge Fan from Canada (Calgary)

[kurtneis]

Glad I stumbled across your channel. I'm an architect up in michigan. It is exciting to see builders sharing about better building options. It is difference cult at times to convince clients to go above and beyond code mins.

[MikeBMW]

In Florida, two layers of vapor barrier are required on all new frame -built new homes.
Also, minimum 7/16" minimum sheathing (plywood or OSB) is required on 100 percent of the exterior of a frame-built new home.
We, generally use a Tie-Max hold down system on frame walls OR J-bolts at 18" on center with hold-downs, i.e. Simpson HTT4 or better, at each end of a shearwall, whether a Type I or Type II shearwall.
Most homes in my area are CMU (mixed in with some frame-built homes) - 140 MPH wind zone, although we design for 150 and up, as well, wherein extra cost is incurred with impact resistant glass and coverings on openings to the interior.
There are many more requirements but the "worst built house" would never have been permitted in Florida.
At any rate, Matt, love the vids! :)