When we think of new home construction, we often focus on the result and how we will live in the home. As consumers, we concentrate on what we see, likely drywall and paint imperfections. A home’s value is in the house’s ” bones, ” not just drywall, paint, cabinets, etc. A few potential questions a new homebuyer should ask are: “What should I be looking for in the framing stage?” Or “How will my new home be insulated”?
There are many pros of using 2 x 6 exterior walls versus 2 x 4 walls. The advantages include a better-insulated home, higher energy efficiency, increased sound deadening, and it just makes the house look solid. With anything that we do, there will be cons. These can include additional material costs, as 2 x 6 lumber is more expensive, plus the added expense of extra insulation. Additionally, 2 x 6 walls may decrease the size of your home unless you extend the foundation out 2 inches to compensate (and then you must add the foundation costs to the build).
The term energy efficiency is more than just a fancy buzzword. Builders should consider this with each home built; new dwellings must be constructed in a way that will last for generations. With the additional two inches of lumber, we can install extra insulation in each cavity to decrease the energy loss and gain. Reducing thermal bridging from heat loss and gain will reduce the energy necessary to heat and cool your home. Less energy consumption results in lower monthly bills and more money in your pocket! Therefore offsetting the additional upfront costs over the life of the house and your time spent raising your family.
My home is my safe place, and I want to be comfortable while enjoying it and not worried about what is happening outside my walls. One feature that is important but often overlooked is noise management. When a builder uses 2 x 6 walls and additional insulation, it will deaden the sound transfer from the home’s exterior to our safe place. If your home is built near a roadway, sound should be your top priority as you want to avoid hearing the sound of cars driving by while watching television or reading your favorite book. We need to feel safe and comfortable in our homes, and by decreasing outside sound, we can accomplish this priority.
And let’s be honest, a 2 x 6 wall looks good around windows and doors! The deeper jamb increases the structure’s appeal and allows you to add trim or other means to dress it up.
The main con with a 2 x 6 wall is the decreased size of your home. The most straightforward workaround for this drawback is to move your foundation walls out two inches to accommodate the thicker walls. Yes, this will increase the price of your home’s foundation, but it is money well spent as your energy efficiency and footprint will be comfortable for decades to come. Think of your home as an investment for the future, and the additional costs for a superior product will be money well spent.
While there are negatives to using a 2 x 6 exterior wall, the positives far outweigh the cons, especially when considering 30 years of use. Energy efficiency alone is worth investing in as you will see the savings from your investment in your monthly energy bills and your family’s comfort.
