Insulated T-Stud Wall Framing

David Trammel's picture

Ok this is carpenter geek stuff for those of us who build things with our hands, lol.

I ran across this video on Youtube: Insulated Studs? This is a BIG Innovation in Framing!

Ok for those of us who build stuff, we are used to framing a structure with 2x6 or 2x8 inch wooden studs, basically tree trunks cut to size. The good thing about this is its economical and easy to do. The down side is wood has poor insulation value. You can stuff the heck out of the spaces between the studs, but at each place there is a stud, heat and cold will easily wick through. This is called a "thermal bridge".

Now how does this product/method prevent heat lose and add strength?

It uses a type of building technique called a "truss". That is, a grouping of studs and supports which are put together at angles which can greatly increase the strength of a beam. Here you can see how they do it. They take two 2x2 1/2 boards and join them with what looks like 1 inch dowel rod, installed at about a 45 degree angle.

They then spray foam insulate between the 2x2 1/2s bringing the insulation factor of the new beam to R20. (which is a lot!). This type of composite beam can also be used for wall and window headers, maintaining the insulation rating. You maintain wood on wood contact on the front and back for joining the beams, yet keep the high insulation rating.

One advantage to a soft foam center for your studs, is it makes anchoring of the header to the floor as well as electrical, plumbing and other wiring (cable, internet, etc) installation a snap. I don't know how many paddle bits I've worn dull cutting holes through 2x6 studs, nor batteries I've run dry. With a hard foam center you just need a stiff screw driver to get wire through.

The studs are also 2 1/2" wide, not 1 1/2" like a normal 2x6 is. That means you can space them 24" center to center and not 16". Also the area you have at drywall board joints is much bigger, allowing you to screw in the panels further from the edge.

Innovative design you could fabricate in small scale at home I bet.