Advanced Framing Construction Guide
Advanced Framing Construction Guide
Advanced Framing Construction Guide
C O N S T R U C T I O N G ui d e
2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ANY COPYING, MODIFICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR OTHER USE OF THIS PUBLICATION OTHER THAN AS EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED BY APA IS PROHIBITED BY THE U.S. COPYRIGHT LAWS.
WOOD
The Natural Choice
Engineered wood products are a good choice for the environment. They are
manufactured for years of trouble-free, dependable use. They help reduce waste
by decreasing disposal costs and product damage. Wood is a renewable resource
that is easily manufactured into a variety of viable products.
Material
Percent of
Production
Percent of
Energy Use
Wood
47
Steel
23
48
Aluminum
Good news for a healthy planet. For every ton of wood grown, a young forest
produces 1.07 tons of oxygen and absorbs 1.47 tons of carbon dioxide.
Wood: Its the natural choice for the environment, for design and for strong,
lasting construction.
RATED
ING
SHEATH
32/16
ING
R SPAC
SIZED FO
RE 1
EXPOSU 0.451 IN.
ESS
N
K
IC
H
T
00 PRP-108
C-D
PS 1- 09 CATEGORY
15/32
Notice:
The recommendations
in this guide apply only
to products that bear
the APA trademark.
Only products bearing
the APA trademark
are subject to the
Associations quality
auditing program.
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Contents
Components of
Advanced Framing. . . . . . . . . . . 4
Advanced Framing Defined. . . . 5
Advantages of
Advanced Framing. . . . . . . . . . .
Energy Efficiency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost Effectiveness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Structural Integrity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5
5
6
7
7
Incorporating Advanced
Framing Techniques. . . . . . . . . 8
Floor Framing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Wall Framing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Stud Spacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Corners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Interior Wall Intersections. . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Prescriptive and Alternate
Connection Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Headers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Wood Structural Panel Box Headers. . . . 14
Openings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Blocking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Metal Hardware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Single Top Plates. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Ceiling and Roof Framing. . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Single Top Plates and Framing
Member Layout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Wall Sheathing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Wind Resistance and Wall Assemblies. . . 18
Wall Bracing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
More Information . . . . . . . . . . .
Engineered Wood
Construction Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Building Codes Referenced
in this Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About APA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
21
21
22
22
22
23
Framing is in-line or
stacked. See Page 18.
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
FIGURE 1
WALL SYSTEMS THAT MEET R20 WALL REQUIREMENTS*
(Whole Wall R-value Comparisons)
17.8
18
17.3
17
16
16.7
15.6
15
14
2x4 framing
16" o.c. with R5
foam sheathing
+ wall bracing**
2x6 framing
16" o.c. with
wood structural
panel sheathing
2x6 framing
2x6 framing
24" o.c. with wood 24" o.c. with wood
structural panel
structural panel
sheathing and
sheathing and
double top plates single top plates
*Evaluation based on uninsulated headers and R21 cavity insulation in 2x6 walls.
**Represents a typical foam sheathed wall meeting R20 requirements in accordance with
the 2012 IECC, Table R402.1.1. Assumes 40% structural wall bracing covered with
R2 foam sheathing.
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
In addition to maximizing space for cavity insulation, advanced framing simplifies the installation of insulation and
air sealing. Conventional framing can leave voids and small cavities in the framing at wall intersections and corners
that can be difficult to insulate and seal effectively. By installing fewer framing members, it is easier for the builder to
apply complete insulation coverage and achieve a tighter building envelope.
As energy codes have become increasingly stringent, advanced framing has grown more popular in climate zones where
high prescriptive wall R-values are mandated or desired. While framing with 2x6 studs spaced 16 inches on center is
already common in many northern states with more restrictive energy demands, increasing stud spacing to 24inches
on center, insulating effectively, and fully sheathing with wood structural panels, such as plywood or oriented strand
board (OSB), allows builders to cost-effectively balance energy and structural code requirements.
The ENERGY STAR program was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promote the use of energy efficient products and practices. Advanced framing can help builders meet
the requirements necessary to earn the ENERGY STAR label for new homes. Advanced framing techniques qualify as Reduced Thermal Bridging under section 4.4.5 of the Thermal Enclosure System
Rater Checklist (ver. 3, rev. 5). These techniques must be incorporated to earn the ENERGY STAR
label when using section 4.4.5 of the Checklist.
The framing width and spacing requirements for the
Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist vary by
climate zone:
16
24
16
Insulated
Insulated
headers (R3 minimum for 2x4 construction, R5 minimum for 2x6 construction) (Page 13)
Window
and door framing, per opening one pair of king studs, one pair of jack studs, and cripples only to
maintain on-center spacing. Additional framing is allowed if required for structural support. (Page 15)
All
interior-exterior wall intersections insulated to the same R-value as the rest of the exterior wall (Page 11)
By implementing these modest and cost-effective framing changes, ENERGY STAR builders can maintain their use of
wood structural panel wall sheathing. Plywood and OSB wall sheathing allows for greater architectural flexibility in
the number and location of door and window openings, often without necessitating re-engineering due to additional
wall bracing area that is typically required with other types of wall sheathing.
Follow ENERGY STAR program guidelines for climate-specific installation requirements and recommendations. Visit
www.energystar.gov for more information.
Cost Effectiveness
Advanced framing is less expensive because it is more resource efficient than conventional framing. By optimizing
framing material use, the builder can cut floor and wall framing material costs by up to 30 percent while reducing
framing installation labor.
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Advanced framing can help to increase the efficiency of other trades as well; more space between framing members
means fewer studs for plumbers and electricians to drill through and fewer cavities for insulators to fill. Additional
savings may result from a reduction in construction waste and dumpster costs.
Structural Integrity
The advanced framing method combined with continuous wood structural panel sheathing delivers builders with an
optimal solution: a cost-effective framing system that will produce more energy efficient homes without compromising the strength or durability of the structure.
Where builders align the vertical framing members under the roof trusses or rafters, a direct load path is created in
which compression and tension loads are directly transferred through the vertical framing members (Figure13). The
result is a stronger structure with fewer framing members subject to stresses.
When properly constructed, advanced framed walls that are fully sheathed with wood structural panels provide the
structure with the strength to safely withstand design loads. Of all the available wall sheathing products, wood structural panels are afforded the most flexibility within the building code for 24-inch on center wall framing, providing
solutions to code limitations that restrict most other wall bracing materials and popular siding products.
Wall bracing solutions: Due to their superior structural performance, continuous sheathing with wood structural
panels is code-recognized as wall bracing for studs spaced up to 24inches on center. Most other wall bracing methods, including let-in bracing and some alternative panel products, are limited by the code to 16-inch on center framing.
(Refer to building code requirements or manufacturer ICC-ES reports for more information.)
Siding attachment solutions: The most common and cost-effective grades of vinyl siding require fastening into studs
every 16inches. However, the nailbase capabilities of a continuously sheathed wood structural panel wall allow the
use of these siding products with 24-inch on center framing because the sheathing also serves as a base for fastener
attachment between studs. This saves the builder the potential added cost and hassle of having to change siding products. (Refer to siding manufacturer ICC-ES reports and APA Technical Topics: Wood Structural Panels Used as Nailable
Sheathing, Form TT-109, for more information.)
Wall sheathing systems that incorporate plywood and OSB offer the best balance of energy efficiency, structural performance and affordability. Wood sheathed walls allow for easy integration of windows into the weather resistive barrier
and are simple to insulate with all types of cavity insulation for high R-values. Plywood and OSB sheathing also provides
shear strength to resist the forces of nature. For more information, refer to APAs Introduction to Wall Bracing, Form F430.
Sustainability
Wood construction systems such as advanced framing techniques fit well with green building strategies. Wood is a
renewable resource that is manufactured in efficient processes that require less energy than is required for other building materials, such as steel and concrete.
Wood-frame construction that utilizes advanced framing techniques delivers even greater environmental dividends
by optimizing material usage and reducing construction waste. Many of the construction techniques presented in
this guide may be eligible for points under the leading green building standards and guidelines, such as the National
Green Building Standard (ICC 700-2008) and the U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes Rating System.
The ICC 700, established by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the International Code Council
(ICC) in 2007, awards points to builders that incorporate green practices into single- and multifamily home construction
and residential remodeling projects. This includes the implementation of building-code-compliant advanced framing
techniques in design and construction. ICC 700 Section 601.2 awards 3 points for each qualifying advanced framing
technique implemented that exceeds 80 percent usage in the building, and 9 points maximum if the techniques are
used for all floor, wall and/or roof framing. For more information, visit www.nahbgreen.org/NGBS.
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
4. Eliminate double top plates. Because this step requires vertical framing alignment, including 24-inch on center floor and roof framing as well as non-industry standard stud lengths which may be difficult to source, it is
often the last technique builders consider. For these reasons, many builders elect to retain double top plates.
Whatever techniques are selected, it is important that the advanced framing details are clearly specified on the architectural plans when submitted to the building department. Note that if framing crews are unfamiliar with advanced framing,
additional onsite supervision and quality control oversight should be planned while framers learn these new techniques.
Floor Framing
Floor framing is generally subject to home design, foundation requirements and customer expectations, but substantial resource and cost savings can still be realized when the principles of advanced framing are applied. To achieve
optimum resource efficiency:
1. Specify engineered wood floor joists, such as I-joists, structural composite lumber (SCL), and/or glulam at
24inches on center.
2. Maximize member spans between supports.
Specifying engineered wood products, such as I-joists, SCL, and/or glulam, instead of dimension lumber for band
joists and floor beams will produce substantially greater spans between foundation elements. Maximizing member
spans will increase construction efficiency while reducing construction costs. Additional cost savings will result from
reduced cutoff waste generated from a reduced number of framing members.
Spacing engineered wood floor joists 24inches on center will reduce the number of joists required by about 30 percent
as compared to conventional 16-inch floor joist spacing. Note that deeper or larger joists may be required. Some floor
serviceability characteristics, such as floor vibration, may also need to be considered. For information on minimizing
floor vibration, refer to APA Technical Note: Minimizing Floor Vibration by Design and Retrofit, Form E710.
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Engineered wood I-joists, SCL and glulam members are commonly available in a variety of depths to provide cost-efficient floor framing. Specifying I-joist floor systems between finished floors will typically allow for the installation of
plumbing, electrical and mechanical services within the floor frame cavity, eliminating the need for dropped ceilings.
When installing floor sheathing, keep in mind that many of todays home buyers expect stiffer, more solid feeling
floors. Consider using thicker panels with 24-inch on center floor framing to enhance floor stiffness. The extra cost
of thicker sheathing will often be offset by the lower cost of floor framing. Refer to flooring manufacturer for installation recommendations for 24-inch on center floor framing systems.
Wall Framing
Of the three primary structural frame components the floor, wall and roof the wall frame provides the most opportunities for material savings when advanced framing techniques are used in place of conventional framing methods
(Figure2).
Conventional framing typically consists of 2x4 or 2x6 wood framing spaced 16inches on center, double top plates, threestud corners, multiple jack studs, double or triple headers, redundant cripple studs and unnecessary framing members.
Advanced framing typically includes 2x6 wood framing spaced at 24inches on center and some or all of the following
techniques: single top plates, two-stud corner junctions, minimal use of jack studs and cripples, and the elimination of
redundant studs and unnecessary blocking and bridging. Correctly sized load-bearing headers are used over openings
in load-bearing walls; simple non-load-bearing headers are used in non-load-bearing walls, where applicable.
FIGURE 2
WALL FRAME COMPARISON
Single
top plate
Single studs at
sides of opening
Ladder blocking
(optional)
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
FIGURE 3
THREE-STUD CORNERS
INSULATED THREE-STUD CORNER
(CALIFORNIA CORNER)
Outside corner
CONVENTIONAL CORNER
Isolated cavity
(difficult to insulate)
Inside corner
FIGURE 4
TWO-STUD CORNERS
Corner stud
2x ladder blocking at
24" o.c. or drywall clips
Outside corner
2x ladder
blocking at 24" o.c.
or drywall clips
TWO-STUD CORNER
(WITH DRYWALL CLIPS)
Outside corner
Drywall clip
to hold drywall
in place
Drywall
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Advanced framing wall corners can include insulated three-stud corners (sometimes referred to as California corners)
as shown in Figure3, or two-stud corner junctions with ladder blocking, drywall clips, or an alternative means of
supporting interior or exterior finish materials as shown in Figure4. These techniques eliminate the isolated cavity
found in conventional three-stud corners, making it easier to install insulation and providing more cavity insulation
space at exterior insulated wall corners.
Interior Wall Intersections
Advanced framing ladder junctions
are used at wall intersections with
2x blocking at 24-inch on center vertical spacing (Figure5). This method
requires less than 6 feet of blocking material in a typical 8-foot wall.
In conventional walls, interior wall
intersections include a stud at each
side of an intersecting wall, requiring
a total of 16feet of stud lumber plus
additional blocking material.
The advanced framing ladder junction method, when used at junctions
between interior and exterior walls,
provides a cavity that can be easily
insulated, while conventional threestud interior wall intersections may be
considerably more difficult to insulate.
FIGURE 5
INTERIOR WALL INTERSECTION OPTIONS
LADDER JUNCTION
Single top plate
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
FIGURE 6
PRESCRIPTIVE AND ALTERNATE CONNECTION DETAILS
LONGITUDINAL TOP PLATE SPLICE
PRESCRIPTIVE CONNECTION
ALTERNATE CONNECTION
2x6 lumber splice
in lieu of metal
connection plate.
(2) 10d (3" x 0.128")
nails each side
(2012 IRC Table
R602.3(1), Item 19).
*Plate size and number of fasteners required is greater than prescriptive code requirements for top plate butt-joint splices. This recommendation is
based on equivalent performance of 2012 IRC Table R602.3(1), Item 14. Intersecting wall segment top plate splice connections are as per 2012 IRC.
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Headers
Advanced framing headers offer
increased energy efficiency by replacing framing materials with space for
cavity insulation inside the header.
Of the various engineered wood and
lumber headers shown in Figure7,
single-ply headers provide the greatest amount of cavity insulation space.
Advanced framing headers are sized
for the loads they carry and are often
installed in single plies rather than
double. Sizing for single-ply lumber
headers is covered prescriptively in
the 2012 IRC Table R602.7.1. Singleply engineered wood headers may be
calculated based on tributary loads
applied to the header: determine the
live load and total load in pounds-perlinear-foot and refer to a published
standard, such as the American Wood
Councils Wood Frame Construction
Manual (WFCM) for One- and TwoFamily Dwellings.
Headers at openings in non-load-bearing walls are not required (Figure8).
The opening top plate may be a single member installed flat at the top
of the rough opening. Cripple studs
are installed between the opening
top plate and wall top plate; however, these can be eliminated where
the distance from the header to top
plate is less than 24inches (unless
required for vertical seams in wall
finish materials).
Prefabricated insulated structural
components that simplify construction, such as insulated headers and
insulated corners, are becoming commonly available.
FIGURE 7
ENGINEERED WOOD AND LUMBER HEADERS
2012 IRC Section R602.7.1
SINGLE-PLY HEADER
Top plate
Outside of wall
Outside of wall
FIGURE 8
OPENING IN NON-LOAD-BEARING WALLS
Conventional headers not required
Single top plate
Cripple studs as required
Opening in
non-loadbearing
wall
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
9" or
15"
wide
Insulation
Str
gth
ax
is
en
NAIL PATTERN
Notes:
1. Framing fastening per code.
2. For engineered box headers with wood structural panels, refer to Nailed Structural-Use Panel and Lumber Beams, Form Z416.
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
Openings
The placement of openings in load-bearing walls and the layout of framing members above openings have a significant impact on header sizing for advanced framing, as shown in Figure10.
Excessive common studs beside window openings and excessive jack studs and redundant cripple studs above or below
openings are often unnecessary (unless specific to the installation of a fixture) and occupy cavity space that could otherwise be filled with additional insulation.
Jack studs the studs that support headers may be eliminated where a single jack stud is prescribed by the 2012 IRC
Table R502.5(1) and Table R502.5(2) or an approved connector (such as a header hanger) connects the header to the
full-height stud at the side of the rough opening, as shown in Figure7.
FIGURE 10
ROUGH OPENING PLACEMENT
The placement of openings in load-bearing walls and the layout of framing members above openings have significant impact
on header sizing for advanced framing.
24" wide
tributary load
24" wide
tributary load
48" wide
tributary load
36" wide
opening
36" wide
opening
BEST
PLACEMENT
36" wide
opening
24" layout module + 3/4" + (rough opening width/2) for 23"- to 46-1/2"-wide rough openings
Continuous bearing as provided by load-bearing sill beam or foundation wall.
Minimum required materials to frame rough opening
Structure above imposing tributary loads on header
Potential increased header size increased load from structure above
Excess materials due to inefficient opening placement
Note: Jack studs may not be required if using wood structural panel headers (as shown in Figure 9).
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
The number of full-height studs required at the sides of an opening is not specified in the 2012 IRC, but it is included
in The Wood Frame Construction Manual (WFCM) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, 2012 Edition.
2012 WFCM 3.4.1.4.2 Full height studs The minimum number of full height studs at each end of the header shall
not be less than half the number of studs replaced by the opening, in accordance with Table 3.23C.
Exception: The minimum number of full height studs at each end of the header shall be permitted to be reduced in accordance with Table 3.23D...
Table 3.23D of the 2012 WFCM specifies that, for areas with up to 150mph (3 second gust) design wind velocity, a single full-height stud is required at each end of a header above openings of up to 48-inches wide when studs are spaced
24inches on center, subject to stud length and grade limitations.
Blocking
Advanced framing techniques minimize blocking and
bridging except where necessary, such as when supporting braced wall panel joints. Where additional framing
elements are required for the installation of fixtures or
the reinforcement of finish materials, blocking between
studs or besides studs provides more space for insulation
inside the wall cavity than the installation of additional
full-height studs.
2x horizontal blocking (installed perpendicular to the
studs) can be oriented with either the edge against the
sheathing/drywall or the wide face vertical against the
sheathing/drywall. Install the blocking with the wide face
vertical against the sheathing/drywall for maximum backing to wall finish materials and minimal intrusion into
insulatable cavity.
Metal Hardware
Straps and anchors are often required in the structural frame design to resist uplift and lateral wind loads or seismic
forces, but metal hardware causes thermal bridging. A thermal bridge occurs when heat is transferred through a building component at a higher rate than the transfer through the surrounding envelope. Since the thermal conductivity of
metal is hundreds of times greater than that of wood, the reduction or elimination of metal straps and anchors from
the thermal envelope (as permitted by structural requirements) can translate to reduced heat loss.
When framing members are vertically aligned to create a direct load path in which loads are directly transferred
through the framing members (Figure13) the studs above the top plate should be strapped or anchored to the studs
directly below. Making this connection with wood structural panel sheathing instead of metal connectors can reduce
thermal bridging and lower hardware costs. For more information, refer to APA System Report: Design for Combined
Shear and Uplift from Wind, Form SR-101.
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
FIGURE 11
PERMITTED FRAMING ALIGNMENT OFFSETS - SINGLE TOP PLATES
2012 IRC Section R602.3.2 Top plate. Wood studs shall be capped with a
double top plate...
Exception: A single top plate may be installed in stud walls provided the
plate is adequately tied at joints (see: PRESCRIPTIVE AND ALTERNATE
CONNECTION DETAILS, Figure 6) provided the rafters or joists are
centered over the studs with a tolerance of no more than 1 inch (25mm)
PRESCRIPTIVE MEMBER PLACEMENT
FOR SINGLE TOP PLATE WALL CONSTRUCTION
17
1"
Rafter
Ceiling joists
1"
1"
Studs at 24" o.c.
FIGURE 12
ENERGY HEEL TRUSS TO WALL
WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL OVERLAP
Energy
heel truss
Fastening
per design
Plywood or OSB
wall sheathing
Ensure correct fastening of
sheathing to top plate per shear
wall, wall bracing, or combined
shear and uplift requirements.*
Optional rafter-tie
or tension strap
inside or over wall
sheathing per
manufacturer
recommendation
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
The 2012 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) Section 402.2.1 Ceilings with attic spaces allows a reduction
in the prescriptive attic insulation requirements provided that the uncompressed depth of attic insulation extends
over the wall top plate. When energy heel (or raised heel) trusses are used to satisfy this requirement, uncompressed
R30 insulation is deemed to satisfy R38 requirements and uncompressed R38 insulation is deemed to satisfy R49 attic
insulation requirements. Energy heel roof construction requires an insulation depth of 10inches for most R30 batt,
loose-fill fiberglass or cellulose insulation, and a depth of roughly 12inches for R38 insulation.
Single Top Plates and Framing Member Layout
Single top plate construction requires vertical framing alignment, in which framing members are stacked to create
a direct load path. This approach requires a single or master framing layout for all members at all framing levels,
as illustrated in Figure13.
When designing a master framing layout, start with the layout of the roof framing members, which is generally dictated
by roof design and geometry, followed by the layout of the framing members below. Although this will be a change
in approach for framing carpenters who are accustomed to working up from the foundation, addressing the roof first
will simplify load calculation for the designer and maximize material efficiency.
The type of roof design will impact the master framing layout. For example, hip roof design will usually require a different starting point for framing member layout than gable roof design. In hip roof construction, common rafters and
hip jack rafters typically layout from the nominal center line intersection of the hip(s) with the ridge. In gable roof construction, common rafter layout typically commences from one of the end walls of the structure.
Framing member layout will also be dictated by the type of roof construction. Truss roofs will often require a different framing member layout than framed roofs.
When trusses are specified, the trusses should be stacked directly above the wall studs. There is no member offset,
hence the truss and wall stud layout will be the same.
Wall Sheathing
The potential for panel buckling between studs increases when stud spacing is widened from 16 to 24 inches on center,
especially when the sheathing is subjected to moisture exposure during construction. Although this is not a structural
concern, excessive buckling may cause serviceability issues. Therefore, it is imperative that builders pay close attention to the moisture management of wood structural panels on the jobsite in addition to APA recommendations for
spacing panels 1/8 inch at panel ends and edges. Additional information on preventing wall sheathing from buckling
is provided in APA Technical Note: Minimize Buckling of Wood Structural Panels, Form X480.
Wind Resistance and Wall Assemblies
Severe storms, tornadoes and destructive winds produce multiple forces that threaten buildings:
Lateral
forces that push against the building, causing walls to rack out of square and weaken the structure.
Seismic events also exert lateral forces on buildings.
Uplift
forces that work against gravity to separate the roof from the walls, the walls from the floor, and the
floor from the foundation.
Inward
and outward wind pressures that pull on the cladding and sheathing and can separate sections of the
roof and walls from the building, potentially exposing the interior to moisture and air infiltration.
All structures built to the specifications of the 2012 IRC are required to resist these loads, in accordance with Section
R301.2.1 Wind design criteria. Any effort to meet energy code requirements or increase the energy efficiency of a building must be balanced with structural performance and the structural requirements of the code.
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
The 2012 IRC specifies regions that are subject to higher wind loads and thus require greater uplift and shear resistance. Buildings in these regions are beyond the scope of the prescriptive code requirements of the IRC and should
be designed in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC) or other engineering standards.
While wind loads vary by location, no region is completely immune to the forces of nature. The wall assembly is
integral to the structures resistance to wind loads. When properly designed and constructed, advanced framing in
conjunction with continuous wood structural panel wall sheathing provides walls with the strength to safely withstand these forces. Refer to Table 1 for the requirements for wood structural panel wall sheathing used to resist wind
pressures, including options for 24-inch on center stud spacing.
FIGURE 13
STACK FRAMING AND 24" O.C. MEMBER SPACING
Framing members are stack framed and vertically aligned to create direct load path.
APA plywood or OSB roof sheathing
(omitted for clarity)
Roof trusses (energy heel
roof trusses shown) 24" o.c.
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
TABLE 1
2012 IRC TABLE R602.3(3)
REQUIREMENTS FOR WOOD STRUCTURAL PANEL WALL SHEATHING USED TO RESIST WIND PRESSURES(a)(b)(c)
Minimum Nail
Penetration
(in.)
Minimum
Wood
Structural
Panel Span
Rating
Minimum
Nominal
Panel
Thickness
(in.)
Maximum
Wall Stud
Spacing
(in.)
6d Common
(2" 0.113")
1.5
24/0
3/8
8d Common
(2-1/2"
0.131")
1.75
24/16
7/16
Size
Panel Nail
Spacing
Edges
(in. o.c.)
Field
(in. o.c.)
16
16
24
12
110
90
85
12
130
110
105
12
110
90
85
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 mile per hour = 0.447 m/s.
(a) Panel strength axis parallel or perpendicular to supports. Three-ply plywood sheathing with studs spaced more than 16 inches on center
shall be applied with panel strength axis perpendicular to supports.
(b) Table is based on wind pressures acting toward and away from building surfaces per 2012 IRC Section R301.2. Lateral bracing requirements shall be in accordance with 2012 IRC Section R602.10.
(c) Wood structural panels with span ratings of Wall-16 or Wall-24 shall be permitted as an alternate to panels with a 24/0 span rating.
Plywood siding rated 16 o.c. or 24 o.c. shall be permitted as an alternate to panels with a 24/16 span rating. Wall-16 and Plywood siding
16 o.c. shall be used with studs spaced a maximum of 16 inches on center.
Wall Bracing
Continuous wood structural panel wall sheathing, when installed in accordance with 2012 IRC Section R602.10
Wall bracing, provides builders and designers with the most flexibility in meeting prescriptive bracing requirements.
Sheathing walls with plywood or OSB helps the structure to simultaneously resist multiple wind forces, reducing the
need for additional force-resisting systems. Rigid foam and other nonstructural sheathing products lack shear/racking strength and require additional wall bracing to meet the code bracing requirements. For more information, refer
to APAs Introduction to Wall Bracing, Form F430, or visit www.performancewalls.org.
In addition to providing shear strength to the structure, bracing method CS-WSP (continuously sheathed wood structural panel) minimizes the amount of metal straps required for uplift resistance, further reducing thermal bridging
and metal hardware costs. Wood structural panel sheathing also provides a withdrawal-resistant nailbase for the
attachment of all commonly specified exterior wall finishes, including brick-ties, siding, decorative trim materials
and fiber-cement products up to 11 psf. Refer to APA Technical Topics: Wood Structural Panels Used as Nailable Sheathing,
Form TT-109, for more information.
Other commonly used bracing techniques prescribed by the 2012 IRC, including bracing method LIB (let-in-bracing),
require a maximum stud spacing of 16 inches on center or less and are therefore incompatible with some advanced
framing techniques.
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
More Information
Engineered Wood Construction Systems
APA offers a comprehensive set of services and tools for architects, engineers and building designers. If youre looking
for detailed product information, training materials or technical assistance, APA can help.
www.apawood.org APAs website is your link to in-depth design and building support, including a library of more
than 400 publications available for instant PDF download or hard-copy purchase.
APA Product Support Help Desk Staffed by specialists who have the knowledge to address a diverse range of inquiries, the Help Desk can answer your questions about specification and application of APA products, or put you in touch
with your nearest engineered wood specialist. Call (253) 620-7400 or send an email to [email protected].
Wall Bracing Understanding the code requirements for wall bracing can be a challenge, but following them is of critical importance to the structural integrity of a home. APA helps you easily understand, design and build wall bracing
systems. The following publications and more information are available at www.performancewalls.org.
Introduction to Wall Bracing,
Form F430
G440
For additional wall bracing information, refer to A Guide to the 2009 IRC Wood Wall Bracing Provisions, authored by
APA and the International Code Council (ICC). The guide and wall bracing seminars and resources are available at
www.iccsafe.org.
Build a Better Home APAs Build a Better Home program is designed to provide builders and homeowners with the
construction guidelines they need to protect their homes against damaging moisture infiltration. Key elements in the
building envelope are the roof, walls and foundation. The following publications and more information are available
at www.buildabetterhome.org.
Build A Better Home: Foundations, Form
A520
21
A535
A530
A525
ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
2012
Additional References
2012 Wood Frame Construction Manual (published by the American Wood Council):
www.awc.org/standards/wfcm.html
ENERGY
STAR: www.energystar.gov
National
National
National
U.S.
U.S.
U.S.
U.S.
Acknowledgements
Tony Mainsbridge, advanced framing consultant, contributed to the recommendations in this guide.
Advanced framing headers, such as single-ply headers, offer increased energy efficiency by replacing framing materials with space
for cavity insulation inside the header (see Figure 7).
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG
About APA
APA is a nonprofit trade association of and for wood
structural panel, glulam timber, wood I-joist, structural composite lumber, and other engineered
wood product manufacturers. Based in Tacoma,
Washington, APA represents approximately 150 mills
throughout North America, ranging from small, independently owned and operated companies to large
integrated corporations.
APA is a leader in wood-design testing and research.
APAs 42,000-square-foot Research Center is staffed
with an experienced corps of engineers, wood scientists, and wood-product technicians. Their expertise
plays an important role in producing panel and engineered wood systems that meet the industrys highest
performance standards and braced-wall designs that promote the structural safety of building construction.
For our latest information in building strong, safe and durable structures, visit www.apawood.org.
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ADVANCED FRAMING CONSTRUCTION GUIDE FORM NO. M400 2012 APA THE ENGINEERED WOOD ASSOCIATION WWW.APAWOOD.ORG