Exterior 2x4 and 2x6 Walls

Exterior Wall Construction

Introduction: Back in the early 70s 2x6 exterior walls came into existence for one and only one single purpose, so you could stuff more insulation in the exterior walls. If you don’t recall why this happened it was because of the energy crises at the time that rocked the nation causing shortages of imported oil. Fuel oil cost went through the roof as well as everything else associated with oil. The home construction industry response was to find a way to insulate homes better. Hence the 2x6 exterior walls came into existence.

Of course that drove the cost of a new home up in two ways. First was the additional cost of the 2x6s over 2x4s and the cost of the additional insulation. To help moderate the cost the exterior walls stud spacing was moved from 16 inches on center to 24 inches on center. This became problematic in a few years because of the difficulty of attaching sheet rock and outside sheaving so they went back to 16 inch on center spacing.

Today in cold climates all exterior walls are built using 2x6s in an effort to reduce the cost of heating and cooling a home. A 2x6 wall can accommodate R-21 batt insulation as opposed to R-13 used in 2x4 walls. Homes built in warmer climates where air conditioners is used more than furnaces, 2x6 walls may still be preferred to save energy cooling the home.                                                     

The best way to save energy is to increase the amount of attic insulation. Heat loss is greatest through the ceiling area. Ceiling and attics insulation has increased to R-38 or higher in modern construction to reduce energy use.

Having lived in many different homes around the world I can attest to the fact that 2x6 exterior walls with R-21 insulation is much more comfortable in summer and winter than 2x4 walls with R-13 insulation. I highly recommend using 2x6s for all exterior walls even if you live in an area that does not require them. It will take approximately five years before you start to enjoy the pay back in energy savings for the additional cost construction.  

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