No codes in my area, so I’m free to do what I want. Typical construction is 2×4 studs 16″ on center, with FG batts. 7/16″ OSB Sheeting, 1/2″ DW on inside.
Would it be acceptable to do 2×6 on 24″ centers, with 7/16″ OSB sheeting, and 5/8″ DW with blown cellulose insulation? I don’t think the mooney wall is for me, so I’m trying for the next best (and easiest) thing.
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Replies
you probably need to define 'acceptable'. Acceptable for who? For structural acceptability or aestetic? Also, is the goal to save time, money, material? Or perhaps it's to have less thermal bridging and better insulation? You'll probably get meaningful responses also if you provide your location.
How about a wall height ?
live, work, build, ...better with wood
2x6 on 24" o/c is pretty common with 1/2" cdx or osb sheathing and 1/2" drywall on the walls. I like to use the 5/8" rock on the ceilings when the trusses are on 24's since the 1/2" will eventually begin to belly I think. The only thing that I'm wondering about is the 7/16" sheating. Otherwise I don't think it would be a problem since it's done pretty commonly. Framing wise, the 2x6 on 24's is relatively the same as 2x4 of 16's as far as material cost I think, and you can use R-19 in the walls. The best person to ask is one one who will be inspecting it since they have the final say.
It's becoming more common to have 24-inch centers. Makes it a little harder to keep the walls flat, but with 2x6s it's plenty strong (for common residential construction), and you have less thermal bridging.
With blown-in insulation you have an increased chance of bulging or blowouts at 24 inches, but the heavier rock would reduce that likelihood.
Definitely blown cellulose is the way to go, short of something exotic. But do also pay close attention to air infiltration barriers and (as needed -- don't know where you are) vapor barriers. These details are easy to cover in initial construction, much harder to retrofit.
I did 2X6 16 OC on our summer house, mainly because I'm neurotic. It adds less wood than you might think, since so much is already in headers, plates, jack and trimmer studs around RO's and so forth. So, if you you are worried about flimsy walls or bow-out, that could be a solution.
your second option is almost as typical as the first in many areas - very acceptale. But not vnecessarily the best
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