Chapter 27

Environmentally Friendly Framing Methods

Introduction• Structural drawings (e.g., framing plans,

sections and details, and foundation plan)– Require thorough understanding of materials

and process of construction• Wood, steel, masonry, and concrete are the most

common materials used• Each material has its own green properties, and

methods of achieving Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credits

Wood Framing Methods• Each method has many green properties

that lead to LEED credits– Common credits gained by use of wood

framing methods include:• Recycled content• Building resources• Rapidly renewable materials• Certified wood products

Wood Framing Methods (cont’d.)• Balloon or

eastern framing– Rarely used – Exterior studs

run from the top of the foundation to the top of the highest level

Wood Framing Methods (cont’d.)• Platform or western

framing– Most common– A platform is created

by each floor

Wood Framing Methods (cont’d.)• Post-and-beam

framing– Places framing

members at greater distances apart than platform methods

Wood Framing Methods (cont’d.)• Timber construction

– Not widely used in last 100 years

– Some are returning to timber framing methods

• Warmth and coziness

Energy-Efficient Framing Methods• Energy-efficient

platform framing– Advanced framing

techniques (AFTs) replace nonstructural wood with insulation

• Increases energy efficiency

Energy-Efficient Framing (cont’d.)• Engineered lumber and materials

– Structural engineered members • Small pieces of wood turned into framing members• Usually made from wood scraps and young, small-

diameter, fast-growing tree species

– Engineered lumber for framing • Laminated veneer lumber (LVL)• Laminated strand lumber (LSL) • Parallel strand lumber (PSL)

Energy-Efficient Framing (cont’d.)• Structurally insulated

panels (SIPs)– Structural strength– High insulation rates– Built-in vapor barriers– Sound-deadening

qualities– Ease of installation

Energy-Efficient Framing (cont’d.)• Steel framing

– Consistently straight and square

– Resists stress from weather

– Contains about 50% recycled metal and is 100% recyclable

Energy-Efficient Framing (cont’d.)• Concrete masonry units

– Durable and economical building

– Excellent structural and insulation values

– Concrete blocks• Classifications• Patterns, colors, and shapes• Concrete form masonry units

Energy-Efficient Framing (cont’d.)• Solid masonry construction

– Can last for centuries– Reduces temperature swings– Variety of position and

patterns– Masonry walls must be

reinforced– Masonry veneer

Energy-Efficient Framing (cont’d.)• Insulated concrete

form construction– Provide an energy-

efficient wall-framing system for an entire structure

Energy-Efficient Framing (cont’d.)• Modular framing methods

– Highly engineered method of construction– Efficient and cost-effective– Begin as components designed, engineered,

and assembled in a factory using assembly-line techniques

Green Construction Goals• Key questions:

– Can products be selected that are made from environmentally friendly materials?

– Can products be selected because of what they do not contain?

– Will the products reduce the environmental impact during construction?

Green Construction Goals (cont’d.)• Key questions (cont’d.):

– Will the products reduce the environmental impact of operating the building?

– Will the products to contribute to a safe, healthy indoor environment?

Green Construction Goals (cont’d.)• Major considerations:

– Environmentally friendly materials • Salvaged products• Products with recycled content• Certified wood products• Quick-growth and waste by-products• Minimally processed products

– Removing materials– Reducing construction impact

Green Construction Goals (cont’d.)• Major considerations (cont’d.):

– Reducing impact after construction• Reducing energy demands and maintenance• Using renewable energy• Conserving water• Preventing pollution and eliminating pesticides• Contributing to the environment• Improving interiors with nonpolluting products• Blocking, removing, and warning of contaminants