DIY Network

Walls: Exterior Walls From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-204

Building Envelope

In the first segment of the "Framing Devices" episode of Blueprint for Home Building, host Jeff Wilson discussed the materials used, construction and raising wood framed walls, and in this second segment he going to look at how your new house is going to be shaped -- the exterior walls.

The exterior walls comprise what is known as the building envelope. This defines the exterior structure of your home -- the perimeter and walls of the building. It encloses the area that is normally a heated or livable space. It can include walls, doors and windows.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Exterior walls are responsible for keeping the comfortable air in and the elements out. All building codes require that you insulate the exterior walls of your home. This is done in-between the wood studs of the frame. Here's a look at some energy-efficiency factors to consider for walls:

• Fiberglass Batts (figure A) are pre-cut for a tight fit in-between wall studs. They're easy to install and are used to reduce heat loss of air leakage.

• Sheathing (figure B) is an added protective layer on the outside of the exterior wall. It's essentially plywood that is nailed or screwed into the studs of the building. Sheathing provides structural integrity, and its other function is to close off the studs.

  Note: Sometimes sheathing can by foam insulation -- or rigid board (figure C). There's no structural loss using rigid board, and it's basically a better insulator for your home.

• An air infiltration barrier (figure D) is applied on top of the sheathing. The barrier is a fibrous weave that allows moisture from inside the house to exit, and it prevents any air from entering the house. The standard air infiltration barrier is a 16-lb. paper that prevents air leaks and protects from weather.

  Other air infiltration barriers are polyurethane sheets that protect the house from moisture. The siding of the house is then applied on top of the air infiltration barrier. This can be a good wood paneling, a wire or a stucco surface.

In the next segment the walls of the interior living space are defined.

GUESTS :

Mick Hopf
Trim Carpenter
LemanKiewicz Construction
PO Box 1033
Mars, PA 16046
Phone/Fax: 724-776-5554

Jack Tucker
Building Wisdom
Frankford, DE 19945
Toll-free: 800-844-6275
E-mail: tucker@buildingwisdom.com
Website: www.buildingwisdom.com

Rod Brewster
General Contractor
E-mail: brewco@yahoo.com

Don Jones
Construction Consultant
E-mail: Nietsche2000@yahoo.com

Rod Hans
General Contractor
2052 Newport Blvd.
Suite 6 PMB 135
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Phone: 949-701-1942
E-mail: hansco@surfside.net

Matthew Wiberg
Construction Consultant
2946 W. Rome Ave.
Anaheim, CA 92804
Phone: 714-504-7109
E-mail: matthewwiberg@hotmail.com

John Harmon
Licensed Contractor
Specialized Services
PO Box 1377
Sunset Beach, CA 90742-1377
Phone: 562-592-3831
E-mail: SpecEmail@aol.com

Richard Tucker
Drywall Finisher
Superior Drywall
Freedom Rd.
Freedom, PA 15005