Framing Studs: Steel vs Wood

Summary

In this episode of the Build Show, the host explores the differences between wood and steel studs in construction. Wood studs are prevalent in residential builds due to their ease of use and renewability, despite imperfections like lack of straightness. Steel studs, favored in commercial construction for their fire resistance and straightness, suffer from thermal conductivity issues that reduce insulation effectiveness. The video discusses strategies to mitigate these issues, such as using exterior insulation and proper masonry anchors, and emphasizes the importance of choosing the right assembly for energy efficiency and code compliance.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ Most residential builds in America use wood studs due to their long history of use and benefits such as renewability and ease of cutting.
• 🔩 Commercial construction predominantly uses steel studs for their standard sizes, straightness, and fire resistance properties.
• 🔥 Steel studs are fireproof and won't catch fire, making them ideal for commercial applications where fire safety is critical.
• 🌡️ Steel studs are highly conductive, which can lead to thermal bridging and reduced insulation effectiveness compared to wood studs.
• 🌲 Wood studs are a renewable resource, with well-managed forests allowing for rapid renewal of materials.
• 🛠️ Wood is easier to work with for residential construction due to its lightweight and availability, despite its imperfections like not being perfectly straight.
• ❄️ Exterior insulation is crucial when using steel studs to mitigate heat transfer and condensation risks, especially in cold climates.
• 📊 The effective R-value of a wall assembly with steel studs can be significantly lower than with wood studs, even with the same insulation material.
• 🧱 The use of exterior insulation, such as Rockwool Comfort Board, can greatly enhance the thermal performance of both wood and steel stud walls.
• 🛑 Proper installation of masonry veneer anchors is essential to avoid creating points of water or air infiltration in walls, especially with steel studs.

Q & A

Why are steel studs predominantly used in commercial construction?

Steel studs are predominantly used in commercial construction because they offer standard sizes, consistent straightness, no rot or warping issues, and most importantly, they are fireproof, which is a critical factor in commercial buildings.

What are the benefits of using wood studs in residential construction?

Wood studs are beneficial in residential construction due to their ease of cutting, availability, structural strength, lower cost compared to steel studs, and their renewability as a natural resource.

How does the heat conductivity of steel studs affect insulation performance?

The high heat conductivity of steel studs can significantly reduce the insulation performance of a wall assembly. Even with high R-value insulation, the effective R-value can be less than half due to thermal bridging, where heat is conducted through the metal studs.

What is the role of exterior insulation in improving the thermal performance of steel stud walls?

Exterior insulation, such as mineral wool, plays a crucial role in improving the thermal performance of steel stud walls by acting as a 'sweater' for the building, reducing thermal bridging and increasing the overall R-value of the wall assembly.

Why might wood studs be a better choice for residential construction despite their imperfections?

Wood studs might be a better choice for residential construction because they have insulating properties, reducing the risk of condensation and thermal bridging. They also have a higher R-value per inch compared to steel studs, which are almost zero due to their conductivity.

What is the significance of the study conducted by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation on steel stud residential construction?

The study conducted by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that residential houses built with steel studs had issues with moisture, mildew, and corrosion due to thermal bridging, highlighting the importance of proper insulation and moisture management in such constructions.

How does the Proo AR-Guard system contribute to the performance of commercial buildings?

The Proo AR-Guard system contributes to the performance of commercial buildings by providing a continuous membrane that acts like a rubberized bedliner, offering a water and air barrier, which is crucial for the building's envelope performance.

What is the purpose of the Thermal Grip MVA masonry veneer anchor in construction?

The Thermal Grip MVA masonry veneer anchor is used to securely fasten masonry veneers to the studs, whether they are steel or wood. It ensures a tight seal against water and air infiltration, especially when used with exterior insulation.

Why is it important to avoid missing studs when installing masonry veneer anchors?

Missing studs when installing masonry veneer anchors can create holes in the gypsum sheathing, which can lead to water or air infiltration. It's crucial to accurately mark and hit the studs to maintain the building envelope's integrity.

What assembly values can be achieved by using exterior insulation on both wood and steel stud walls?

Using exterior insulation can significantly improve the R-value of both wood and steel stud walls. For a 2x6 wood-framed wall, the overall wall value can reach 22.7, while for a 2x6 steel stud wall, it can increase to 14.4, effectively doubling the R-value with just an inch and a half of exterior insulation.