Wall Framing

The Function of a Wall

The walls of a building serve several important functions:

defines the spaces within the building to

provide privacy & zoning.
encloses the building itself, keeping the
weather out.
provides structure to support floors
and the roof.
encloses mechanical systems (wiring, plumbing
and heating ducts)
Wall Types and Features
Exterior Walls

In Ontario, stud walls must be built using 2x6 wood studs.

this provides enough space for a R20 insulation batt to fit
- depth required 5 .
Wood species is SPF spruce / pine / fir .
Stud spacing ranges from 12 - 16 - 24 on centre
16 O/C is the most common stud spacing.
Plumbing and mechanical ducts are not commonly bought up
through exterior walls so that the insulation does not get
compromised.
Typically fabricated on site but current building trends
are showing a rise in panelized wall systems.
Wall Types and Features
Interior Walls

commonly built from 2x4 wood studs.

Studs are commonly spaced at 16 O/C to
accommodate wall sheathing.
may be structural or non-structural.
Accommodate mechanical and electrical lines.
Wall Types and Features
Wall Openings

common openings are for windows and doors.

locations of doors and windows are determined
by the amount on natural light required,
ventilation, view and access required.
 HEADER-NON-STRUC
DOUBLE TOP PLATE LINTEL-STRUCTURAL CRIPPLE
STUD

AVERAGE WALL HEIGHT

STUD
RSO RSO

RSO

8-1
TRIMMER
ROUGH STUD OPENING
STUD RSO

KING
STUD

BOTTOM PLATE WINDOW CRIPPLE

SILL PLATE STUD
ROUGH STUD OPENING:
IS THE WINDOW/DOOR
UNIT SIZE PLUS 1 INCH
Typical Corner Framing
Exterior Corner at Double Top Plate
DOUBLE TOP PLATE
OVERLAPS AT CORNER,
LOCKING TWO WALLS
TOGETHER
Typical Corner Framing
Exterior Corner at Base Plate

EXTRA STUD ADDED

PERPENDICULAR TO
CORNER STUD - PROVIDES
NAILING STRIP AT THE
INSIDE CORNER

BOTTOM PLATE
Exterior Wall with Siding
Drawing Wall Construction
6 1.5
GYPSUM BOARD
6 MIL POLY VAPOUR BARRIER
2x6 WOOD STUDS @ 16 OC
R20 BATT INSULATION
EXTERIOR GRADE SHEATHING
BUILDING WRAP (TYVEK)
1x3 STRAPPING
1.5
SIDING MATERIAL
(WOOD, VINYL, ALUMINUM)
5.5
Exterior Wall with Brick Veneer
Drawing Wall Construction
6 1 3.5
GYPSUM BOARD
6 MIL POLY VAPOUR BARRIER
2x6 WOOD STUDS @ 16 OC
R20 BATT INSULATION
EXTERIOR GRADE SHEATHING
BUILDING WRAP (TYVEK)
1 AIR SPACE
3 FACE BRICK

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