Why are 2x6 studs used in colder climates?

2x6 Walls or double 2x4 Walls Provide More Space for Insulation. Wider studs allow for thicker insulation which is especially important in cold climates. A 2x6 stud wall allows about 5 1/2 inches of space for insulation - significantly more than 2x4 walls, but a lot less than what can be installed in double 2x4 walls.

house-energy.com - Wall insulation guide - House Energy

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Wall Insulation Guide s

Buildings need proper levels of wall insulation.

Wall Insulation is critical for your Home's comfort

As long as outdoor and indoor temperatures are different, heat will pass through the materials that make up the walls. Only insulation can prevent it. Wall insulation is at least as important as attic, roof and floor insulation. Exterior walls involve a much wider surface, and that counts a lot.

Levels of External Wall Insulation

The ideal levels of insulation depend greatly on the climate where you live. If you live in a cold climate you may need R-40 (Metric U-value: 0.14), that is, about 13 inches/32 cm of fiberglass, or 10 inches/24 cm of mineral wool. In hot climate you need a lot less. For a Passive House approach you need more (in a cold climate): around R-50 (Metric U-value: 0.11; about: 12 inches/30cm of mineral wool).

See: Home Insulation Levels

2x6 Walls or double 2x4 Walls Provide More Space for Insulation

Wider studs allow for thicker insulation which is especially important in cold climates. A 2x6 stud wall allows about 5 1/2 inches of space for insulation - significantly more than 2x4 walls, but a lot less than what can be installed in double 2x4 walls.

See: Energy Efficient Walls Guide and Wood Frame Walls Performance

Stud Insulation Is Insufficient In Wood and Steel Frame Walls

The studs in the walls are a source of heat transfer.

Framing elements can seriously degrade the R-value of the walls (about 20% in wood framing and up to 50% in steel framing). To reduce thermal bridging to a minimum, consider the installation of a few inches of foam or mineral wool all over the outside of the wall.

See:

Interior vs. Exterior Wall Sheathing Insulation

Thermal Bridging through the walls, floors and ceilings

Retrofit Cavity Insulation

Exterior vs. Interior Wall Insulation

Buildings, in most climates, should benefit from a continuous layer of insulation on the outside of their external walls (insulative sheathing) But there are cases where that continuous layer of insulation is placed on the interior of the wall.

See: Interior vs. Exterior Wall Insulation

Wall Insulation In Hot Climates

Exterior walls do not need very high levels of insulation in hot and tropical climates. 2-3 inches/5-8 cm of a rigid insulation is probably plenty.

Insulation Costs and Materials

If building a new home, do not try to make savings by reducing wall insulation levels. Do it right the first time… Doing it at a later moment will cost you a lot more: retrofit insulation is a lot more expensive.

See:

Home insulation materials

Retrofit Cavity Wall Insulation

New Homes & Insulation

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