The HTRC

The Homeowners & Trades Resource Center

Brought to you by:

You are here: Home / Building Codes / Fixing an Architectural Nightmare

Fixing an Architectural Nightmare

In our last Wacky (semi) Wordless Wednesday piece we had three pictures where we looked at entryway & asked what issues you see, what might you have done differently, or does everything look good to you?  Well lets take a closer look at it…

exterior-viewAs I mentioned, I can easily see why the architect designed it this way, the catch became how did they finish off this detail? Well for that, let’s take a look at the current framing layout.

current-framingBesides them using a header where one isn’t required, there really isn’t anything wrong with the framing. Ahhh, but what about those coming in behind them, like the insulator?

insulation-addedWell the red shows how this will probably be insulated & for most builders, they probably won’t see anything wrong with this. Well, I hate to break this to them but per the codes… N1102.4 “Exterior thermal envelope insulation for framed walls is installed in substantial contact and continuous alignment with building envelope air barrier.” (For more on this, check back on Friday)

where-insulation-should-be Well the orange shows where the current (and required) air barrier walls are & thus where the insulation should be installed. Now assuming our poor insulator knows the code or the code official actually does a pre-insulation inspection… yeah, they are not in for a very fun time.

So how can one fix this, well the fix is actually quite easy which we show below, along with 2 additional ideas of mine.

simple-fix-to-architectural-nightmare

While the insulators can slide some sheathing in now (which is probably not in their quote), it would have been so much easier if it was added before they had framed out the thick wall portion. As for mine…

Sorry but I don’t know how many people wouldn’t love to have a few additional feet in their garage. Maybe a full size tool box might not fit in there, but I could easily see some shovels, rakes, etc… being hung there. As for the entry way, by trimming that wall back, that leaves a nice place for some sort of table or cupboard. While I still don’t like the dead space, the original look is preserved, the thermal performance has been improved & the homeowners will probably enjoy those little touches.

Now for an unabashed sales pitch; with over 20 years in the field these are some of the issues we can help you avoid up front saving you the builder, not only time but money. This is included standard with our HERS Rating, ENERGY STAR & other program verifications, or as part of a stand-alone plan review.

Related posts:

Energy Code Basics: 3 Key Terms & Compliance Paths
My take; Tornados, Storm Shelters & the Codes
FAQ: Who reigns supreme? Codes Vs. Manufacturers Vs....
4 New Advanced Framing Options?
2018 IECC - Officially Adopted in Illinois
Monday Musings: Great Ventilation Debate part Deux?
What is Green Building?
Common Sense Building: Stop termites & critters in their tracks
  •  Tweet
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Filed Under: Building Codes, Common Sense Building May 20, 2013 By SLS 5 Comments

Featured Posts

Getting ready for Spring: Your deck & grill

Hopefully, this last snow storm was it for spring (really?) meaning most of us can start getting ready to grill and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. Needless to say for ...

Read More

March – Early Spring Maintenance Checklist

March and the start of spring, is a great time, as it seems to bring out a new life in everything. The trees start to bloom, the animals that were ...

Read More

Preventing or fixing frozen water pipes

Updated: This article was originally posted in early 2010 after the Alabama Department of Health issued the following warning via press release: Prolonged period of cold weather ahead prompts warnings to ...

Read More

BS4D: Saving on Heating Related Energy Costs

For the bulk of the year, energy costs are not a big concern to many and instead most calls relate to comfort, safety or health issues. We are now starting ...

Read More

Common Sense Building: Build Radon Out

Common Sense Building: Build Radon Out

As many of you probably already know, January is National Radon Month. Just like CO, it is an odorless & tasteless gas; however, unlike CO there are no warning signs ...

Read More

FAQ: Ceiling fan direction - summer & winter

One of the biggest questions out there is which direction should my fan be running and how can I tell. You look at the switch and realize it isn't any ...

Read More

FAQ on Duct Cleaning: All Hype or Worthy Expense?

It must be spring time... I got the following in the mail just the other day: 5 different ads all for duct cleaning. With allergy season starting along with my ...

Read More

Random Glossary term

  • Grade 2 Insulation

    In our last Wacky (semi) Wordless Wednesday piece we had three pictures where we looked at entryway & asked what issues you see, what might you have done differently, or does everything look good to you?  Well lets take a closer look at it… As I mentioned, I can easily see why the architect designed it this […]

The HTRC - Copyright © 2006–2021 by TheHTRC.com & SLS Construction & Building Solutions LLC http://SLS-Construction.com