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Build Energy Efficient Walls

Technical Guides

In new home construction, the walls of a house present the greatest opportunity to prevent energy loss. Building energy-efficient homes is effective and cost-efficient when wood-framed walls are fully sheathed with plywood or oriented strand board (OSB).

This publication is designed for: architects, designers, builders, homeowners, contractors

This guide to energy efficient walls contains five basic steps for constructing energy-saving wood wall systems and explains the benefits of using wood-framed walls sheathed in wood structural panels.

Key sections include:

  • Using a whole-house design approach to save energy and money

  • Five steps to building an energy efficient wall

    • Build with wood

    • Seal building envelope air gaps thoroughly

    • Insulate effectively

    • Invest in efficient windows

    • Size mechanical systems correctly

  • Meeting energy codes

Published by APA — The Engineered Wood Association.

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