Fudge Factor for Insulation Width??

[burger]

Hey!

If you're laying out 16" on-center framing for standard R-13 insulation, how far can you vary off-center for the studs? Let's say going to 16-3/8" would help me get my stud spacing even instead of having a goofy stud that's only 6" apart. Is this legit? How far +/- can you fudge the stud spacing?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but my slab was poured a few inches wider and a little longer than planned, so I have to "massage" the prints a little bit.


Thanks,
Ed

 

[dxdexter]

Hey!

If you're laying out 16" on-center framing for standard R-13 insulation, how far can you vary off-center for the studs? Let's say going to 16-3/8" would help me get my stud spacing even instead of having a goofy stud that's only 6" apart. Is this legit? How far +/- can you fudge the stud spacing?

Sorry if this is a silly question, but my slab was poured a few inches wider and a little longer than planned, so I have to "massage" the prints a little bit.


Thanks,
Ed

I wouldn't fudge at all. Make your spacing 16" center to center and at the end the last stud spacing will be less. If you change the spacing then the sheet goods will not fit properly and you will have to custom cut the material. If you choose to insulate then the insulation will also not fit the voids between the studs snuggly.

 

[1320stang]

I wouldn't fudge at all. Make your spacing 16" center to center and at the end the last stud spacing will be less. If you change the spacing then the sheet goods will not fit properly and you will have to custom cut the material. If you choose to insulate then the insulation will also not fit the voids between the studs snuggly.

+1

Or you can make it the same size as it was before and use some step flashing to cover the concrete so water won't try to migrate under your sills.

 

[PAToyota]

Actually, the big downfall for batt insulation is when it isn't fit snug against the studs on either side. This allows air currents to flow between the inner and outer surfaces of the wall and negate a lot of the insulating capacity. This and direct drafts through a wall are the leading causes of heat loss in wall systems and one of the big selling points for the spray foam insulation systems. Note that a properly done batt insulation job can do the job, but there are a lot out there that aren't done properly.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Maybe more importantly, if you vary from the 16" (or 24" or 19.2" or whatever standard spacing you're using) you may have problems matching up with your sheathing, which is most likely 4x8 sheets.

 

[mhoffm911]

Make a spacer/jig out of a scrap piece of 2x4 and use it to put every stud in the proper position.

Good luck.

 

[Kevin54]

Better forget the "fudge factor" and add a stud or two. If you start moving studs you are going to get into trouble with just more than insulation. All of your sheeting will come out wrong. Just add in another stud or two and cut a piece of insulation down to fit in between. You always build 16" on center and add where you need to.

Kevin

 

[burger]

Thanks for the replies. I had already figured out how to work the 4x8 sheathing to fit the odd spacing; just curious about the insulation. Sounds like it's OK to go too small, but not OK to go too wide because air currents will get around the sides.


Thanks,
Ed