2x6 Walls Achieve Multiple Goals

In many climates, codes are forcing residential construction to use 2x6 walls and denser insulation such as mineral wool. At the same time, many homes are zero lot line which require additional fire endurance when 10’ or less from an adjacent home. Couple those factors with the need for a structural wall that can withstand seismic and high wind forces and we have serious demands on a wall.

The Intertek-listed LPB/WPPS 60-01 2x6 exterior load-bearing wall assembly helps meet these demands and achieves three major objectives: fire code compliance, sound reduction and higher R-values than most 2x4 assemblies. According to a recent study by Home Innovation Research Labs, more than 40 percent of all exterior walls in new single-family construction now use 2x6 assemblies—more than a 10 percent increase in the last decade.

This assembly uses LP® FlameBlock® Fire-Rated Sheathing to meet fire codes for zero-lot-line construction where walls are close to the property line. A 2x6 stud creates 5½-inch wall depth to accommodate more insulation. The extra space offers many advantages. Using mineral wool insulation in a 2x6 wall assembly increases the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating compared to standard fiberglass insulation. This means that less outdoor noise penetrates the wall. Plus the additional mineral wool insulation in 2x6 assemblies can also achieve an R-value of 23 compared to the typical R-15 in 2x4 walls.

Installing 2x6 exterior walls makes a lot of sense in cold-weather regions and urban infill applications. Homeowners get the triple benefit of fire code compliance, greater energy savings and less outdoor noise intruding into the living space.

Find out where you can purchase fire-rated OSB sheathing for 2x6 wall assemblies.