2x4 Vs 2x6 Exterior Walls Strength

Two 2x6s have a bearing area of 16 square inches.

2x4 vs 2x6 exterior walls strength. I think you can go to 16 for wind loads. -The difference in cost between 2x4 and 2x6 treated is 032 per linear foot-For the treated bottom plate thats 19890-The difference in cost between regular 2x4 and 2x6 this month is 014 per linear foot-For the top plate the total is 17201. In bending however such as from a wind load a 2x6 wall is considerably stronger.

2x6 walls are bigger than 2x4 walls. When bearing wall heights do not exceed 10 ft. Strength While dead load strength between the 24 and 26 framing is virtually the same when 24s are framed at 16 oc.

Because 2x6s are 2 inches deeper than 2x4s a house built with 2x4 vs 2x6 walls will be a total of 4 inches wider and deeper inside than the same house built with 2x6s. When you add the exterior sheathing to the 2x6 you get just under 6 total inches as the sheathing is normally just a tad under 12-inch thick. I recall seeing a video of a destructive compression test on a 2x4 stud.

The newer energy codes are pushing towards the 2x6 or foam. A 2x4 wall using spray foam could easily exceed the 2x6 wall if spray foam was used and or be even greater with an EIFS stucco finish. But what happens when you have air permeance there is a loss of performance- and that batt insulation becomes an air filter.

Spacing for small sheds and garages with a building widths less. You will get less usable space with 2x6 walls than 2x4. Not much of a difference.

The material use to build the homes in the study is less a factor in strength than the fasteners that are used to. Ive heard that using an expanding foam although it incre. We require R20 in walls in this area.