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Extending 2x4 to 2x6

15K views 12 replies 9 participants last post by  123pugsy 
#1 ·
So i want to add some 2x2 strips to my 2x4 studs to make them 2x6 which would give me space to fit in Roxul R23 which fits into a 5 1/2 inch stud (2x6). The issue im having is that my 2x4 are actually only 3 1/2 inch wide and the only 2x2 i can find are only 1 1/2 inch wide which gives me 5 inch studs. Am i able to compress the insulation 1/2 inch. Or should I do something else all together?
 
#2 ·
News alert....

A 2x4 is actually 1.5 x 3.5....been that way for a long time....2x6 is 1.5 x 5.5....

Maybe a bit more information...like where you live....what the existing wall is like....we are assuming that you have already pulled all of the drywall off...

Lacking any more info....if it was me....I would rip some 2x6's down the middle...or just sister 2x4's to the existing studs so that they stick out the depth you want.
 
#5 ·
or just sister 2x4's to the existing studs so that they stick out the depth you want.
i did that to square up a wall, and fur it out 1". it was a PITA to get the roxul to fit properly = every piece of roxul had to be custom trimmed/fitted = no fun at all.

biddle
decide what you want in the wall. find the thickness of it all. rip strips to the right size. caulk and nail them to the 2x4's.

been there, done both.
 
#3 · (Edited)
#6 ·
The term for your (nominal) 2x2 extenders is "furring strips". You can do this, with some limitations depending on the applicable codes. I have investigated this myself, as my house is also 2x4 construction (although real heartwood pine 2.0"x4.0" from the good ol' days). The main limitations I have found are related to the following areas, which may or may not be relevant in your case:
  • Below-grade walls
  • Fire-rated walls (generally commercial code only)
  • Exterior-facing walls
  • Type of wall covering being attached
  • Stud spacing (I believe you can't fur out studs spaced >24" o.c.)
  • Thickness of wall covering (very thin panels can't be furred out)
  • Furring has some potential impact on the routing of wiring in the wall
Furring is definitely a better option than compressing insulation, which in most cases undermines the entire design and function of the insulation product.

I may run into a problem with not being able to fur out far enough, as I am trying to achieve an extreme level of efficiency for LEED/PassivHaus. Since the answers are relevant to the OP's project, I don't think it would be hijacking the thread to ask:

1. Could I sister up 2x8s in order to get even more depth?
2. Does anyone know what sort of search terms I should use in the IRC/IBC to find info on "furring by sistering"?
3. Can I sister them with a slight offset so that the total depth is >8"?
 
#10 ·
I may run into a problem with not being able to fur out far enough, as I am trying to achieve an extreme level of efficiency for LEED/PassivHaus. Since the answers are relevant to the OP's project, I don't think it would be hijacking the thread to ask:

1. Could I sister up 2x8s in order to get even more depth?
2. Does anyone know what sort of search terms I should use in the IRC/IBC to find info on "furring by sistering"?
3. Can I sister them with a slight offset so that the total depth is >8"?
If you're thinking of going that deep with the wall, why not just go double stud wall? (basically two parallel walls with lots of insulation in between)
 
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