For What It’s Worth

Stick building energy-efficient exterior walls may be simplified with Nascor Systems. This company makes interlocking columns, panels, cripples, and splines that can be assembled on site to build pre-insulated, structural walls. The components can be fit together to accept any configuration of window and door openings. They are then nailed to 2×6 or 2×8 plates, and tipped up like conventionally framed walls. The 5-1/2- and 7-1/4-inch walls boast ratings of R-20 and R-30, respectively. The high R-values are reportedly due to the thermal break provided by sandwiching expanded polystyrene (non-CFC-foamed) between flatframed wood studs. Thermal bridging occurs only at the top and bottom plates. Using a specified sealant and taping the joints between each component, the manufacturer claims the walls meet Canadian